Page 110 of Falling For You

“Well, if it isn’t the lovebirds,” she teased, raising an eyebrow. “What can I get for you two today? The usual?”

Violet laughed, shaking her head. “We’re not that predictable, are we?”

Abby grinned, pulling two mugs off the shelf. “Oh, you’ve got your routines. But that’s okay. Predictable’s good. Means you know what you like.”

Owen chuckled, wrapping an arm around my waist. “I guess that’s true. But I’m not complaining. Predictable or not, this coffee’s the best.”

Abby winked as she poured our drinks, handing us the mugs a few moments later. “See? I know what I’m talking about. Enjoy, you two.”

We found a table near the window, the perfect spot to watch the snow fall gently outside. It was quiet in the shop this morning, a few locals scattered at the other tables, but the atmosphere was warm and inviting, just like always.

Vi wrapped her hands around her mug as she leaned back in her chair.

She studied me with that same intensity she always had.

“So,” I said. “I noticed you didn’t whip out the llama costume last night?”

Vi groaned, burying her face in her hands. “Oh, no. You’re not bringing that up.”

I shook my head. “Sorry. It just sounded like a fascinating addition.”

She eyed me suspiciously. “You’re not into that, right?”

My brow arched in confusion. “Into what?”

Her cheeks reddened. “Oh, nothing.”

“Wait, you mean…” I chuckled and shook my head. “No, I generally like my woman to be without fur.”

“Just checking,” she muttered.

I laughed, and she shrugged. “Just had to put that out there.”

“It takes a special man to bid on a woman dressed like a llama, but that is where it stops. I promise you.” I winked at her, and she laughed.

“Speak of the devil,” she murmured, lifting her head just in time to see Millie walking into the shop.

“Violet! Owen!” Millie called, making her way over to our table. “I was just talking about you two yesterday at Thanksgiving.”

I raised an eyebrow, unsure I wanted to know what they’d been saying. “Oh?”

Millie grinned, leaning on the back of a nearby chair. “Oh, yes. We were discussing Owen’s incredibly generous donation at the charity auction. That hundred thousand dollars will feed families around here for decades. You should be proud of him, Violet.”

Vi glanced at me and nodded. “He’s a special guy.”

“I’m glad to have helped.”

Millie waved a hand, dismissing my humility. “Well, help you did. You’ve made quite the impression on this town, Owen.”

Violet looked over at me, her eyes softening.

“Well, you definitely made an impact.” Vi grinned.

“You think the people like me yet around here?”

Millie winked, straightening up. “We’ll make sure they do. Don’t you worry.”

My brow arched. “Is that a no, then?”

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