Page 9 of Ardently Yours

I look around the cafe as a burst of laughter breaks out. There are three customers huddled at a round table, sipping coffee and chatting.

Charlotte Lucas, an old friend of mine from my time at Selah Falls University, where we co-chaired the Black Student Union; George Wickham, a local police officer who is one of the few white men in town; and one of his officer buddies.

I wave as they stand up and throw away their trash. Charlotte smiles at me, coming over to chat.

“I still can’t believe Nic is getting married so soon. Are you excited?” she asks once we move past greetings and pleasantries.

“I’m so happy for her and Jay. They are literally perfect for each other,” I say, and I mean it.

“They really are,” she agrees. “The wedding is all anyone in town can talk about these days. It’s going to be the event of the season.”

“You make it sound like we’re in the Regency era,” I say, laughing. “But it really is going to be the best wedding ever. Have you RSVP’d yet?”

“Of course,” Charlotte gushes, flipping her long braids over her shoulder.

Wickham strolls over to the front counter as his other friend heads to the cop car parked outside. He smiles at me and I almost forget I saw my ex today when he asks, “How are you doing today, beautiful?”

“Better now that you guys have stopped by,” I say, smiling back.

“I had to come by and grab a cup of coffee from my favorite barista.”

I know I am the only barista in town, but when Wickham says it, I kind of feel special. It is probably because he is a handsome flirt, but hey…I’m just a girl.

Charlotte, who is the daughter of the local police chief, orders a few extra things at the register for her dad. Wolfsheim takes care of her order while I talk to Wickham. But I swear I see her side-eye him as he talks to me. I look between them, not sure if there is something there, but I know one thing: drama is the last thing I need.

“I’m going to hand these off to your partner outside,” Charlotte says to Wickham. “Make sure my dad gets his drink and donuts, please and thank you.” Then, she waves goodbye to me on her way out.

Wickham, on the other hand, lingers. I bite my lip because the hunger from not eating lunch starts to get to me. Also, as I watch him take one last bite of a donut he bought, it makes me want one too. Then, I realize how thirsty I must look and clear my throat, looking away. Wolfsheim busies himself with cleaning off the front counter while Wickham turns his full attention to me.

His baby-blue eyes twinkle as he licks his fingers, eyes still on mine. Okay, so he is definitely flirting with me. But I have to ask something first.

“So, are you and Charlotte a thing?” I ask, keeping my voice low as I lean forward on the counter, getting right to the point. I’ve never been one to beat around the bush.

He blushes and says, “Are you trying to see if I’m single, Lizzie?”

“Maybe.”

He leans forward too, his face inches away from mine. “Do you want to go out with me?”

“That depends, Wickham.” My heart is racing, but I play it cool, keeping my voice level.

“I’m single. And I’ve been wondering if you noticed me noticing you, if I’m being honest.”

“You’ve been noticing me?” I ask.

“How could I not?” Wickham asks, and it takes my breath away, the way he looks at me… maybe he has been genuinely interested in me all along. “I’ve been coming in here every day so I could see you.”

“So, not just for the coffee and donuts?” I asked, teasing.

“The coffee and donuts are good, but you are just so…”

“Officer Wickham.”

The moment is interrupted by Will calling his name. Wickham looks away from me and stands up straight. The two men assess each other.

I look at both of them, sensing…tension? No, it can’t be. I shrug it off as Will nods at Wickham.

Then, Will grabs an empty tray from the display case. Wolfsheim whistles a tune in the background, minding his own business or pretending to.