Page 8 of All Inn Thyme
“Well, I’ve got to go settle in for the night. Thanks for the tea.” He gathers up our dishes to take back with him.
“You’re welcome. Thanks for the dessert and the company, Maverick,” I tease as I walk him to the door.
He leans in and kisses my cheek. “See you later, Goose.”
As he heads down the stairs, I shut the door and lock it behind him, thinking back on the night. Thinking of Preston, and Ty, and relationships.
I used to want a guy that is like the ultimate cinnamon roll in the romance books I listen to when I work. A guy who gives me butterflies, even though I think those only happen in books and movies. The only thing I’ve ever felt is my stomach being tied up in knots.
But when I fall asleep that night, I dream of Ty, and I like it. Butterflies be damned, I think I like that man.
3. ty
Complicated doesn’t scare me.
I pullup to McGuinness Tavern and put my truck in park, pulling my ballcap down. I haven’t been out in a while, and when Evan and his crew asked me to come hang out tonight, I almost said no.
But then they mentioned she’d be here, too, and I couldn’t pass that up. I’ve wanted to talk to Mellie for months, I just haven’t had the chance. Seeing her at dinner turned me into a nervous teenage boy with sweaty palms. Why does this woman make me so nervous? To say she’s beautiful would be an understatement. She’s stunning, but she’s got something mysterious about her, like she has layers. Layers I’m curious to discover and understand.
I’ve been seeing her around for a while now. She’s tiny, only coming up to my chest, and I’m a good six feet. She carries herself like she’s invisible, but she couldn’t be invisible if she tried. Her shiny blond hair, striking light green eyes, and those adorable freckles speckled across her nose and cheeks. I couldn’t stop watching her, and the little glances she sent my way every so often didn’t go unnoticed.
She’s just cool, and I even like her kid. I’ve always liked kids, though, and desperately want some of my own. The fact that I’m thirty-one and don’t have any yet is a disappointment both to me and to my momma.
As I slide out of my truck, I notice a row of motorcycles lined up at the front of the tavern. I recognize Toad, a member of the local motorcycle club, who waves to me. These guys all bring their bikes into Sam’s shop regularly to get worked on, and I’ve made friends with several of them. They’re mostly good guys who do a lot for the community. I’ve heard a few of them may be sketchy, but Toad is good people.
“Flynn.” Toad nods in my direction.
“What’s up, man?” I call as I round the steps to the tavern.
“Biking and working. The usual. See you inside?”
I wave as I head into the tavern where the delicious aroma of pub food and good music hits me right away. Walking into the McGuiness Tavern is like coming home to your momma’s for supper, only there’s a live band and lots of people buzzing about. Freedom Valley isn’t really the kind of town you can get lost in. Everyone knows everyone, and they look out for each other here. A generous share of tourists come through, but McGuiness is purely a spot for the locals to catch up on everybody’s business. As a newer resident in town, I love listening to the comings and goings of what’s going on.
I spot them in the corner as Beth and Mellie pull up chairs to a big round wooden table. I nab a seat next to Mellie. She looks surprised and stills for a second, then smiles shyly at me.
“Hi,” she says softly, then glances over at Beth and Allie. I don’t miss the shit-eating grins Allie and Beth shoot back at her. It appears I have her friends’ approval, and that might go a long way toward winning hers.
“Glad you could make it out,” Logan says as our server makes her rounds and takes his drink order.
“Evan’s playing the next few songs, then he’ll come grab a bite with us,” Beth says, waving at Evan up on stage.
As the music plays, Mellie sneaks a few glances my way. Every time she does, I smile at her, and every time I do, she looks like she doesn’t know what to do with herself. She’s cute as pie, and I want a taste. I’ve waited months to get to know her, and now is my time to shoot my shot.
“It feels good to get out of the house tonight. Not have to think about how much work we still need to do and just catch up with you guys,” Allie says. She then turns her attention to Preston. “Speaking of catching up, when are you officially moved up here for good?”
I watch him, trying to figure out his interest with Mellie. He’s sitting next to her, but his body language isn’t showing me he’s into her like that, and she sure as shit isn’t sneaking glances at him the way she is with me tonight.
Logan sits with his arm draped over Allie’s shoulders and she leans in every now and then to whisper something to him and smiles. Nowtheyare a couple. Preston and Mellie don’t look like they’re a thing. This is my chance to make hermything.
“I still have a few weeks to wrap up in Boston, and then I’ll be up here full-time from then on.”
“When you need a hand, just let me know,” Logan responds, tipping his beer bottle up at Preston and taking a swig.
See, this is one of my favorite things about this town. They are like family, always offering to help each other out, and they pulled me into their circle without a second thought. This is the type of place I want to call home and put down roots of my own, start my own family.
“Will do.” Preston looks over at me and it feels like he’s trying to get a read on me, as well. Nothing about his stance is showing me he’s bothered by me being here. Maybe this will be easier than I thought. I thought this might be a friendly competitive thing, but it’s possible they’re just friends. Hopefully that’s the case. I don’t need to be on anyone’s radar or step on any toes right now—or ever—but I’m not afraid to go for what I want, and what I want is to know Mellie more.
My gaze drifts over to Mellie, finding her eyes already on me. “Want to dance?” I ask her impulsively.
