Page 21 of Penalty Kiss
And I have the decency to blush at his sarcastic burn.
Levi follows his gaze, a knowing glint in his eyes. “Oh, Tara’s more than just a barista. She’s the town’s secret weapon. Remembers everyone’s order after one visit. Keeps this place running smoother than my glove hand on a good night.”
Lily nods emphatically. “Seriously, Cam. It’s uncanny. She just… knows. Soon as she remembers yours, you’re officially Cedar Falls approved.”
He tips his head, voice pitched low enough that only I catch it. “Really? No kidding. Well… I’m honored you pranked me with decaf, then.”
The nerve.He takes my petty revenge and turns it into a joke we’re sharing. My chest tightens, traitorously, because it almost feels like flirting.
He looks at me again, his gaze more assessing now. “Must make life easier… having a memory like that.”
I ignore the wistful note in his voice and keep my smile plastered on. “Just part of the service. For instance, I remember exactly who likes their coffee strong and who can’t tell the difference between premium roast and dishwater.”
The three of them laugh, but Cam winks at me, like we’re in on an inside joke. It’s unfair, really. He gets to be charming and wonderful while forgetting the steamiest ten minutes of my recent life.
“Speaking of… Team Johansen-Wilder, what’ll it be? Fuel for the new dad, the sleep-deprived mom, and the tourist?”
Levi grins. “You know me, Tara. The lumberjack special. Eggs over hard, bacon extra crispy, hash browns well done, wheat toast.”
“Got it,” I say, scribbling without looking. “Levi: cardiac arrest on a plate, coming right up.”
Lily snickers. “I’ll be sensible. Veggie omelet with feta, side of fruit, wheat toast dry. And a large orange juice.”
“Sensible and delicious,” I confirm. My gaze slides to Cam. He’s watching me, that thoughtful look back in his eyes. It’s unnerving. “And for you, Mr. Wilder? Ready to tempt fate with Levi, or joining Lily in the land of responsible choices?”
He leans forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table. “What do you recommend, Tara?” His voice is softer now, less performative. Almost… probing.
Is he flirting? Testing me? The uncertainty grates. So, I keep my tone light, breezy.
“Depends. Are you feeling brave or bruised? The kitchen’s special is ‘The Hangover Helper’ – three eggs, sausage gravy over biscuits, fried potatoes. It’s legendary. And potentially lethal.”
His laugh is boyish, unfiltered, the kind that sneaks past defenses. “Tempting. But maybe something a little less… commitment-heavy for my first Cedar Falls breakfast. How about pancakes? Blueberry, if you’ve got ‘em.”
“Commitment-free blueberry pancakes it is,” I say, writing it down, just for show. “Syrup on the side?”
“Always.” He holds my gaze a beat longer than necessary. “Thanks, Tara.”
The way he says my name, now that he’s heard it from Lily… it’s different. Not “sweetheart.” Not generic. Deliberate. As if he’s tasting it. My traitorous pulse skips.
Stop it. He doesn’t remember. This is just charm. Standard issue.
I force a nod and turn away before I do something stupid. Like demanding he explain why he kissed me like the world was ending—and then forgot about it.
I return with their orders, topping off Cam’s mug with regular coffee now, with the kind of solicitous attention that would make any hospitality instructor proud—if that were even a thing.
“Look at you,” Lily says, leaning in to study Cam. “You look… rested already. Cedar Falls is agreeing with you.”
“Thanks to Levi forcing me at gunpoint.” Cam agrees solemnly. “Though I’m told the brain damage only makes me more attractive.”
The casual reference to brain damage hits me like a slap.Brain damage?
I study his face more closely, looking for signs I might have missed. He seems perfectly normal—charming, articulate, those maple-brown eyes tracking everything around him with sharp intelligence. But then I remember the faint bruising around his left temple. The careful way he moves when he turns his head too quickly. The phone on the table with what looks like a note-taking app open.
Oh.Oh, shit.
“Any more fainting spells lately?” Levi asks quietly, concern tucked inside his locker-room casual tone.
“No more fainting. Dizziness, sure—some days are better than others. The forgetfulness is what frustrates me most. I can’t control it,” Cam admits.
