Page 61 of Jenna's Protector
“I should’ve asked you out a hundred times before this.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Because you’re gorgeous, and I’m…”
“Only the hottest bachelor in town.”Does he not know?“I wish you had as well, but that’s water under the bridge. We’re here now.” I lean toward him and lower my voice to a whisper. “For the record, I would’ve said yes, and Malia tells me there’s a bet going around on when the two of us would finally figure things out.”
“Really?”
“Yeah.” I lean back, drawing my hands back toward me, butCarter grabs my hands, interlaces our fingers, and pulls my hands back to the center of the table.
When he squeezes my hands, my heart flutters, and I squeeze back. Here in my café with Carter sitting across from me and Max at our feet, breakfast becomes less about the meal and more about whatever this is between us.
After we’ve devoured all the scones and finished our coffees, I place our dishes on a tray to bus back to the kitchen. When I stand, Carter rises with me.
“Let me help you with those.” He reaches for the tray, his hand brushing against mine.
“You don’t have to?—”
“And yet, it’s exactly what I want.” He insists, despite my protests, and I don’t have the heart to tell him no.
A few minutes later, he’s behind the counter with me, back in the kitchen, moving around my space as if it’s exactly where he belongs.
There’s a certain rightness to it all, and I love how his laughter mingles with the clink of dishes.
It’s enough to make me believe in a future of countless mornings exactly like this—the two of us together.
Carter glances at his watch, a slight frown tugging at his lips.
“I should probably get going.” Reluctance fills his voice. “I need to get to work.”
“Of course.” My heart sinks a little, but I understand. I try to keep my disappointment from showing. “I know how important it is.”
“Not as important as you.” Carter reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. His thumb brushes over my knuckles. “Can I see you tonight?”
“I’d like that.” A smile blooms on my face, warmth spreading through my chest. “Who else is going to walk me home?”
“Exactly.” He grins, bringing my hand to his lips for a quick kiss. “I’ll be here at closing time.”
With a final squeeze of my hand and a whistle for Max, Carter heads out, the bell above the door jingling in their wake.
TWENTY-ONE
Jenna
The restof the day passes in a blur of coffee orders and pastry sales, but my mind keeps drifting to Carter, to the promise of seeing him again tonight. Closing can’t come soon enough.
As the sun begins to set and the last customers trickle out, I begin my closing routine. I wipe down tables, restock supplies, and count out the register, the familiar tasks soothing in their repetition.
I’m just locking the front door when Carter and Max approach, silhouetted against the fading light. My heart skips a beat, a smile already tugging at my lips.
“Hey, you,” I greet him, stepping out onto the sidewalk.
“Hey, yourself.” He pulls me in for a hug.
I sink into his embrace, breathing in the scent of him, all coffee and spice and something uniquely Carter.
Max whines, nudging at our legs, and we break apart with a laugh.