Page 8 of Unearthed Dreams
I didn’t, not really. But this town had a way of pulling you in—despite your best attempts to stay out.
So I cut the engine, rolled my shoulders, and stepped out.
Time topeople.
Chapter Three
CHARLIE
The place was absolutely stunning,surrounded by a thick copse of trees. Inside, the scent of apples and oak wrapped around me in a comforting hug ofhome sweet home. The taproom was a perfect balance—rustic and modern, warmth and edge. Reclaimed wood walls made the space feel grounded, like it belonged here, on this land, just like the trees outside. But the cool sweep of concrete floors, polished metal accents, and exposed ductwork reminded me that this wasn’t just some old barn—it was something new, something alive.
Front and center stood the bar—a masterpiece of stacked river stones. Overhead, clusters of Edison bulbs dangled from bright red cords, a playful contrast against all the earthy tones. The light kissed every glass behind the bar, making them gleam like treasure.
Elliot wasn’t sure about the red when Tessa first put them in. They’d fought about it for weeks before Jasper and Natalie’s wedding in the spring, but I knew they’d work.
“Where the hell have you been?” Jasper asked as Chase strolled into the cidery.
“You know me,” Chase said with a lazy grin. “Spent the night with a lady friend. And the morning. And the afternoon.”
He flopped into a chair at one of the long communal tables stretched across the room. Thick, warm-toned wood tops, red stools tucked beneath them—another thing Tessa and Elliot had fought about. But he’d made her the tables, just like she’d asked. I wasn’t sure there was much my brother wouldn’t do for his wife.
“And that, dear brothers, is my cue to leave.”
I made my way toward the bar and slid onto one of the red stools, admiring how the amber lighting made the polished wood glow.God, this place is perfect.Elliot and Tessa had created something magical here, something that belonged in a magazine spread. Pride swelled in my chest—my stubborn big brother and his equally stubborn wife had somehow managed to blend their visions into this stunning space.
The bartender approached with a warm smile. “What can I get you?”
“I’ll try the Triple Berry, please.”
My gaze wandered to the taps, each sporting a custom wooden handle that Elliot had carved himself. Even the smallest details held intention. Love. Attention.
If only I could create something this beautiful.
The thought snuck in before I could stop it. Would my family ever be as proud of my writing as they were of the cidery? About Jasper taking over the orchard operations? About Chase’s... well, Chase was Chase.
The bartender set a glass in front of me: a pale golden liquidcrowned with a delicate foam. I wasn’t much of a drinker—two drinks usually had me giggling and ready for bed—but I’d grown up watching Dad craft his ciders, learning to appreciate the subtle balance of sweet and tart, the way different apple varieties created distinct flavor profiles.
I lifted the glass to my nose, inhaling the familiar apple notes now deepened by the lush sweetness of ripe berries. The first sip bloomed across my tongue, and I grinned.Dad did good.
“What do you think?” the bartender asked, and I realized I’d closed my eyes.
“It’s perfect.” I opened my eyes to find the bartender—Sarah, I remembered now from Vintage Point—watching me with a knowing smile. She’d worked at the winery for years before everything went sideways with the Belmontes and the winery had to be shut down due to some nefarious activities Tessa’s father had gotten into. “The berry notes are subtle but they really complement the apples instead of overwhelming them.”
“Your father has quite the touch with blending.” Sarah wiped down the bar with practiced efficiency. “Though I have to say, working here has given me a whole new appreciation for craft beverages beyond wine.”
Movement caught my eye and, when I turned in that direction, my heart stumbled.Oh shit. It’s him.
“Damn, he is fine,” Sarah whispered.
Kai Callaghan’s broad shoulders filled out his black t-shirt in a way that made my mouth go dry. I hadn’t seen him since Jasper’s wedding, where we’d exchanged exactly one awkwardhi—from me—and head nod—from him. But it was those few drawn out seconds in between, his hazel eyes locked on mine,that had fueled more than a few late-night fantasies in the months since.
He moved like a predator—coiled grace and latent power. My skin prickled with awareness as he drew closer.How does he make walking look so attractive?
“Charlie.” His voice was a low rumble that sent shivers racing down my spine. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
I turned on my stool to face him, trying to ignore how his presence sucked all the oxygen from the room. “Just got back into town yesterday. Thought I’d check out what my brother and Tessa have been up to.”
His eyes tracked over me slowly, leaving trails of heat in their wake. “Stayin’ long?”
