Page 59 of Jenna's Protector
I head back to the living room to find Carter dressed and casually leaning against the wall, looking every bit the man who unraveled me less than an hour ago.
Max sits beside him, ever attentive, but when I walk into the room, Max’s tail thumps wildly, making his butt wiggle with excitement.
The walk to my shop is a quiet one, filled with comfortable silence and stolen glances. The crisp air nips at our skin, an invigorating reminder of the start of a fresh, new day. Carter walks close beside me, his presence a magnetic force I naturally gravitate toward. Max trots a few feet ahead, enjoying sniffing all the wonderful smells that fill a dog’s world.
Every now and then, our hands brush against each other’s, and the brief contact sends a jolt of electricity surging through me.
I feel like a kid again. Like a girl on her first date.
Of course, I never had one of those.
This is all new and thrilling, and it’s awakening a part of me I thought was long buried. The butterflies in my stomach flutter wildly, making me feel both nervous and exhilarated. It’s a sensation I never imagined I’d experience, and it fills me with a giddy, almost youthful excitement.
By the time we round the corner and the café comes into view, I’m a bundle of nerves. My home away from home, the café’s windows are frosted from the warmth inside, meeting the cool embrace of morning air outside.
The quaint charm of my small establishment always fills me with pride—the hanging baskets outside, still blooming with vibrant fall flowers, and the hand-painted sign I created myself, which sways in the wind ever over the door.
When we arrive, the bell jingles. My shop is quiet, the peaceful ambiance contrasting with the passion we shared not a short while ago.
Malia is already here. She looks up from behind the counter, her eyes widening when she sees Carter and Max walking in with me.Her apron is dusted with flour, giving evidence of the early baking we do every day to ensure our customers have only the freshest baked goods.
Immediately upon entering, the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee envelops us, a comforting embrace that feels like home. The familiar sounds of clinking dishes and soft music fill the air, creating a soothing background noise that blends seamlessly with the hum of conversation.
The warm, earthy tones of the rustic wooden tables and the soft, cushioned chairs invite patrons to sit and stay a while.
To get comfortable… As if they were at home.
The sunlight streaming through the large windows casts a golden glow, adding to the cozy ambiance. This place is more than just a coffee shop; it’s a haven, a sanctuary where the outside world fades away, and people can relax and be themselves.
It’s the heart of our little community, where every brewed cup and smiling face reminds me why I love what I do. This is where connections are made, laughter echoes, and I find my peace.
The morning rush is nearly over, but soon, it will fill back up with regulars craving caffeine, conversation, and light lunch fare.
“Have a seat.” I squeeze Carter’s arm. “I’ll whip us up something special. Something not burned.”
“Ah, but the burning was worth it.” Carter wraps an arm around my waist and tugs me close.
In full view of the café, he plants a kiss on my mouth and releases me. Carter and Max settle into a corner booth while I head behind the counter to whip up some coffee and scones to replace the charred mess we dumped in the trash.
When I brush past Malia, she whispers low in my ear. “It looks like someone had an interesting morning.” Her knowing smirk causes me to sweat. “About time, Detective Carter stepped up to the plate. I take it you had a good night?”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Please,” Malia scoffs, tying her hair back into a ponytail. “The sexual tension between you two could power the whole block. I’m just glad you finally did something about it.”
“I’ll fill you in later.” Although, the blush creeping up my cheeks will make that conversation unnecessary.
“Abandoning your shop for a man and his dog? I’m guessing agoodnight and an evenbettermorning? Is that why you’re late?” Malia’s smart and can easily put two and two together. “I must say I approve. We’ve all been taking bets on when the two of you would finally give in to the sexual chemistry swirling in the air whenever the two of you are together.”
“Give in?” My brows tug tight with a question. “You’ve been taking bets?”
How can that be? Carter’s basically ignored me until this case forced his hand.
“It’s about damn time the two of you figured things out.” Her eyes twinkle with amusement.
I start up the espresso machine—it sputters to life, ready to craft a masterpiece.
Ever since Carter mentioned he’s not really into coffee, I’ve been thinking up different concoctions hoping to find one he’ll love.