Page 116 of Fake Married to the Grumps

Natalie is quiet beside me, and when I realize she is gawking at him, I glare at her.

“What’s your name, angel?” Trevor says to Natalie, tipping his head towards her with a smile.

“Natalie,” she stammers, then blushes.

“Natalie, how about checking our roaster to see if we need fresh coffee beans ordered today?” I say to my friend, hating that she’s drooling over Trevor Hawkins.

I used to do that, too.Now, I am immune to him. At least, I like to think that I am. The tingles racing through me when he looks at me mean nothing.

Trevor only smiles as Natalie walks away,but shekeeps glancing back at him.

“Don’t do that,” I say with a deepening frown. “Don’t try to be charming with Natalie … She’s my friend.”

“I wasn’t doing anything,” he says with an innocent shrug. I would believe that if I didn’t know him any better. The Trevor Hawkins I remember is a renowned playboy. I know this because even as much as I dislike him, I still watch games and follow his social media accounts.

Not like a stalker, obviously.Just in the right amounts, like you would do to an old friend. I considered Trevor a friend once.I considered him as more because I thought I knew him.

“There’s a lot of work to do here,” he says to himself as he takes a good look at the café. “I always knew you loved this place, Gracie, but I didn’t think you’d still be working here.”

“Espresso Books is my passion. Some of us don’t need to be in the spotlight to feel relevant. I like that I can provide the people here with good books and delicious coffee.”

“Good! You keep doing that, and I’ll work to make sure we are profitable. Espresso Books is now mine, and I intend to make a fortune out of it.”

“What?” I follow him as he strides away. Trevor’s taller than me by several inches, so it takes some effort to keep up.

I love the black boots he is wearing. His intense scent is enough to make any woman want to hug him. If I remember correctly, his hugs are the best.Being in his armsalways made me feel safe.

“What do you plan to do?” I ask, and he turns around abruptly, nearly knocking me over as I gasp and step back. Trevor reaches out to steady me. His lean fingers pinch into my shoulders as his eyes settle on mine.

“What every businessman does. Make money,” he answers. “Why else would I buy an old bookstore and café?”

“So that’s why you’re back? To make money off some old, crumbling business?”

“Yes. Jace mentioned the café wasn’t doing so well, and I know how much the place means to you, Gracie. I needed an investment. It seemed like a good deal, and the owner was willing to sell, so why not?”

I blink, and anger stirs inside me. “What makes you think we weren’t managing on our own? We don’t need you playing savior, Trevor. I don’t care what you discussed with Jace, but Espresso Books is doing just fine, and we don’t need your help.”

“I didn’t just come back for business,” he says, ignoring my chatter.

“Then why did you come back? When you left Golden Bay, you said you were never coming back,” I remind him. That night replays in my memory vividly because I never really forgot it.

Trevor had turned me down, and his reason was that he didn’t want to hurt me.Because he was leaving town and never coming back.

“So, what changed? Why are you here again after all this time? Why did you—”

“For you!” he answers, cutting the rest of my words short.

What?My pulse rings loudly in my ears, blocking out every other sound. “What did you just say?”

There’s no smile on his face this time as his lips press closely together. “I came back for you, Gracie.”

Chapter 2

Trevor

That is a partial lie! Yes, I’m back for Gracie, but it’s not in the way she thinks. The past few months have been rough, and Golden Bay has the answers to all my problems.My fresh start.

My words shocked Gracie. She gasps, and her cheeks flush. I’ve always loved her fiery look and the coppery shade of her hair. I sense how she tenses. My words are a huge blow, so her reaction isn’t out of the ordinary.

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