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Chapter 1
Tess
“What can I get you today?”
That’s a good question. How about a new job? Or the cure to a cancerous brain tumor? Or my life back? I settle on my regular. “A medium chai latte, please.”
The barista nods, writes on a paper cup, and tells me the price. I dig through my briefcase, looking for my wallet. Yes, briefcase. I have an interview in an hour, and I thought my stepfather’s classic brown leather briefcase looked more professional than my typical hobo purse. Which is why I moved everything vital into the new bag—several copies of my resume, my laptop and cell phone, three different lip glosses, a travel-sized lotion, and a stick of deodorant—but apparently not my wallet.
Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes and gather my wits for a moment. It’s already been that kind of week and it’s only Tuesday.
“I’m sorry, I seem to have misplaced my wallet.” I’m about to step out of line when a gravelly voice calls from behind me.
“Julie, this one’s on me.” A large, tanned arm reaches around me, passing a black credit card to the barista, Julie.
Her cheeks heat as she accepts the card. “Your regular today, sir?”
“Yes, please.” He steps forward, guiding me to his side with his hand on my lower back. “And you’d think if you can remember my regular order that you’d also remember to call me by my name.”
Julie giggles, swiping his card without looking up. “Yes, sir… I mean, Rand.” She passes back the card with a shy smile. “Your drink should be ready in a minute.”
“We’ll be waiting for our drinks over here.”
Her cheeks flush even deeper red, hearing his chastising tone, and she immediately steps away from the register to help make the drinks. “Of course. Thank you, sir.”
Wait. What just happened? I mean, it’s not unheard of to get someone’s drink for them. But it’s never happened to me.
“Um, thank you.”
The hand at my back guides me to a small table in the corner of the coffee shop.
“Go ahead and take a seat.” The stranger pulls the chair out for me. “I’ll be right back.”
I sit, discombobulated, hands clutching my borrowed briefcase. A minute later, my good samaritan sits down across from me, placing our drinks and a muffin that’s been cut in half on the table. I stare at the drink in front of me. Blinking, I try—unsuccessfully—to stop the tears from escaping.
I know it’s a bit ridiculous. Normally, I’m a confident woman, capable of far more than most people expect. But it’s been such a tough few weeks… well, months really. I’ve been holding myself together by the threads. Who knew that a simple act of kindness would cause me to fall apart?
Grabbing a napkin, I dab at my cheeks. “Thank you so much. You didn’t have to do this.” I look up, trying to smile at the helpful stranger.
It’s the first time I’m getting a good look at him, and… wow. This guy is yummy. No wonder the poor girl couldn’t stop blushing. What did she say his name was? Rand? Well, Rand has black hair, a trimmed beard, a strong jaw, and deep brown eyes. He’s wearing a simple maroon button down shirt over a white undershirt. The sleeves are rolled up, exposing powerful forearms that flex as they slide the plate with the muffin over to me.
“I didn’t have to.” The deepness of his voice has my heart pumping in overdrive. “But I wanted to.”
Is it too late to swoon?
He continues speaking, giving me a chance to regain some equilibrium. “Are you okay, Tess? I promise, getting your drink was no big deal.”
“Um, how did you know my name?” He taps my cup and smiles. Of course. I take a deep breath, centering myself. I’ve been doing a lot of that lately. “Thank you again. I’m just a little overwhelmed at the moment. It’s been a rough week.”
His eyes are locked on me, like he can see all my secrets. I’ve never had someone give me this kind of undivided attention. Especially not a ridiculously attractive man. It’s a little uncomfortable, and a lot sexy.
“I’m Rand. I work around here, but I’ve never seen you before. And believe me, I would have noticed.” He glances down. That’s when I realize I’ve been tearing at the napkin. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
For some reason, Rand’s question tips me over the edge. Maybe it’s the genuine concern in his eyes. Whatever the cause, I find myself telling him everything.
“I feel like such a goof. I switched bags and forgot my wallet. This isn’t even my briefcase.” I set the bag on the floor, shrugging. “It belongs to my stepdad. But I thought it’d help me get a job. And I need this job because I just quit school so I could move back in with my mom. My stepdad has stage-four cancer, and my mom can’t take care of him alone. So I’m applying to the only job I could find that was remotely related to my education, but I don’t quite meet their qualifications.”
Taking a shuddering breath, I continue, “I have an interview in an hour and thought I’d get here early to do a little research on the company. But now I feel so frazzled I’m sure I’ll bomb the interview, and I just don’t know what’s going to happen.”
