Page 3 of Perfect Blend

Bethany happily takes the mug from me.

“Let me guess,” Victor says as Bethany is making her way around the counter. “You take your coffee with oat milk and four pumps of vanilla sweetener.” He smiles with his teeth and I can’t tell if he’s teasing me or genuinely thinks I’m the kind of person who likes extra sweet coffee.

I scrunch my nose up in disgust at the thought of sugary and water downed coffee.

“Actually, just plain black.” I hope that I didn’t take too long to reply. “I like being able to taste the different notes. Although, I will say I’m not a fan of your hazelnut roast.”

“Oh really?” His eyebrows rise. I want to see him smile more, it’s warm and welcoming. Like when you have that first sip of hot chocolate in front of a roaring fireplace after spending the day out in the cold.

“I can’t quite place it, but maybe it’s just too acidic. I’m not sure.” The silence stretches between us as he stares at me. My heart is pounding in my chest.

You’re too awkward, that little voice inside my head yells.

Definitely not ready for dating. My evenings will continue to be filled with wine nights with the girls and an extended period of putting off shaving my legs.

“That’s a pretty specific note,” his grin is slightly crooked. It suits him. So does the nickname Violet calls him by, lumberjack. If only he’d remove his flannel. I’d love to see what his bare arms look like beneath the checkered fabric that already clings to his frame.

“If there’s any classic city stereotype that I fit into, it’s that I’ll always drink my coffee black.” I shrug with my answer. I’m sure he knows why I moved here, everyone else does.

Another unfortunate perk of moving to this small town.

Everyone knows everything about each other.

That’s something I’ll never grow accustomed to, that’s for sure.

“Got it, you’re a classic city girl. Dressed to the nines, drinks her coffee black, and I assume doesn’t know how to drive?”

I like the bit about him noticing my clothes. I smooth the fabric of my pants.

“Only partially correct. I can drive, I just don’t really enjoy it. I’d much rather walk places.”

“Oh, then Kastle Harbor is perfect for you,” his tone feels genuine.

I don’t think this small town is a perfect fit, but if Victor is a part of it then things are looking up. It’ll have to do for now though. My heart is still healing.

If I’m being honest with myself, I’m unsure if it’ll ever heal.

TWO

VICTOR

Sally looks lostin her thoughts. Her brows are furrowed and she’s biting her bottom lip. I find this combination adorable. It seems out of place for her features. Although she does work for a law office, so maybe she’s typically more serious than her playful banter with me. I consider asking if she’d like to come tour the roastery, but that’s too close to a date.

And I don’t date. At least not seriously.

But how sweet would her lips taste?

I shake my head, pull myself back into the conversation with this intriguing woman. We chitchat a few more moments until she claims she needs to get back to work. I watch her walk away, her hips swaying slightly with each step.

I finish up with Bethany and bring in all of the bags of beans for the bakery.

As I drive away, I wonder how often Sally goes to the bakery. Maybe I’ll bump into her again. I haven’t dated anyone seriously in years.

Despite my desire for starting a family, I just haven’t been able to push past casual dating. There’s always a reason to stop the relationship from getting serious. Sally doesn’t strike me as the type of girl who casually dates.

* * *

Sally

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