Page 41 of All You Need Is Macchiato

The question carries more than business implications, and we both know it.

"In everything."

He tugs gently on our joined hands, drawing me closer. His other hand comes up to brush my cheek, and my breath catches at the tenderness in his touch.

"I've wanted to do this since you first walked into the lodge," he murmurs, his eyes dropping to my lips.

"Even in those impractical heels?"

His laugh is soft, warm. "Especially in those heels."

His eyes hold mine as he leans in slowly, giving me time to pull away if I want to. But I don't want to. I've never wanted anything less.

My breath hitches as his hand slides from my cheek to the nape of my neck, fingers threading through my hair. The scent of him surrounds me. Coffee and pine and something uniquely Nolan that makes my heart race. When his lips finally meet mine, the gentleness of it makes me tremble.

The kiss starts soft, questioning, but deepens when I press closer. His arms wrap around me, strong and sure, and I taste coffee and promise on his tongue. Everything narrows to this moment—the warmth of his mouth, the solid strength of him against me, the quiet sound he makes when my fingers curl into his shirt.

When we finally part, we're both breathing harder. His forehead rests against mine, and I can feel his heart pounding where my hand rests on his chest.

"That was..." He brushes another feather-light kiss across my lips.

"Worth waiting for?"

His smile is brighter than any mountain sunrise. "Worth everything."

Chapter Sixteen

Nolan

The scent of freshly ground coffee beans greets me as I unlock the Coffee Loft's door. Kathryn's already here, testing the newly repaired espresso machine, and the sight of her stops me in the doorway.

She's wearing jeans and one of my flannel shirts—stolen from the back of my chair last night with a kiss and a laugh. The sleeves are rolled up to her elbows, and her hair's pulled back in a messy ponytail. She's never looked more beautiful.

"Perfect timing." She doesn't turn around, but I hear the smile in her voice. "Want to taste test our first official batch?"

"Depends." I move closer, breathing in the rich aroma of properly brewed coffee. "Is the expert barista taking special requests?"

Now she does turn, and the morning light catches the blush spreading across her cheeks. "That depends on how nicely you ask."

"In that case..." I move behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist. "May I please have a hazelnut macchiato?"

She laughs, leaning back against my chest. "Testing out the classics already?"

"Seems right for our first morning." I press a kiss to her temple, breathing in the scent of coffee and hazelnut and possibility. "Though I have some ideas for new specialty drinks too."

"Of course you do." She turns in my arms, gesturing to the papers spread across the counter. "I've been thinking about the wall layout. What if we added a section here for fulfilled wishes? Show people it's not just about asking for help—it's about celebrating when it works."

I study her design, loving how her mind works. "Maybe add photos of the connections made?"

"Yes!" She turns quickly, almost knocking over her coffee in her excitement. I steady her cup, using the excuse to keep my hand on hers. "And what if we partner with Marie for some kind of permanent display? Fresh flowers, maybe some of those vintage coffee cups she collects..."

"She'd love that." I set her cup safely aside, then pull her off the ladder and into my arms. "You're kind of amazing, you know that?"

"Kind of?" But she's smiling as she winds her arms around my neck.

"Definitely." I kiss her properly this time, tasting lodge coffee and possibility on her lips. "Though you're also definitely a shirt thief."

"It looks better on me."

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