Page 45 of Tender Heart
“The fuck, Cal!” Emmett slides the cap from his head and flings it at his best friend.
I wind my arm through Emmett’s, and we turn our backs on Callum, walking along the dock toward the steps to the parking lot. “Since it’s your birthday, tell me the worst things you can about Callum.”
Emmett’s grin stretches his face. “Oh, this is going to be the best birthday yet.”
A groan closes in behind us, and I feel Callum right behind me. As Emmett recounts stories of their days spent together years ago, I take in the beauty of this small place. Its quaint size is more than compensated for by the richness it holds. The open, friendly people. Everyone we pass says hi or goodnight to Emmett. Some stop and ask the harbormaster questions, which he dutifully answers, me still hanging from his arm. Some raise an eyebrow, their gazes flicking toward the café half a block away, as if they’re confused by my sudden attachment to his arm.
This is the kind of place you find and never leave. The one spot on this wide, roving world that seekers would claim as their own, should they ever find it.
“Iris is dying to meet you, Eve.” Emmett nods to the café as we reach the parking lot.
“She is?” I mean, I’ve been meaning to thank her for the supplies she sent me when I first arrived. But I’ve never had the chance. “I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Don’t worry, she’s much nicer than her big brother. And much prettier,” Emmett says, but his gaze drops to the ground before we cross the street to said café. I swear something like a blush washes over his sun-doused features. I remove my arm from his, and he shoots me a soft smile. I know that look. That’s the one the hero has when he is secretly in love with the heroine and something is standing in his way.
Callum moves between us, and I notice a gift in one hand, luggage in the other.
An overnight bag?
Why didn’t he tell me we’re staying?
“Callum, what on earth?” I poke the bag, hitting him with two raised eyebrows.
“It’s nothing. I always carry a bag for evening trips, just in case. No point in getting hung up in a storm because you forgot your toothbrush.”
His words die out on the last few syllables.
Okay . . . sounds like a touchy subject.
“We sailors are always prepared, Miss Eve. You’ll get used to it.”
Will I? I’m only here for a little while...
The front of the café is white, trimmed with blue. Elegant font is sprawled above the door on a long wooden sign:McCreary’s Café.
The lights are on, but the tables inside are empty. The doorbell chimes as Emmett pushes through the door and holds it for us. Callum waves a hand in front of him, and I step up into the café over one broad, whitewashed wooden step.
The inside is so pretty. Whitewashed walls. Silver tables and mismatched, colorful chairs. A long eating counter runs along the side to the left, the ends holding display cases where I assume baked goods and lunchtime treats would be during open hours. Fairy lights are strung across the ceiling in neat rows. Ocean-themed items are dotted around the place. Some sit on the three wide bay windows by the larger tables that are set into them.
And the smell is . . .
Coffee.
Savory.
Sweet.
Delicious tangles of dishes Iris must serve.
“You made it!” A stunning redhead appears through a door behind the counter, her arms wide open in front of her. Her ruby lips are curved up into a smile that would put happiness itself to shame. She tugs an apron over her head to reveal the prettiest green dress. Her long silver earrings dangle and a tinkling fillsthe room. Emmett stills beside me. I can’t resist a glance at his face.
Yep, that confirms my suspicions. He is definitely the hero in love with the forbidden heroine.
Callum grunts before dumping his bag to the floor. “Hey, sis.”
Iris ignores him and folds me into a hug as soon as she rounds the counter. “You must be Eve.”
Hugging her back, I huff out a laugh. She lets me go, and I give her my best smile. “Please, call me Evie. Oh, and thank you for the supplies. I know it was weeks ago, and I was meaning to thank you ages ago?—”
