Page 87 of Every Thought Taken

“I’d love that. Anything in mind?”

He sits up, untwists the cap on his water, and takes a long pull before securing the cap again. “Not yet. I’ll think on it.” His lips pucker and bounce side to side. “Are you able to take time off from work?”

Aside from my normal days off, I haven’t taken vacation time in… I’ve not taken scheduled time off since owning the shop.Wow.My self-care needs some serious love.

“I’d have to speak with my employees, Lessa and Mags, but I’m sure it’s doable.”

“Ales and Mags?”

Why can’t I go back a decade and change all the stupid shit that happened? Maybe then we wouldn’t be here. A point where we don’t know much about each other. Anderson is no stranger, but I don’t know the man across the table. Not the way I want to know him.

“We’re all partners of Java and Teas Me and Always Classic. If Mags owns a business one day, we’ll be partners in it too.”

“Ah.”

“Anytime one of us needs help or has a staff shortage, we ask.”

Requiring help is rare, but the need arises once in a while. Maybe once or twice a year. Something as simple as pulling on an apron and filling drink orders or straightening clothing racks and cashing out customers. Pitching in a few hours to support one of our businesses and alleviate unnecessary stress.

“You check schedules and I’ll come up with ideas. Sound good?”

I push back on my chair, rise, and shoulder my purse. “Perfect.”

He stands and grabs my plate, taking it to the tub near the trash bin. Drinking the last of his water, he deposits the bottle in the recycling bin. He spins around and steps into me, taking my hands in his. His gaze falls to where his thumb strokes my ring, the corner of his mouth twitching.

“You’re the best part, you know.”

My brows tug together. “Best part?”

Slowly, he levels me with his stare. The steel-blue rim of his irises is darker, bolder, certain. His tongue darts out and wets his lips, my eyes following the action. He swallows with a nod.

“Returning home. You’re the best part.” His thumb brushes my ring again. “The main reason I’m here.” He leans in, the scruff of his beard scratchy on my cheek, his breath warm on my ear. “I love you too, North.” Inching back, he drops my hands. “Always.”

CHAPTER48

ANDERSON

This is a bad idea. What the hell am I thinking?

It should be no surprise that being in Helena’s presence again has me making irrational decisions. I told her I wanted to start over. Back to square one as friends. Get to know each other again.

And here I am, scrolling through my phone, looking at nearby getaways. Places to take her. Alone.

A very more-than-friends activity.

Yet, I don’t stop myself. Don’t stop the wayward path my thoughts have taken. Don’t stop pressing forward or striving to make up for lost time.

“Bad fucking idea,” I mutter as I continue my online search.

Familiar with most of the trails and camping spots in the state, I filter them by terrain, amenities, and highest-rated views. Not sure of the last time Helena went camping or hiked the woods, but with running her own business, I assume she is out of practice. Her current version of roughing it probably consists of losing power during a snowstorm and having to light a fire by herself. Pompous of me to think such things, especially with her dad being a ranger, but she looks softer than the girl I knew.

I star a few favorites to save for later review, swipe away the app, lock my phone, and shove it in my pocket. Rising from the bed, I wander to the kitchen in search of lunch.

“Hey, man,” Braydon greets from the couch as I enter the main living space. “Didn’t realize you were here.”

“Afternoon.” I shuffle toward the kitchen, open the fridge, and take out fixings for a sandwich. “Hungry?”

Eyes on his computer, he nods. “I could eat. What’s on the menu?”

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