Page 2 of Perfect Blend

“Victor!” she eagerly moves to come around the counter and greet me with a bear hug. I gently hug her back as the guy looks at the two of us. Quite the difference. “My favorite lumberjack has returned to Maine early this year,” she grins. I can’t help but chuckle at her nickname for me.

I’m dressed in jeans, a white tee, and a long sleeve red and black checkered shirt. Between my outfit and tall, muscular build, she’s not wrong. I do come off more as a lumberjack than a coffee farmer or even respectable business owner.

“Marie needed me back, so I came as soon as I could get it organized.”

Violet nods in understanding. She’s also good friends with my sister and Bethany.

“Not to cut you off, but I’d like you to meet Jake Barlow, my fiancé.” She gestures between the guy and herself showing off a sparkling ring as she does.

I reach out a hand to shake his, curious as to how they met. I don’t want to pry and I’m sure I’ll hear the whole story at some point. If anything, Marie knows everything and like the gossip she is, she’ll tell me right after I return from the bakery.

“Great to meet you, Jake. I don’t want to seem rude, but I really need to speak to Bethany about the delivery.” I try to get us back on task.

Violet says she must be in the back office and she’ll go grab her for me. She gives Jake a quick kiss on the cheek.

“It was nice to finally put a face with the roastery,” Jake states. “If you’ll excuse me. I need to go meet with my assistant.”

I nod in reply and continue to wait at the counter. The low chatter of those enjoying their morning treats is a perfect white noise for my thoughts. I watch as Jake goes to join the woman by the window. I don’t have a name, but now I know she works with Jake. Maybe I’ll press Marie for details later. I’m sure she knows the story on the newbies in town.

Bethany comes from the back in a rush. She’s dressed in a bright pink ensemble with orange tights. She comes around the counter to hug me as well. Her small stature makes me feel like a giant despite just being a few inches over six feet.

“I can’t believe you’re back before April, usually gone a solid six months of the year,” she quips. “Violet says you had some questions for me.”

I can’t help it. I naturally look over at the blonde chatting away with Jake. I’m distracted.

“Yes.” I turn my focus to Bethany. “I want to make sure we had your order right. It seems like a lot of variety for your bakery. In the past we’d only deliver two or three roasts at a time. But this order is five. Just want to make sure things are correct.”

“Yup.” She nods, her curls bouncing with her head movement. “With Jake and Sally moving from New York to open their law firm’s new branch here, we’ve had an influx of people coming in daily for coffee only. We’ll turn them into pastry people soon enough though.”

Sally must be the blonde.

I steal a quick glance as Bethany continues chatting about how she’s the only coffee place within walking distance to the law firm. The name suits Sally’s appearance. She must be late twenties or so. I suddenly feel old at thirty-four.

“Makes sense,” I reply absentmindedly to Bethany. I’m in a trance as Sally goes to stand up and carries her mug, heading towards us at the counter.

As she approaches, my pulse quickens. The bakery suddenly gets ten degrees warmer. I try to focus on Bethany’s voice, but Sally is stunning. Her business suit hugs her frame, emphasizing her hips.

“Victor, you haven’t met Sally yet,” Bethany cheerfully exclaims. “Sally, this is Victor.” She gestures to me. “He’s the man behind the coffee roasts we offer.”

Sally’s eyes light up at the end.

“It’s nice to meet you Victor,” her voice is light and airy. At first, I’m not sure why, but it reminds me of being at the beach. Listening to the waves gently crashing into the shore, the warm sun against your skin, the fresh air all around you. It’s soothing.

“Likewise,” I reply as I go to shake her hand. It’s as if a spark of electricity runs through our connected hands. As I pull my hand away, I feel like I’m missing something now. Odd.

Sally

Victor’s hand is rough and callused, but warm to the touch. It’s great to finally put a face with the name. Marie has talked about her twin before. Although with her being average height and build, it was hard to picture what her brother would look like. I wasn’t expecting the tan and hunky man in front of me. Up close, I’m able to see the similarities between the twins. They share the same piercing forest green eyes and raven black hair.

Speechless as he releases my hand, I’m not sure what I’m feeling, but I want to feel his hands on my skin. To let his hands, wander and explore my body. Preferably naked.

Whoa, too far, Sally.

It’s been a while since I’ve had physical contact.

That’s it. This isn’t some popular romance movie. My thoughts need to be a little less movie-like and little more realistic. I came up to the counter for a refill, not a date.

But I blurt out, “I really enjoy the coffee you supply the bakery,” eager to keep the conversation going just a little bit. “Speaking of which, Bethany can I get a refill please.” I hand over my empty mug.

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