Page 4 of Grump of Misty Mountain

“So, I told you my Hank owns the Rusty Elk Tavern, right?” Her question made me smile. She was so proud of her husband.

Watching as she placed the final tray of pastries into the display case, I continued to clean the espresso machine. “Youhave.” I responded. Deciding to sidestep the invite, I kept the focus on her and Hank. “You two are so cute together. He’s obviously over the moon for you. It’s a rare thing these days. Especially in my generation.”

The last time her husband had visited the cafe, I’d been a bit wistful over their interaction. Had my ex ever looked at me like Hank did Clara? Like she was the only woman in the room. And for a split second, I recalled how Finn had stared at me, as if he wanted to eat me right up. But that was fueled by attraction and before I turned into a klutz and ruined his jacket.

“Sami, that’s so sweet of you to say. And I’ll tell you a secret that’s not really a secret. I knew the moment I locked eyes with Hank all those years ago. He was the one. Sometimes that’s all it takes and then you just figure things out as you go along, you know?”

I didn’t. At least that wasn’t how it’d been with me and the cheater. Now, instant attraction? That was different. At least in my mind. And that I could confirm, was a real thing. In fact, exactly what I felt toward Finn. It had been so unexpected, and it had me thinking that I’d never felt that way about a man—ever. Now that was a depressing thought, considering I’d been engaged for five years plus dated several men before my ex.

“Now what was I saying? Oh yes. Hank is setting up a new monthly event called Beer and Darts Night at The Rusty Elk every third Saturday. He’s wanting to give the area’s veterans, former military and first responders a reason to come in and gather without feeling like it’s a structured support group. So many of them keep their feelings and demons buried, you know? Which my Hank knows well. I’m hoping you’ll come. It’ll be a good way to meet the rest of the townspeople.” Clara’s hopeful tone and pointed gaze were hard to avoid.

I knew I needed to be diplomatic while being sneakily vague. I really didn’t want to hurt her feelings. In the short amount oftime I’ve worked at the cafe, I now considered her a friend. My first one here, and I didn’t want to jeopardize that relationship so early on. I’d had enough family discord with my two closest female cousins when I’d announced I was moving to Colorado.

“That sounds like an awesome idea. I’d love to hang out at the tavern one night and get to know Hank better.”

“So, have you thought of a way to work things out between you and Finn?” My boss’ question caught me off guard. And how was she in my head? Possibly it might have to do with how I’d stared at him like a starving woman the other day.

Turning toward her, I gave her my full attention, and she gave me a wink. Darn it, how could I scold her? She was the sweetest even if she had a matchmaking streak a mile long and I was fast coming to appreciate her open heart and friendship.

Sighing, I said, “Um, not really. Plus, I barely know the man. And he couldn’t get away from me fast enough. He made it pretty clear he didn’t want my help.”

“Hmm, if you say so.” Her gaze never wavered while I tried to figure out if she’d been talking to Finn about me. I shook the idea off as silly. It was one encounter. One that ended badly. Surely, she wouldn’t try to set us up. What am I thinking? Of course she would. She’d been praising the virtues of every single man that walked in the cafe since I started.

How to convince her I wasn’t looking to be set up with anyone, even the devilishly handsome Finn Campbell? Now, I wouldn’t mind being under him. Maybe just once.Oh, my word, Sami. Get yourself under control.

Of course, that wasn’t something I would admit to Clara. I had a feeling she’d frown upon indulging in a random hook up. But may it was time to let her know about my recent breakup, so she understood why I wasn’t looking for any kind of relationship.

“You know, it’s not as if I don’t find Finn attractive. But I’m just a few months out of a serious relationship and I’m nowhere near ready to dive back into dating, if ever. Besides, for the first time in a very long time, my choices are my own. My future is one I get to shape without someone constantly second guessing me or cheating on me.” I couldn’t look her in the eye for fear of seeing any pity on her face. I was so over John. The swiftness with which I got over him had surprised me at first. And had me wondering if I ever really loved him.

“Oh, Sami. I’m so sorry. I guess the only thing I can offer is that there are good men out there. And the right man for you, well, could show up when you least expect him. And I can say with confidence that whoever was stupid enough to step out on you didn’t deserve you in the first place.” Clara gave me a quick hug, the contact welcomed if unexpected. She wasn’t old enough to be my mom, I think, but since mine hadn’t been the touchy-feely sort, hugs were rare to non-existent. I hadn’t realized how much I needed one.

“Thanks. That means a lot.” The alarm I’d set on my phone to remind me that I had fifteen minutes left on my shift went off. I went about tidying up after myself and restocking the most used items before I left. Busy work so Clara wouldn’t see just how touched I was by her words. I’d refused to cry since the break-up. He wasn’t worth my tears, but the pent-up anger I still carried had bubbled up to the surface, threatening an emotional release I had no intention of displaying in public.

I’d save that for later and then treat myself to a pint of ice cream or one of Clara’s cinnamon rolls—maybe two.

“Now, you have a choice to make. I just heard Finn’s motorcycle. He’ll be here any minute. And no, I had nothing to do with him coming in.” Clara’s attention now focused on the street outside the cafe.

Panic filled me. How did I look? Did I need to brush my hair? Add a swipe of lip gloss?

Wow, since when had I become such a hypocrite? I shouldn’t care how I looked. I wasn’t trying to impress him. Before I could second guess myself, I ripped off my apron, said a hasty thanks and fled for the backroom to collect my things to make a quick getaway through the back door.

I had to make better decisions. Avoiding Finn, at least until I can get my body’s response under control from just the mere mention of his name, would be my first one.

Mooning over the town grump would have to be regulated to late nights and naughty dreams.

THREE

FINN

I hadn’t plannedon going to the Pine and Petal today. My final edits would be showing up any day from my copyeditor, and once they came in, I needed to lock myself away and accept or reject my way through the manuscript.

This book was my fifth, and I was just now feeling like I had a handle on the whole publishing process, even coming to terms with my success. However, I couldn’t stop thinking about the new barista and I had to do something about the feelings she’d stirred up.

Today would be about offering my apologies for how short I was with her the other day, and to find out if she would be interested in dinner or anything really where I can get my hands on her, if she’d let me.

“I’m not a stalker. I’m not a stalker.” I mumbled under my breath as I stalked after Sami. She was headed for Whispering Falls.

I considered myself good with words and descriptions in my books. But I described action, stuff being blown up, or the sightsand smells of far-flung locales most people would never see for themselves in person. Poetry was as far out of my wheelhouse as attempting to write a high fantasy multi-character story was.

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