“Oh, I bought some tools I need. You gave me some good advice too, and I’ve decided to start working on the truck again.”
Oh, maybe that’s what Grant had meant by owing her a favor. Sara didn’t think her advice compared to all of the things he’d done for her. Not even close.
“I’m glad, Grant. I think it would make your dad happy.” She threaded her arm through his. “We deserve to celebrate. What do you say about getting a coffee and cookie with me over at Coop’s Coffee? My treat.”
“I’d love to.”
He bent his arm, bringing Sara closer to his side. Her stomach fluttered. Grant had a way of making her feel feminine and beautiful. Cared for. It couldn’t last, but it was nice for now.
Flirting and dating someone else was going to be hard. He’d set the bar high.
When they reached the coffee shop, Grant held the door open for her. It was crowded.
The scent of fresh ground beans mingled with the hiss of the espresso machine. They joined the line weaving to the order counter.
“When did the coffee shop become such a hangout?” he asked. “I think the whole town is here.”
She laughed. “Cooper started offering deals like a coffee and a cookie. He gets the cookies from Millie at the bakery, so they’re amazing, but she only makes them specially for him.”
“What kind of cookies?”
“Chocolate chunk with nuts and a bit of toffee. They’re huge, too.” She made a round shape using two hands. “And served warm. Paired with coffee…it’s a little slice of heaven.”
He smirked. “I’ll be the judge of that.”
They reached the front counter. Cooper greeted them with a wide smile. His blond hair was spiked, and his apron had a coffee stain on the front. “Morning, Sara. And hey, Grant. Long time, no see.”
Cooper offered his hand, and Grant shook it. “Good to see you again, Cooper.”
“Couch Burns was in earlier talking about how you helped out during little league baseball practice. And your military service. You’ve gotten several awards. Must’ve seen a lot of action, huh?”
Beside Sara, Grant stiffened. “I’ve been deployed many times, yes. So, we’d like—”
“The Distinguished Service Medal for example. What did you do to get that?”
His hands tightened on the counter. “If I tell you, I’d have to kill you.”
It was a joke, but there was a sharp edge underlying his tone. Cooper didn’t mean any harm, and Grant was clearly cutting him some slack, but it was also clear he didn’t want to discuss it.
Cooper laughed. “No really—”
“Cooper. I’m dying over here,” Sara interjected. “I’m sure the people behind us are too. Can we get two orders of your coffee and cookie special? I’ll take a double mocha latte.”
Grant breathed out. “I’ll take a large black coffee.”
He reached for his wallet, but Sara inserted her credit card into the reader before he could pay. “My treat, remember?”
They maneuvered their way over to the pickup counter. Sara edged closer to Grant and lowered her voice. “Sorry about that. Cooper tends to be a bit nosey.”
“It’s okay.” His gaze skimmed the room. “I know he’s just curious, but I don’t like talking about it. Most of my commendations have painful memories attached to them.”
Her heart wrenched to think of Grant in the center of combat. She couldn’t imagine what he’d been through, and it was completely understandable for him to avoid discussing it. In fact, there was no need to take this conversation any further. It was supposed to be a celebration.
Sara picked up her coffee from the counter. “Let’s take these outside. There’s a park bench free, and the day is so pretty.”
“Great idea.”
Once they were settled in the sunshine, Sara removed one of the cookies from the takeaway bag. The large dessert was wrapped in wax paper and still warm. “Here. Try this, and tell me it’s not the very best cookie you’ve ever had.”
“The very best?” He snorted, and a smile played on his lips. “You’re exaggerating.”
“Never. Not when it comes to sweets.”
She held his coffee cup for him while he unwrapped the cookie. Grant took a bite, and his eyes fluttered close. He groaned. “Wow.”
She smirked and handed him back his coffee. “Told ya.”
Grant took another bite, pegging her with his blue gaze. Her breath hitched. A cookie crumb rested on the corner of his mouth, and without thinking, she reached up to brush it away. Her thumb drifted against the soft skin of his lip and then the slightly prickly edge of his chin. It was mid-morning, and his five o’clock shadow was already evident.
His eyes darkened, the blue becoming deeper. More mesmerizing.
“Sara…” His voice was husky, and it shot straight through her. She wanted him to say her name again. And again. With just that inflection. Like he was one heartbeat away from losing all control and kissing her.
Did she want him to kiss her?
A momentary flash of panic sent her backward. Sara nearly spilled her coffee in the process, and heat flooded her cheeks. What was she doing? Things were getting muddled and complicated. They weren’t going to kiss. That would be crossing a serious line. One Sara had no interest in testing. She needed to be careful. Grant was her friend, and having fun together was one thing. Kissing was something else entirely.
“Hey, Sara. Hey, Grant.” Rachel waved from across the street, then looked both ways and joined them. “What are you guys up to?”
She let out a sigh of relief. Her sister’s arrival cut the tension into something manageable. “We’re celebrating.” Sara held up the coffee and cookie in her hand. “Grant arranged for The Dixie Kings to come and play at the library party.”
Rachel’s mouth dropped open. “You’re kidding?”
“Nope. And the Smokey BBQ Joint has agreed to cater. All that’s left is rounding up volunteers.”
“I can help with that. Lots of people at the hospital also live in Hidden Hollows. I’m sure many of them would love to help.”
