Page 10 of Tempted Away

“Pleased to meet you, Bailey. I’m Kallan, Kallan Reed. ” I say, rolling her name around in my head. It fits her.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kallan Reed. So, the Wood Room? Is it safe to assume that wood is a main ingredient in your business?”

“Yes, ma’am. We sell a variety of unique handcrafted pieces.”

Damn, now I’m directly quoting off my website. I have absolutely no game when it comes to this woman.

“As you can see, I sell a variety of uniquely handcrafted books. And pastries and sandwiches. And don’t forget the coffee. Have you tried it yet?”

Her words could come off as mocking, but the slight smile and the way her eyes sparkles tells me she’s teasing.

“Can’t say I have.”

“You should definitely try it. I’ve heard from reliable sources that it’s the best in the business. In fact, I think I’ll personally make you a cup.”

She rounds the counter, and I’m helpless but to follow her. She indicates a stool behind the coffee counter, and I watch in fascination as she hesitates at a shelf before selecting a mug.

She turns to me and stares, her eyes assessing. “Let me guess,” she says, tapping her lip. “Macchiato?”It’s framed as a question but sounds more like a statement.

“I’m impressed. How did you guess?”

She shrugs, turning to the coffee machine. “You don’t strike me as the type of guy who’d stand in line for a Quad Venti White Mocha Frappuccino with two pumps of peppermint sauce.”

“I don’t even know what that is.” I rub my neck, eying her curiously, wondering what type of man she thinks I am.

“No nonsense, straightforward, and right to the point. Just like a Macchiato,” she says with a slight smile, answering my unasked question.

“You take your coffee seriously.”

“I do. To quote the great Jackie Chan, coffee is a language in itself. It took me forever to select the right blend, but once I tasted this one, I was sold on it. It’s well-balanced, full-bodied, with notes of honey, almond, and dried fruit.”

Damn, and here I thought coffee was just coffee.

She places the cup in front of me, and a smile tugs at the corners of my mouth when I see the shape in the foam.

“It’s a crescent moon. It means to grow and increase and symbolizes new beginnings and the making of dreams into reality. Perfect for the start of your new venture, don’t you think?”

“It is. Thank you.” I’m completely charmed by her thoughtfulness and the eager expression in her eyes as I pick up the mug and take a sip. I take my time savoring the taste, affording it the gravity she views it with.

I’m trying my damndest to pick up the honey, almond, and dried fruit she was talking about, but all I taste is…coffee.

“So?”

“It’s damn good,” is all my eloquent ass can come up with. It must be good enough because her smile widens, her eyes beaming at me.

“It’s imported from Jamaica. The beans are cultivated at very high altitudes and then hand-picked from the mountainside. They say the volcanic soil and high altitudes all contribute to the flavor. A bit pricey, but worth it.”

“Impressive.” I don’t know about all that but what I do know, is that it’s a damn good coffee.

A voice calls her name, and she nods, turning back to me.

“Well, Kallan Reed. I have customers waiting for me, But seriously, welcome to the neighborhood. I’ll have to come by your shop and have a look.”

She lifts her hand and brushes a strand of hair behind her ear. That’s when I see it. A ring sparkling on her ring finger.

It’s like a slap to the face—a cold dose of reality. What the hell was I thinking anyway, expecting a woman like her to be single?

My gut reeling with disappointment, I reach for my back pocket to grab my wallet.

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