Page 63 of When We Dare

“Lighten up on the PDA,” Beck teased.

Hudson shrugged. “I don’t care.”

Madison, who was married to Graham, smiled indulgently between Stella and Hudson. “They’re still fresh in love. Let them have their PDA.”

The group began exchanging quips and chatting. Once I had everything ready, Beck called out, “I’m paying!” as he scooped up the tray of coffees.

My eyes were drawn like a magnet to Leo as he walked out with the others. I tried not to notice how broad his shoulders were. I busied myself with wiping the counter.

Stella stopped by the register on her way out. “I need some donuts!” she shout-whispered.

“Why are we whispering?” I asked in an exaggerated whisper.

Stella giggled just as Hudson stopped beside her. “What’s so funny?” He smoothed his hand down her back, curling his arm around her waist.

She smiled at him, her cheeks flushed pink. “I’m bringing donuts to the office.”

“That’s just smart,” he teased. “In fact—” He glanced to me. “I’ll take a box of donuts. Are there enough?”

Janet had only recently added donuts to her menu. They were as close to heaven as I’d ever had for donuts.

“We have enough for two boxes. The firefighters are gonna love you,” I said with a wink at Hudson.

He flashed a grin. “Honestly, it’s a little selfish on my part. I’ll eat two on the way back to the station.”

I laughed. “Variety box for both of you?”

When they nodded, I spun away, pushing through the swinging half-door into the kitchen. Janet was bustling around and glanced over.

“I need two variety boxes of donuts,” I said.

“You got it. Your timing is perfect.” Janet reached into one of the rolling cases the donuts were stored in and fetched two boxes. “These are selling out every day. I’m gonna have to tell Luna we need more.”

“Thank you.” I took the boxes from her, adding, “Pretty sure we can sell however many Luna can make.”

When I walked back out front, Hudson was looking down at Stella, his eyes practically beaming love as she said something. He dipped his head a little and gave her a lingering kiss. It felt as if I’d interrupted a deeply private moment. They were in a coffee shop in the middle of downtown Willow Brook with most of the tables full, but still.

I was relieved when he lifted his head and immediately glanced over, his eyes landing on the boxes in my hands. “My mouth is already watering.”

I laughed softly as I handed the boxes over.

“I’ll get them both,” Hudson offered.

Stella elbowed him in the side. “No, this is work for me. You can get yours.”

“It’s not covered by your work for me?” he teased.

Stella waggled her brows. “I’m a lawyer. Getting a box of donuts for my fiancé’s job definitely doesn’t fall under a work expense.”

“If it keeps you happy and means you have a more productive day at work, I think it’s a work expense,” I chimed in.

A moment later, I watched as they walked out holding hands. I lovedlove. But I was pretty sure it wasn’t in the cards for me.

My day rolled by, busy as ever. It was early evening when I was getting ready to close up. The café was empty, and I had all the chairs up on the tables as I approached the front door to lock up. I was looking down as I walked to the door, stepping carefully since I’d just mopped the floor. When I glanced up, the door was opening and Leo was walking in.

“Whoa, are you closing?” he asked, stopping before he walked all the way inside.

“Yeah, but if you need something I can get it,” I offered.

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