Page 7 of The Irish Rogue

Sean shook the officer’s hand, nodding. “My pleasure.”

The sheriff chuckled. “I just bet it is.” He glanced over his shoulder to ensure that his prisoner was still safe, then turned back to Sean. “Name’s Mick. Call me if you have any more problems while you’re in town.”

Sean nodded and accepted the card the officer offered. “Thank ye,” he replied, his Irish accent coming out because he was so surprised by the kindness of the offer.

The sheriff nodded, then got into his cruiser and drove away, the blue lights turned off as soon as he pulled out of the parking lot.

Sean stuffed the card into his pocket, then went to his rental car, fishing his key’s out of his pocket as he went. Interesting night, he thought as he drove away. Tom, the owner of “The Old Goat”, had turned him down flat. He’d scheduled several days to work out details here in Newnan, Georgia. Tom had said no, but maybe it was a good time for a mini vacation. The weather here was hot, but the house he’d rented was lakefront. Maybe he could just relax for a couple of days. Perhaps he could have another conversation with Tom about his business processes. Sean didn’t know of any other business owner with that same level of loyalty to his employees. Perhaps there was a way to implement some of Tom’s ideas into his own business interests.

Chapter 2

Kennedi stared at the man sitting casually by the window. He was inhercoffee shop! How dare he invade her personal…! Okay, the coffee shop wasn’t her personal space, but it was her favorite place!

Yes, she could just grab a cup of coffee somewhere else. But Ella made the best coffee in town. Kennedi had no idea what Ella’s secret was, but there was something magical about the coffee Ella served.

But now HE was there, casually sipping a cup of coffee, acting as if he hadn’t just ruined her entire Saturday! How was she supposed to relax and enjoy her weekend when she couldn’t even get a cup of Ella’s coffee?

She’d been standing by her car, mentally debating the issue, when the man in question suddenly looked up. Right at her! Those blue eyes penetrated through the heat and humidity with ease. Other pedestrians walked along the sidewalk, briefly blocking their view of each other, but it didn’t matter. The intensity of his gaze didn’t waver.

His look dared her to come inside, she suddenly realized. He was baiting her!

For a moment, she considered just getting in her car and leaving. She could go back to her apartment and make herself a cup of coffee. But that plan had two problems. The first was that she would feel like a coward. And secondly, her own coffee wasn’t nearly as good as Ella’s. It was Saturday and Kennedi wanted…no…sheneededa dose of Ella’s magical coffee!

Even from across the street, she saw, and felt, the man’s dark eyebrow lift in question. No, not in question. In challenge.

Darn it, she never allowed a challenge to go unaccepted! She’d never been able to back down like that. She’d grown up with three older brothers and never let them get away with taunting her. It was a matter of principle.

And survival!

With a slight lift of her chin, she walked into the coffee shop, and stood in line. Since it was Saturday, the line was long, nearly out the door. Sometimes, it felt as if everyone in town came in for a cup of Ella’s coffee. From Thursday through Sunday, there was always a long line.

Kennedi waited impatiently, her arms crossed over her chest. She refused to allow herself to look at the man. She wasn’t going to look!

Not.

Gonna.

Look!

She looked. Sure enough, he was still watching her.

With a huff of impatience, she turned away, staring at the back of the person in front of her. She didn’t know the person, which meant they were tourists, most likely here to browse through some of the antique shops. Newnan had great history, and as that reputation grew, several antique shops had opened on Market Street, the main road through their small town.

Kennedi didn’t mind the tourists. They brought in money and kept the town on the map. They didn’t just buy the antiques. They ate at the local restaurants, and…stood in front of her at her favorite coffee shop.

Still, Kennedi fought not to look at the man again. She could feel his gaze on her, but refused to turn.

Thankfully, Ella’s efficiency helped keep the line moving forward.

“I gotcha!” Ella called out to Kennedi, already knowing her order. “Extra-large coffee with a shot of chocolate.” Ella slid the enormous cup of coffee across the counter and Kennedi sighed happily.

“Have I told you lately how much I love you?” she whispered in a conspiratorial tone. The words caused the couple in front of her to glance back, but they only chuckled and kept moving towards the cash register.

“Yes!” Ella whispered back with a wink. “Are you coming to Bunco tonight?” she asked, her hands already reaching for another cup to start preparing the next customer’s order.

Kennedi was always amazed at how well Ella could multi-task. The blond haired, brown-eyed beauty could do about fifty tasks at the same time. That’s one of the reasons she was so successful, Kennedi thought.

“Yep. It’s at Mandy’s house this time, right?”

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