Page 25 of Here and Now
Instead, he has a life where we are constantly moving and changing our names.
Some days I feel like I’ve failed as a mother to give my son the life he deserves.
“I’ll keep my fingers crossed.” I look down at my watch. “My break is just about up. Tell Quinn I love him and kiss my handsome nephew for me.”
Ashton laughs. “I’ll do both. Be safe, and hopefully we’ll be in town next week.”
“Sounds good.”
I hang up and go to where Kai is watching a video of some guy playing a game online. “Hey, bud, are you doing okay?”
He smiles up at me. “Yup.”
“Good. I’m going back out there. Just pop your head in if you need me.”
Kai turns, going back to his video. I seriously question what in the world is fun about that, but he loves it. He has three gamers he watches religiously and says they’re far superior to the others. Whatever that means.
When I get out into the store, Miles, Lachlan, Ainsley, and Everett are pushing through the door.
My heart pounds just a little faster at the sight of Miles. He’s wearing a tight shirt with basketball shorts, and his skin looks slightly bronzed from the sun. The way his dark-brown hair is pushed back is so freaking sexy and makes me want to run my fingers through it.
Which is dumb.
There will be no finger running in any man’s hair. Much less Miles’s.
I force a smile and walk toward them. “Hey, guys.”
“Penny!” Everett calls my name boisterously. “How is my favorite barista?”
Hazel snorts. “You are a fickle man, Everett Finnegan. You do realize that I make your coffee most days?”
He leans against the counter. “Yes, but Penny is much nicer.”
“She hasn’t realized what a jackass you are—yet.”
I laugh softly. “Theyeton the end tells me it’s coming.”
He winks. “Don’t let her scare you, love. I’m the favorite.”
“Oh, please,” Miles says, shaking his head. “You’re not even close.”
Everett stands up, jutting his chin at his friend. “And you are?”
Miles’s gaze meets mine and I feel warmth down to my toes. “I think Penny knows I’m a good guy. I’m coaching hockey, I return missing things, and I’m much better looking.”
I fight back my laugh, but Everett is unable to let that go without jumping in. “Well, we both know that last part is a lie. Penny, which one of us is hotter?”
I lift both hands. “I’m not entering this fight.”
“Come on, we need to know,” Miles says with a smirk. “You can tell him the truth.”
This is never going to end well. “Fine, I think that Lachlan is the best looking,” I say, grinning at Ainsley.
“I second it. Motion passed,” Ainsley jumps in, saving me from this fight.
“Now, what can I get you guys?”
Ainsley, Lachlan, and Everett get their normal coffee orders, and then it’s Miles’s turn.
