Page 4 of Tempting the Heart

“Can do.”

She paid for her order, and I quickly filled her coffee mug and put her food in a bag while trying to pretend that a guy I’d been happily crushing on in my imagination hadn’t just walked into the coffee shop.

I brought in a deep breath as Trudy brushed past Tyler, and I prayed one of the other customers would come inside.

But they didn’t.

They just sat in their cars, distracted by their phones.

Reaching for a purple apron, I brushed my palms down my shirt and slid the ties over my head as Tyler walked toward the counter.

Instead of staring at the menu like most customers did…

He stared at me.

Every second that went by made my heartbeat a little faster, my tongue a little more tied, and my mouth a little drier.

When he finally reached the counter, he leaned against it. He spread his large hand against the granite, his fingers stretching as he propped himself up.

“If it isn’t my little Mayflower.” His eyes stayed locked on mine, and I couldn’t turn away.

He remembered me.

This totally foiled my plan.

He was supposed to mean so little to me that I didn’t even remember him.

But I did.

“Wow, Tyler Grant. I never expected to see you back on Marigold Island.”

He gave a slight nod, and his gaze hardened briefly.

“I never expected to be back.” The low timbre in his voice vibrated throughout me. Time had been so kind to this man.

“Well, it’s nice to have you back.”

“I won’t be staying long.” He didn’t offer anything else.

“Well, what can I get you?”

His eyes blinked at the menu, and I could finally take a deep breath.

“I’ll take a plain coffee. Large.”

“Cream or sugar?” I asked.

“Plain,” he repeated, and I chuckled.

“Right. I suppose that’s what plain means.”

His lips broke into a smile as his eyes stayed on mine. “Usually does, Mayflower.”

“Just Mae.” I reached for a cup to fill.

“You’ll always be Mayflower to me.”

“It’s on the house.” I brought my gaze to his. “But I’m surprised you remember me.”

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