Page 25 of All You Need Is Macchiato

"Then tell him the truth."

My hands clench around the rag I'm holding. I want to tell Cam exactly what I think of his "partnership" offers, want to knock that smug smile right off his face. But we're so close to turning this place around, to proving that community connection is what makes Coffee Loft special. One wrong move with Cam could derail everything we've built here.

"I hate politics," I mutter.

"Ah." Jake's expression clears. "The famous Kathryn Taylor temper, held in check by professional responsibility."

"Is it that obvious?"

"Only to someone who's seen you demolish corporate bros in meetings." He grins. "Remember that guy who tried to eliminate local supplier partnerships?"

The memory makes me smile despite everything. "He deserved that spreadsheet to the ego."

"My point is, you've got this. Handle Cam however you need to. But Nolan?" Jake gives me a gentle push toward thedoor. "He deserves the truth. No corporate politics, no careful diplomacy. Just truth."

He's right. But as I gather my things to follow Nolan, I wonder if I'm ready to admit the truth to myself—that somewhere between community initiatives and wish walls, this mountain town and its most stubborn resident have become more than just another project to save.

He's right. But as I gather my things to follow Nolan, I can't help wondering if I've already lost whatever was growing between us.

Some misunderstandings are harder to fix than others.

Even with a wall full of wishes behind you.

Chapter Ten

Nolan

"These need your approval." I place a stack of promotional materials on Aunt Evie's desk. "Fall festival materials."

"Good morning to you too." She studies me over her reading glasses. "You're in early."

"Lot to do before the weekend rush." I'm already heading for the door, needing the solitude of my office.

"Mmm." She picks up the top flyer. "Nothing to do with avoiding a certain coffee shop manager?"

"Not avoiding. Busy."

Through the office window, I spot a familiar figure walking up the lodge's front path. Kathryn's wearing that soft sweater again, the one that makes her look like she's always belonged in Elk Ridge. After yesterday, seeing her with Cam, I'm not interested in competing for her attention. I've been down that road before.

"Nolan?" Connor's voice carries from the front desk. "Kathryn's here about the harvest festival coordination."

"Handle it." I focus on the quarterly reports spread across my desk. "You know the layout as well as I do."

"You're really going with this strategy?"

"It's not a strategy." I meet his gaze steadily. "It's a decision."

Through the wall, I can hear Kathryn's voice mixing with Aunt Evie's. Something about vendor arrangements and community involvement. She's good at what she does. She'll do fine without my input.

"Want to talk about it?" Connor asks.

"Nothing to talk about."

"Right." He crosses his arms. "That's why you're suddenly fascinated by last quarter's numbers."

"The numbers don't come with complications."

"No," he agrees. "Just missed opportunities."

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