Page 37 of Baited

Riley narrowed her eyes at her, but Jenny swooped over to Charlie’s table and poured him more coffee before she could question her. “Let me know if you need anything else,” she told him before making her way back behind the counter. Her chilly blue eyes zeroed in on Riley. She was like a dog with a bone.

“As a matter of fact, Ethan showed up.” Riley crossed her arms over her chest. “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that would you?”

Jenny’s eyes shifted to the floor. “Um…”

“Busted,” Josh snickered.

“Oh shush,” Jenny shot at him. Then to Riley, her tone softer, “He asked where you were, and I was worried. I didn’t know he was going to chase you down. But I’m glad he did.” A beat passed. “I’m sorry.”

Riley shrugged, and then pulled Jenny into a hug. “Don’t sweat it. It worked out.”

Jenny leaned close. “Tell me everything,” she whispered.

“I so don’t need to hear this.” Josh pushed away from the counter to head to the back.

Riley laughed and turned back to Jenny. “He’s an ex-FBI agent.”

“What?” Jenny hissed.

“Whoa.” Josh stopped in his tracks and turned around. “No shit.”

“Language,” Jenny snapped.

“Sorry.” He mouthed. “But for real? He’s an FBI agent? That’s dope.”

“What’s that now?” Charlie asked from behind them. Riley groaned and turned around.

“Nothing, Charlie. Just a friend of mine.” Riley smiled and waited as Jenny met him at the counter to ring him through. She scanned the tables and sure enough, another customer drummed his fingers on the counter. She grabbed the carafe and weaved through to their table.

“Good afternoon, would you like more coffee?” She asked the couple, her arm poised to pour. They smiled and slid their cups over. Her mind worked, but she didn’t remember them.

As she turned away from the couple, the chime on the front door sounded. Her eyes widened at the newcomer. Hadn’t he moved away? It had been years…

Brian, her ex-boyfriend from high school, hadn’t changed a bit. His sandy blond hair was gelled back, and he wore a dark T-shirt and cargo shorts. “Riley?” He pulled his sunglasses from his eyes, a warm smile stretched from his lips to his soft brown eyes.

“Brian, hi. It’s good to see you.” She set the carafe on the counter and he pulled her into a hug. The scent of strong cologne and hair product swarmed around her. She fought the urge to plug her nose. The door chimed again, but with Brian blocking her view, she couldn’t see who had entered.

She patted his back awkwardly. Her smile stiffened on her face as she pulled out of his reach and took a step back.

“I’ve been hoping to bump into you since I heard you were back in town. How are you?” He rocked back on his heels.

She rested her hands on the counter beside him. “I’m good. It’s weird being back, but so nice to see everyone.”

“I bet. I wish you came home under different circumstances.” His eyes darkened, and his tone lowered.

She swallowed and nodded.

“We should have coffee sometime to catch—”

“S’cuse me,” a deep voice sounded. Brian stepped aside and Ethan brushed past him. His eyes landed on her. A shadow crossed over his deep blue irises. His fingers gently circled her wrist, and then slid to catch her fingers. He winked at her. Brian scratched his head and turned to look around the restaurant.

“Hey.” Ethan’s voice was as smooth as brandy as it slid out of his lips.

Her heart knocked into her rib cage. God, he looked good. The sun from yesterday had darkened his tan, accentuating the depths of his eyes. Dark drops littered his gray T-shirt from the rain that came down outside.

Her cheeks warmed. Her fingers tingled from the heat of his palm.

“Hi.” Her voice shook.

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