This question feels loaded.

“I am.” I try not to narrow my eyes as I answer. All of a sudden, his bright smile seems more deceptive than friendly. “I’ve done a lot of research on coffee being sold at bookstores, and I’ve talked to our customers. This is something they want. It’s an investment we’re prepared to make.”

“And that’s great . . .” He trails off. His eyes dart around the store and he hesitates for a moment, like he’s not sure he wants to say what’s about to leave his mouth. “Okay. Can I be straight with you?”

I didn’t realize he wasn’t already being straight with me.

“Um, yeah. Please.” Knots form in my stomach as I replay our conversation and try to remember if I told him anything that I shouldn’t have.

“I didn’t just come here to see the store today. I came in over the weekend and looked around when you weren’t here.” He shoves his hands into his pockets and rocks back onto his heels. He keeps his eyes trained on the old carpet that I should probably also look into replacing. “I came in to talk to you.”

“For what?” I slap my hand over my mouth because I most definitely didn’t mean for that to come out the way it did. “I’m sorry. I’m not sure I understand what you need.”

Because right now it feels like maybe he’s hitting on me and that can’t be the case.

“I mean, for the obvious reason, the day we met was a total disaster. I wanted to check and make sure you were okay after that.” He looks up from the floor and his pale cheeks are tinged with pink. “But also, you’re gorgeous and I wanted to see you again.”

Okay now . . .

What in the Keanu Reeves hell is going on here? There has to be a glitch in the Matrix or something. Because really. I didn’t go years and years without interest from anyone beyond a night of fun to two different but hot and smart guys showing interest in me.

“I . . . uhhh . . .” I try to remember what words are and how to use them. “Really?”

“Yeah, really.” His smile shifts and I realize that he is nervous. “Andrew ambushed you in your place of business and you handled it like a total pro. As a person who’s also dealt with a shit dad my entire life, I loved every second of it. I almost wish he stayed so I could see him get removed by the police.”

“Honestly?” I drop my voice to a whisper despite nobody being near us. “So did I.”

Connor throws his head back and laughs so loud that I see Dani peek her head around one of the bookcases to see what’s happening.