Page 48 of Stay With Me
“Alright, I’ll get two so Landen doesn’t steal mine.”
I smile, knowing he would do just that, too. “You got it.”
Once I pump the syrups into his cup, I pull the espresso shots and then froth the milk. My back’s turned to him, but I feel his heated gaze on me. Normally, I have small talk with my customers while making their beverages, but our conversation hasn’t turned awkward like it usually does, so I’d like to keep it that way for as long as possible.
“Any plans for Halloween this weekend?” He breaks the silence, and if I didn’t know any better, there’s a hint of nervousness in his voice.
I glance over my shoulder and watch him wipe a bead of sweat across his forehead.
“Just Noah’s bachelorette party on Saturday. What ’bout you?”
“I’m managin’ the Halloween party at The Lodge on Friday.”
I could’ve sworn Landen told me he was in charge of that.He mentioned it a couple of weeks ago when he was looking at costumes.
“That’ll be fun with all the kids,” I say, wiping down my machine before putting the espresso shots into his cup and then pouring the milk on top. “What’re you gonna dress up as?”
“Not sure…”
The hesitation in his voice has me meeting his gaze over my shoulder before I add the finishing touches to his drink.
Then he adds, “Maybe a Marvel character. What do you think?”
My heart threatens to beat right out of my chest as it races against my rib cage at the mention of Marvel ideas.
It’s just a coincidence. Calm down, Magnolia.
“Yeah, I could totally see you in some Spiderman tights.”
He coughs out a laugh as I put the lid on his cup and then pour Landen’s coffee before adding in his cream and sugar.
“You should come with me.” He says the words so casually I don’t let myself read into them, but Tripp’s never invited me to tag along with him anywhere.
“Why? You need an MJ?” I ask, referring to Spiderman’s love interest. “Not sure I could pull off the red hair.”
“What about blond?”
“Mm…maybe?” I shrug, putting two muffins in a bag and then setting everything down in front of him. “Who has blond hair?”
“Jane.”
I freeze in front of the cash register at the familiar name. “And who’s she with again?”
And if I remember correctly, I’m not going to like his answer.
He swallows hard, his stare penetrating me. “Thor’s.”
My teeth grind together as I contemplate my next move.
This is no coincidence.
“You okay?” he asks when I don’t speak.
“I’m gonna kill him.” I grab my keys off the counter, then storm out of the trailer toward my SUV.
“Sunflower, wait.” He grabs my arm, and I freeze at his gentle touch. The urgency in his voice has my nerves on fire. Then he pulls me back until I’m standing in front of him.
I blow out a nervous breath. “Whaddya know?”
