Page 3 of Crushes and Confections
“I’m the same way with my work,” I heard Vance say. “So, you said Valentine’s Day changes every year. What is this year?”
“Oh, they don’t just put out a flyer or announcement in Holiday Hollow,” Riley corrected him with a smirk. “They make a grand spectacle out of it.”
“Tell me there’s no grown men dressed as cherubs,” Vance pleaded.
“Don’t say that too loud,” I teased. “If the wrong person overhears you it’s a guaranteed nightmare come to life.”
“Noted,” Vance said, shaking his head. “I swear this whole town is an experience. I’m going to have to make notes so I can remember all of this very important information.”
“Not giving ideas to the planning committee definitely makes the top of the list,” I agreed.
“One year Claire and I were walking from the diner down to the bookstore. I don’t even remember what we were getting but we were jokingly, lovingly, talking about festivals.” Riley paused so his sarcasm really landed. “We were making up ridiculous ideas for the next celebrated holiday. We joked that the town committee would dress up as trees on Arbor Day and stand around town like some sort of twisted horror movie.”
“Tell me they didn’t,” Vance gasped, leaning forward. He was eating up every bit of Riley’s exuberant storytelling.
“They did,” I confirmed. “On every street were a few trees and if you approached they gave a very well rehearsed speech on the environment and random tree facts.”
“Any other town and I’d think you were exaggerating,” Vance laughed. “But here… I believe every word. I have so much to learn about this town. Admittedly, I am a bit of a recluse and was unsure about it at first, but I’ve been realizing that it has a lot more to offer than I originally thought.”
“It’s crazy, but it’s home,” I said. “If you ever need us to translate small-town speak, you know where to find us.”
“With the best coffee I’ve had,” he hummed as he took a long pull of his. I loved that he always asked me to make him whatever I thought would be delicious, as long as it had a shot of espresso in it. The first time felt intimidating, but after that it became a game of sorts. And he’d loved everything I’d come up with. I’d started looking forward to our little interactions.
“You’re too kind,” I said formally, bowing regally which had that dimple flaring again.
Vance ran his hand through his wavy chestnut hair, his smile staying firmly in place as he looked at us both, a spark in his blue eyes.
“I’d love to take you two on a date,” Vance said. “Would you join me for dinner sometime?”
My entire world froze as the words hit me.
All my life I’d been waiting on an alpha who would be interested in both Riley and me. Part of me couldn’t let go of the pack pipedream we’d had as kids and here was a chance at that, all tied up on a silver platter with freckles and the cutest glasses I’d ever seen on an alpha.
I honestly didn’t know what to do but from Riley’s excited look my way, I knew he wanted to go. They seemed to mesh well together and the flirting between them was constant.
Nervously I pulled out my chapstick and put it on before finally forcing the words out.
“I, uh, actually am super busy prepping for Valentine’s Day… I don’t know. You two should definitely go though,” I deflected quickly.
Riley’s eyebrows were practically in his hairline as he looked at me. I could read the expression on his face easily. It was his way of asking if I was sure. I nodded once and he answered Vance, who was looking a bit confused by our strange hesitation and silent conversation.
“I’d love to,” Riley gushed. “When did you have in mind?”
He leaned forward, looking up through his thick lashes, and suddenly Vance’s attention was on him again. My stomach was in knots and I hated the idea of passing up this chance, but I couldn’t mess this up for my best friend.
Even if all I wanted to do was suggest we eat dinner off of each other and then go snuggle back in my cottage together.
Okay, well maybe more than snuggling…
“Claire?” Jessie, one of my baristas called out to me. I practically flew out of my chair with a hasty goodbye before heading back there.
“What can I help with?” She raised her eyebrows at my high pitched voice.
“Uh, the espresso machine is acting up again, can you take a look?” she asked. “You okay?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m great,” I assured with a fake smile, going right for the espresso machine. The entire time I worked, I refused to look back at the two men I wanted nothing more than to go on a date with.
After thirty minutes of steam burns and a few love taps to the side of the machine, I had it working again. With a deep breath I risked a look back at the table, but both men were gone.