Page 10 of Broken Promises

bought the bookstore from Maggie, who was just about to retire. It’s always been Marcus’ dream to own a bookstore, so we made it happen.”

“Marcus? The one you used to bicker with constantly?”

Another smile spread across his face. “That’s right.”

“Well, I’d love to see him sometime.”

“We’ll arrange something. He’s out getting some inventory, but we can schedule a dinner together.” The phone rang, pulling Gabe away from our conversation. “I’ve got to go but look around and let me know if you need anything.”

I moved through the stacks, pulling out books to read the blurbs. If there was one way to get my mind off things—it was this. Reading was something I had always enjoyed, ever since Iwas a kid. And I’d need at least a few books to tide me over while I was here on vacation. The selection I left the bookstore with ranged from a thriller, over to a mystery novel, all the way to non-fiction. I stayed away from romance. I was not in the right mindset to read about couples who got their happily ever after.

Despite having a cup of coffee with my breakfast, I was craving another cup by noon. Sailor had said I was an addict. I’d retorted that I liked the finer things in life. And coffee was one of them.

I headed next door to Brew Haha, Port-Cartier’s famous coffee shop. The owner bought it during my senior year of high school, and it quickly became a popular hangout for young and old alike. As I entered, nearly all the tables were full, especially those on the ocean-front patio. The décor had changed somewhat since I last had been here, but they kept the bohemian vibe.

I got in line and browsed the menu, trying to figure out if I wanted to go with my old

faithful drink or try something new. A silky voice appeared behind me, sending a shudder down my spine. “Do you remember what you used to get?”

I whirled around, facing face to face with a broad, muscular chest belonging to Luke.

“I was actually just checking out the menu.” I was determined not to be flustered by him again. Last night was bad enough.

I walked into Brew Haha, hand in hand with Luke. This was becoming our new after-school routine, one I hoped to keep for many years.

“You two are adorable. You’ll be married before you know it,” the owner behind the

counter told us. I looked up at Luke, unable to hold back the smile that tugged at my lips. We had it all planned out. Wewould go to college together, and then we’d get married and return to Port-Cartier, where Luke would take over his family’s shipbuilding business. I was going to the community college near Luke since he was going to an engineering college. Luke was getting a marine engineering and architecture degree, which would pay off in the long run. The local community college didn’t have the floral artistry degree I wanted, but I would get a business degree and then figure out the rest from there. I just wanted to be with Luke. Things would be hard for a little while, but it would all work out in the end.

“You bet. I have every intention of marrying this girl soon…”

“Next!” the guy at the front called out, and I was still staring at Luke.

“That’s you, sweetheart,” he pointed out. The words made me weak in my knees, and I quickly shook my head to pull myself out of this trance.

Jesus, I need to get a grip on myself around him.

I swiftly turned around and directed my attention to the barista. “I’ll have an iced French vanilla cold brew to go, please,” I told him.

“And I’ll have my usual. You can put it both on my tab, Riley.”

“Will do,” the barista said with a grin, turning to get our order ready.

I hated the idea of silence around him, so I quickly said, “You don’t have to do that. I can pay for my coffee.”

Luke moved beside me, looking down at me. “Consider it a welcome home gift.”

I bit my bottom lip and then let out a small sigh. “Fine, but I’ll get the next one.”

“Done.” Luke grinned.I realized what I had just said was too late. That meant therewouldbe a next time. I hadwalked right into that one, and there was no backing out now.I narrowed my eyes at him. The move made Luke break out into a full-on smile.

“What are you doing here? Are you stalking me?”

“I come here for coffee every day. If anything, you’d be considered a stalker.”

I rolled my eyes at his words. “I just wanted a cup of coffee, Luke. Don’t flatter yourself.”

“And you’re getting it now,” he retorted.

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