Page 53 of Cody

Amused snorts followed, and I quickly wiped the smirk off of Paul’s face by snapping, “Only you.” He sobered at that and frowned, studying me as if trying to figure out if I was joking or not. Logging was a dangerous job, and he knew better. Hadn’t he lost his uncle in a logging accident eleven years ago? I didn’t mention it, but if I’d have had to guess by the change of his expression, he was thinking about it now.

The men broke away to go to work, while I thought about my next stop before I joined King and our team at a site where the owners wanted the land cleared for a house. The Dobson brothers had finished Dotty’s porch, and I wanted to inspect their work. I wasn’t looking forward to it. I hadn’t seen Alina in a week, and during that week she’d been in my fucking dreams and on my mind constantly.

I’d even rubbed a couple off with her on my mind. Thinking about her made me horny as hell, yet I couldn’t seem to get in the mood when I was with Tina or Brandy. As for Evelyn, I’d warned her what would happen if she tried any more of her shit. We were done, permanently. I would never want to hurt a woman, but there were legal channels I could take that would only embarrass her once the news spread like wildfire in our small town.

I was pretty sure she’d finally gotten the message. I wasn’t interested in her or, it seemed, anyone but Alina. I’d convinced myself that it was only because I hadn’t been able to fuck her out of my system. It was easy to think like that, but my gut warned me that I was just fooling myself.

The truth was I had it bad for Alina. She was perfect for me. Built for me.

My phone buzzed as I returned to my truck. I dug it out of my pocket and glanced down to see King’s name flash across the screen. “Yeah?” I opened the door and slid behind the wheel.

“Are you still on the mountain?”

“Yup. Just about to head to Dotty’s.”

“That’s why I’m calling. I already took care of it. The Dobson boys did a good job.”

Damn. I didn’t know if I should feel glad or disappointed that I wouldn’t have to go. The thought of having to see Alina again weighed on my mind, the feeling fluctuating between reluctance and enthusiasm. Maybe this was God’s way of helping me stay away from her. I snorted. It was more likely King’s intervention because he knew I was struggling with feelings that I didn’t welcome.

I was relieved, but I didn’t thank him for it. “I’ll head your way then.”

Chapter 26

Alina

I stood back and watched Max finish installing the pastry counter he’d built for me, hands on my hips, a smile on my face from ear to ear. I could barely contain my excitement. This was it. After today, my coffee shop would be ready for opening day. I took a deep breath and released it slowly, letting my gaze take in the cloth-covered tables and chairs, the bar table and stools against the window, the stylish room divider in the back corner where it offered privacy to a romantic couple, or someone wanting to read or use the computer in quiet. A matching space was directly across from it in the other corner.

The chic yet rustic ambiance that fit within our small country town had a warm and welcoming vibe that encouraged customers to linger a while instead of grabbing a cup of coffee and rushing out. Good coffee from all over the world, local homemade pastries, and breakfast sandwiches would keep them coming back. I’d gone out of my way to make sure that I didn’t carry the same products that the local bakery did.

Shelving on the wall behind the register was loaded with items for purchase—high-end coffees and teas, coffee cups and matching coasters, travel mugs, and coffee liqueurs. Specialty coffee makers like French press and espresso machines lined the very top of the shelf, right next to the coffee grinders, cold brew, and the old-fashioned percolators. I also had a few fancy tea kettles.

The shop was already inundated with the rich aroma of coffee, which was much better than the paint smell that had lingered after Crissy, Sarah, and I had painted. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply. The scent of coffee was one of my favorite smells. I smiled at the thought of opening day. One week away.

“All done.” I opened my eyes to find Max standing before me. “You got plans tonight?”

“No, why?”

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