Page 72 of Cinnamon Roll Set Up

His eyes sparkle at me, and a buzzing sound comes from my purse.

I fish my phone out of my bag. “I’m sorry, I have to take this.”

Miles: Will you go to the gala with me?

Georgia: What took you so long?

Chapter 24

Miles

Full disclosure: I don’t even like coffee. I stopped drinking it years ago in an effort to prevent migraines. But I don’t have to like something to sell it in the store. Just like stocking books I have no interest in reading, adding coffee to our offerings was a business decision. One I question every time I’m elbow-deep in a dozen-drink order for an office down the street, and the café’s crowded with impatient customers.

Owen walks in while I’m scrambling from drink to drink and leans against the front wall to watch the chaos. I don’t know how long he’s been standing there when I finally catch up with the orders and catch a break.

“Living the dream, right?” he says, approaching the counter.

I know he’s only joking, but it’s a good reminder that thisiswhat I want. I can’t be short-sighted enough to actually regret good business.

“Mocha?” I ask.

“I was going to, but after seeing all that, I feel like I should get you a pillow and a nap.”

I ignore him and make the mocha. No sense breaking themomentum I’ve got going. I pass the coffee to him and take a seat for the first time this morning.

“Some days, everything hits all at once.”

He nods over his coffee. “Sure is easier when you spread the work around.”

Replacing Hannah is still on my never-ending list of things to do.

“Thank you, sensei.”

His laugh is a low rumble. “I’m here to thankyou. I haven’t had a good chance to swing by and say it to your face.”

“You’ve thanked me plenty.” Embarrassingly so, if I’m being honest. I played the tiniest role of everyone involved.

“Yeah, well. I need to apologize, too. I was jealous when Georgia set you up with Josie.” He raises a hand before I can dive into all the reasons that was unnecessary. “I know. But part of me still thought you might go for it. A lot of guys I know would have. I’m sorry for doubting you.”

“There’s no need.”

He hitches a shoulder. “Well…I roughed you up pretty good in my imagination. Feels like a thing I shouldn’t do to a friend.”

“Then I guess I’d better accept your apology. How are things going with you two?”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile so wide. It’s a bright sunbeam on this giant of a man’s face.

“She’s incredible. Brilliant and so kind. Funny when you least expect it. I’m…happy.”

He sounds like he’s in awe—of the feeling, of her, all of it. I can relate. I’ve been on the same high since Georgia and I kissed over the weekend.

“I’m glad for you both. It’s always?—”

The woman herself walks in, and my brain flips off. She radiates openness and joy, like she carries her own circle of sparkling energy everywhere she goes. Even when she’s wearinga black sweater with a bright orange jack-o’-lantern on it that looks like it was hand-knitted by monkeys.

For the record, I love her ridiculous sweaters.

Owen chuckles. “I guess I don’t need to ask how things are going for you.”

---