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There is a tension in the air that has me on edge, and a tugging sensation in my chest that keeps me aware of him at all times. Once the flow of customers slows a bit, I take the chance to take a quick break in the back. I need a minute to breathe and escape the intense connection I feel toward a man I don’t know.
“Mommy!”
Sophia’s voice calling for me from the lobby makes me smile, and I go out to see what she and Kayla are up to. I plaster on a smile and work to ignore the man and focus on my daughter.
“Hey, you. What are you guys doing here? I figured you’d sleep at least until lunch.”
Sophia runs and jumps into my arms when I walk around the counter, and Kayla glares at me.
“We could have, but your mini me there is an early riser. I got her to sleep for another hour before she was bouncing off the walls to do something. We’re stopping in for one coffee and one chocolate milk.”
I kiss Sophia on the head, then set her down so I can make their drinks. Sophia comes to help me, and I see Kayla look around before her eyes land on the strange man and she smiles.
“Hey, you. Did you enjoy the gala last night?”
I turn to watch her approach the man, and he smiles politely at her.
“I did. All of my items sold, so that was a great ending to the night.”
I don’t hear what else they say as Soph pulls my attention back to her and the drink we are making. We get them made, and as Sophia carefully carries her drink back to the other side of the counter, I pack a few treats for them to take with them. I ring everything up under my employee ID and hand everything to Kayla as she and the man walk up to the counter.
“Well, it was nice meeting you, Chandler. I’ve got to keep this one occupied while her mother works. Thanks, Tan. Sophia, say bye to your momma and Mr. Chandler.”
Sophia looks up at the man and smiles shyly at him. When he smiles back and waves at her, she blushes, and I’m shocked to see it. My girl is not usually shy. I watch as she grabs Kayla’s hand and shuffles closer to her side. Chandler watches her too, and his smile turns soft. He clears his throat, as if he’s overcome with emotions, and I can’t figure out why.
I wave at them as they leave to go do whatever Kayla has planned for the day, and once they are out the door, I turn to the man, Chandler, where he stands in line.
“Another coffee, sir?”
He smiles at me and my stomach flutters at the sight, he really is attractive. His dirty blonde hair is cut in a stylish fashion, the top longer than the sides. He has a sharp jawline that makes me want to drool, and from the way his clothes fit his tall form, I can tell he takes care of himself.
“Please, and another chocolate chip muffin. I have a concerning weakness for chocolate.”
I laugh nervously and put in his order before turning back to him. He’s close to me now, leaning toward me with his arms bracing his body as his hands are spread out on the counter. I can feel heat spread across my face again, and it bugs me that I’m blushing like a schoolgirl around him, like my eight-year-old daughter did.
“This is a nice café. I’ve never been to Willow Creek before last night, and I’m surprised by how much I like it.”
“Where are you from?”
“I live in the city, I only flew in for the gala, never had a reason to travel here before. Though, that may change.”
He looks intensely at me, his eyes darken, and he won’t look away. I have to clear my throat at the feel of the heat that is coming from his eyes.
“You met Kayla last night at the gala? What made you stay around?”
He pauses and a strange look crosses his face.
“I was there because of some connections I have. They know I like to donate to educational causes, and I decided to check the town out.”
I nod in understanding, and there is an awkward silence before his order is ready and I turn to grab it for him.
“Here you go. Is there anything else I can get for you?”
I give him my customer service smile and clasp my hands in front of me. He’s making me nervous, and I just want him to go sit down.
“What time are you done here today?”
I’m taken aback by his question.
