Page 9 of Capri

I flip her off. It’s our love language to each other. “Funny. Wanna come?” I ask.

“Nah, I’m gonna order another.” Collie raises her glass to me in a salute. “Seizing the day and all that.”

“Okay. Be right back.” I stand and gather my things.

“Bring me back a bag of cotton candy beans, Capri! Don’t let a cinnamon one anywhere near it,” Collie yells as I head toward the little shop.

I shake my head and laugh to myself. “Those are the best ones.”

* * *

The options are endless.

I don’t have a crazy sweet tooth, but just mentioning those mini jawbreakers I once loved had me wanting them right away.

The Candy Emporium looks like an explosion of sugar and vibrant color.

Peach-colored walls are lined with cylindrical canisters of different colored powdered sugar and small plastic tubes waiting to be filled. A round display case is centered in the shop with candied desserts.

Chocolate covered Rice Krispies.

Cake pops.

Candy apples.

And fudge.

The lower level of the walls holds clear dispensers, showcasing every candy you could possibly imagine.

I stalk the aisle, searching for the mini tooth breakers.

Who knew I’d be reunited with a childhood memory in Capri, Italy? Not like I couldn’t get these back in the States, but the moment called for it here.

Found’em.

I hastily grab a clear bag from the wall and open the lid to scoop some into my bag. God, just the smell of this place reminds me of my mom’s baking back home.

I scoop the multicolored balls and drop them into my bag, contemplating how carried away I should get.

I’m on vacation. Time to pack this baby full.

“That’s what she said.” The voice beside me causes my body to freeze.

Did I say that out loud?

It’s not a feminine voice—nowhere close, actually.

The voice is deep and gravelly with a rasp that makes it unique.

My skin tingles as a muscular arm reaches into the jawbreaker dispenser, grabs one, and tosses it into his mouth.

A sharp hiss breaks out. “Fucking hell. About fractured my jaw.”

That’s when I finally turn to meet the eyes of the man who just ate candy directly from the case.

And what a man he is.

Bright green eyes that resemble the vibrancy of palm trees in the peak of summer connect with mine. You can practically feel the life pulsating from them. His long, rich brown hair glistens with ease, meeting the top of his neck and flipping slightly at the ends. I can’t help but notice the small touches of gray speckled throughout. He’s not old, but definitely older than me.

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