Page 30 of Fall With Me (Sugarland Creek)

After my morning chores of mucking stalls and feeding, I walk over to the retreat to grab a coffee from Magnolia’s Morning Mocha. She parks her mobile coffee trailer at the retreat twice a week and before she was Tripp’s wife, we were close friends. I’d say we still are, but now she’s busy juggling her business and family.

I love that for her and my brother, but it makes me feel more alone than ever.

When I arrive at her spot, I notice Ellie in line and stand behind her.

“You should try the Maple Me Crazy latte,” I say, hovering above her ear.

She quickly whips around, steps back, and glares. “Why?”

“Try something new. You always get the same thing.” I shove my hands in my pockets, flashing her a boyish grin even though she looks ready to knee me between the legs. She doesn’t even give me credit for memorizing her coffee order. “Plus, it’d suit you better since you’re always makin’mecrazy.”

She crosses her arms, standing fully in front of me now. “Was that another one of your lines? You’d think a playboy like yourself would have better ones, honestly. Your game must be off.”

“If you must know, I don’t have to give outlines. I’m also not what you claim I am. Haven’t been out on a date in months.”

At least a yearBut no need to look even more pathetic.

“Guess I’m right then.”

“You’re not.”

“Prove it.”

I scoff, lying through my teeth. “My game is fine.”

“Says the guy who just admitted he hasn’t had a date in months.”

“When’s the last time you’ve gone on one?” I counter, not wanting the answer. Though if I had to guess, it’s been even longer than me. She’s too obsessed with her career to give up time for anything else.

She twists a strand of her hair, wrapping it behind her ear over and over, one of her signs that she’s frustrated. “None of your business.”

“Even more of a reason you should go out with me.” I pop a brow, hoping she’ll take the bait. “We could both use the practice.”

Instead of agreeing, she snorts and laughs. “It’ll be anicy,colddayin hell before I sink that low. In fact, someone better sedate me if that day ever comes.”

Smacking a hand over my heart, I act crushed. “You wound me, Little Devil.”

Her glare deepens at the unwanted nickname, but I swear I see her eyes light up, too. Just like how I catch her checking me out when she doesn’t think I’m paying attention.

“Aww. Poor baby.”

I can’t help smirking at her taunting tone. “Baby? Wait, are we fightin’ or flirtin’?”

She pretends not to like me. To hate the attention I give her.

But the fire in her eyes anytime I’m near tells me otherwise.

She doesn’t even dignify me with a response before she spins back around toward Magnolia.

“Ellie, hi!” She beams when Ellie approaches.

“Hey. Love your haircut.”

I can’t help but scoff and roll my eyes at their exchange. Of course Ellie’s nice to her.

“Thank you! Willow wouldn’t stop yankin’ on it, so it was time for a change.” Magnolia twirls a piece of her hair that’s closer to her shoulders than before.

My niece is attached to her back in a baby carrier, peeking over Magnolia’s shoulder. Instead of waiting in line, I help myself to the inside of the trailer and tickle her little feet.

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