Page 38 of All You Need Is Macchiato

"What happened?"

"Cam smiled and nodded and ignored every suggestion. Then he started changing things. Local suppliers were too expensive. Community events weren't 'efficient.' The hazelnutmacchiato Mom loved..." I swallow hard. "It didn't fit the standardized menu."

"But it's still on the menu."

"Because someone insisted that at least a few local specialties stay. The only time Cam ever listened to anyone." I laugh without humor. "When I saw him with you at the farmers' market, it felt like history repeating. Another corporate partnership, another round of promises that would end in people leaving."

"I'm not Cam." Her voice is soft but firm.

"I know." I turn to face her fully. "I've known that since the first time I saw you reading wishes on that wall. Since I watched you fight for this community like it was your own. I got scared."

"Of what?"

"Of caring too much. Of watching you leave once you got what you came for." The admission costs me something, but she deserves the truth. "But the thought of you leaving now, without knowing how much you matter here—how much you matter to me... that's scarier than any risk."

She's quiet for so long I wonder if I've said too much. Then, "I thought you didn't want anything more than a professional relationship."

"I was an idiot."

"Yes." But there's a hint of a smile in her voice. "You were."

"Let me help you fight for the coffee shop." I reach for her hand, relief flooding through me when she doesn't pull away. "We can use the lodge's connections, rally the community. My family knows every business owner in three counties."

"It might not be enough."

"Then we'll find another way." I squeeze her fingers gently. "But you don't have to do it alone."

She looks down at our joined hands. "Why now? Why tonight?"

"Because I finally realized some things are worth the risk." I trace my thumb across her knuckles. "Some people are worth being brave for."

The mountain night wraps around us, cricket-song and starlight and possibilities restored. Kathryn's hand is warm in mine, and when she meets my eyes again, I see something that looks like hope.

"I can't promise it will work," she says softly.

"I'm not asking for promises." I lift our joined hands, pressing a gentle kiss to her fingers. "I'm just asking for a chance. To help save what matters. To prove that not everyone leaves."

She catches her breath, and for a moment I think I've gone too far. Then she shifts her hand in mine, interlacing our fingers.

"Okay."

"Okay?"

"Okay, I'll let you help." A real smile tugs at her lips. "But if you ever pull that cold shoulder act again..."

"Never." I lean closer, drawn by the warmth in her eyes. "I'm done running from good things."

Chapter Fifteen

Kathryn

The night air wraps around us like a blanket, warm with possibility. Nolan's hand is still wrapped around mine, his thumb tracing patterns that make it hard to think clearly. Part of me wants to stay in this moment, before reality crashes back in with coffee shop sales and corporate decisions.

"I thought I might find you two out here."

We both start at Evie's voice. She stands in the doorway carrying a tea tray, looking entirely too pleased with herself.

"Don't get up." She settles into the chair across from us, and I notice she's brought three cups. Almost like she planned this. "Though you might want this. Mountain nights get cool."

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