Page 38 of Espresso Your Love

“I, uh, gotta get inside for my meeting.”

That was odd and sounded cryptic. Why would Cassie leave this town? She loves it here. I can’t put too much credit into what Cecilia says, who knows who she’s getting her information from and how much is true? She could’ve only heard pieces. Or she’s just saying things to push me towards Cassie.

I walk by the conference room where Cassie is already sitting with her laptop in front of her. My heart starts pounding just at the sight of her.

“Hey, you,” I say as I walk into the room with a goofy grin.

She swivels in her chair to face me, her eyes filled with excitement. “Ryan, you wouldn’t believe it!” She jumps up to her feet and throws her arms around my neck. “The Mercers want me to plan a wedding. ME!”

While I try to focus on her words and be happy for her, all I can think about is the feeling of her in my arms. The smell of coffee and her jasmine perfume are intoxicating me. Max jumps up in excitement next to us.

Cassie pulls away suddenly, a blush spreading across her cheeks as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh, sorry.” She laughs lightly. “I got carried away. I’m just so excited.”

“Congratulations!” I exclaim. “I’m excited for you too.”

“I can’t believe they want me!” She sits back down in her chair.

“Why wouldn’t they? You’re brilliant at what you do.”

Her soft laughter fills the room. “Oh, you’re just saying that. You haven’t even seen one of my events yet.”

“You’re right,” I admit, sitting down in the chair next to her. “But you work hard and are dedicated. It’s going to be amazing.”

She rests her hand on my arm. “Thank you, Ryan. That means a lot.”

“Aren’t they from Indiana?”

“Yes, so I’ll be traveling quite a bit back and forth, but it’s an amazing opportunity.”

“So…you’re not leaving town?”

“No, I’d never leave Meadowbrook. This is my home.” She tilts her head to the side. “Why’d you think I’d leave?”

“Cecilia said something, and it was strange.”

“Cecilia? She’s probably trying to stir up trouble. I wonder how she even knew. I only told Ashley.”

“You said it yourself, the small-town charm of well-meaning people butting into your personal life.”

“Yeah, I shouldn’t be surprised.” She chuckles. “Oh! I brought you coffee.” She hands me the extra cup sitting in front of her.

“Thanks, Cassie.” I take a gulp and immediately regret it. My nose scrunches in disgust. “What is this?”

“It’s a pumpkin-spiced latte. Thought your usual black coffee could use a little sprucing.”

“Well, it’s awful.” I grimace.

“If you’re not going to drink it, I will.” Mitchell grabs the cup out of my hands as he sits next to me.

“Mitchell, you like this stuff?”

“It’s like autumn in a cup.” He takes a sip. “What’s not to like?”

The low murmur of conversation fills the room as the rest of the security team arrives.

“You’re up, Officer Hayes.” Cassie smirks.

I meticulously review the security plan for the entire event, carefully noting where each member of our team will be stationed and when. Cassie chimes in at key points when certain performances or events will take place, and I tell the team how we should respond. We discuss contingency plans and possible scenarios so we can be prepared for anything that may happen.

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