Page 11 of All You Need Is Macchiato

"That's putting it mildly." He sets up another piece of wood.

"I want to bring back local events. Farmers' markets, music nights, art shows. Things that make it more than just another coffee shop."

The axe pauses mid-swing. "And what does Cam think about that?"

"He's... coming around to the idea."

Nolan laughs, but there's no humor in it. "Right. And let me guess. You want the lodge's help?"

"I want your help." That gets his full attention. "Annie told me about the events you used to coordinate. How you brought the community together."

"That was a long time ago." He leans on the axe handle, studying me. "Before your corporate playbook took over."

"That's just it. This is not the playbook. Coffee Loft is supposed to be about community. Cam's the one who lost sight of that."

Something flickers in his eyes. "Pretty bold statement for someone who works for him."

"I work for Coffee Loft." I step closer, close enough to catch the scent of pine and wood smoke. "And I've seen what happens when we get it right. In Wilmington, our shop is a hub for local artists, small businesses, families. That's what this location could be."

"Could have been," he corrects. "Before Cam decided efficiency was more important than connection."

"Then help me prove him wrong."

He's quiet for a long moment, just looking at me. I fight the urge to fidget under his gaze, aware of how close we're standing, of the warmth radiating from him in the cool morning air.

"Why should I trust you?" His voice is softer now, almost curious.

"Because I'm not asking you to trust Cam, or even Coffee Loft." I meet his eyes. "I'm asking you to trust that I want what's best for Elk Ridge."

A bead of sweat traces down his neck, and I catch myself following its path before snapping my attention back to his face. He's noticed, if that slight quirk of his eyebrow is any indication.

"What exactly would you want from me?" He sets the axe down, crossing his arms.

"Your expertise. Your connections. Nobody knows this community like you do."

"And when Cam decides my ideas are too 'local' for his franchise model?"

"Then I fight that battle." I lift my chin. "I've got the numbers to back up community integration."

"Numbers." He shakes his head. "Always comes back to numbers with you people."

"No, it comes back to proving what works. And your events? They worked."

He studies me for a long moment. "I'd need complete creative control over the events."

"Within Coffee Loft guidelines?—"

"Complete control," he repeats. "Or no deal."

"I can't just?—"

"Then we're done here." He reaches for the axe.

"Wait." I touch his arm before I can stop myself. His skin is warm under my fingers. "Okay. Creative control. But I need to be involved in the planning."

"Why? Don't trust my corporate-corrupting influence?"

"Because I want to learn." The honesty in my voice surprises us both. "I want to understand what made this place special."

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