Cinnamon Roll Set Up (Cinnamon Rolls and Pumpkin Spice)

24. Miles

Chapter 24

Miles

Full disclosure: I don’t even like coffee. I stopped drinking it years ago in an effort to prevent migraines. But I don’t have to like something to sell it in the store. Just like stocking books I have no interest in reading, adding coffee to our offerings was a business decision. One I question every time I’m elbow-deep in a dozen-drink order for an office down the street, and the café’s crowded with impatient customers.

Owen walks in while I’m scrambling from drink to drink and leans against the front wall to watch the chaos. I don’t know how long he’s been standing there when I finally catch up with the orders and catch a break.

“Living the dream, right?” he says, approaching the counter.

I know he’s only joking, but it’s a good reminder that this is what I want. I can’t be short-sighted enough to actually regret good business.

“Mocha?” I ask.

“I was going to, but after seeing all that, I feel like I should get you a pillow and a nap.”

I ignore him and make the mocha. No sense breaking the momentum I’ve got going. I pass the coffee to him and take a seat for the first time this morning.

“Some days, everything hits all at once.”

He nods over his coffee. “Sure is easier when you spread the work around.”

Replacing Hannah is still on my never-ending list of things to do.

“Thank you, sensei.”

His laugh is a low rumble. “I’m here to thank you . I haven’t had a good chance to swing by and say it to your face.”

“You’ve thanked me plenty.” Embarrassingly so, if I’m being honest. I played the tiniest role of everyone involved.

“Yeah, well. I need to apologize, too. I was jealous when Georgia set you up with Josie.” He raises a hand before I can dive into all the reasons that was unnecessary. “I know. But part of me still thought you might go for it. A lot of guys I know would have. I’m sorry for doubting you.”

“There’s no need.”

He hitches a shoulder. “Well…I roughed you up pretty good in my imagination. Feels like a thing I shouldn’t do to a friend.”

“Then I guess I’d better accept your apology. How are things going with you two?”

I don’t think I’ve ever seen him smile so wide. It’s a bright sunbeam on this giant of a man’s face.

“She’s incredible. Brilliant and so kind. Funny when you least expect it. I’m…happy.”

He sounds like he’s in awe—of the feeling, of her, all of it. I can relate. I’ve been on the same high since Georgia and I kissed over the weekend.

“I’m glad for you both. It’s always?—”

The woman herself walks in, and my brain flips off. She radiates openness and joy, like she carries her own circle of sparkling energy everywhere she goes. Even when she’s wearing a black sweater with a bright orange jack-o’-lantern on it that looks like it was hand-knitted by monkeys.

For the record, I love her ridiculous sweaters.

Owen chuckles. “I guess I don’t need to ask how things are going for you.”

Her smile washes over me like I’m stepping into the sun. I should probably care that I’m openly staring at her like a love-sick fool, but now that I can, I’ll indulge.

“Hi, Owen.” She stops next to him in front of the counter.

Those last two feet between us might as well be a galaxy.

“Having a good day?” she asks.

He nods. “I’ve been observing Miles. It’s very entertaining.”

She turns that gorgeous smile on me. “What’s he doing now?”

Nothing, just losing my mind over you, as always.

“He was running around like a chicken with its head cut off this morning, filling coffee orders.” Owen shakes his head as if to say, “this fool.”

“Aww. Was it the title and escrow place again?” she asks me.

“I think so.”

“Prepare yourself. It’s become their weekly office treat.” She turns back to Owen. “So? Everything good in your world? Any brand-new girlfriends to share with us?”

He doesn’t smile like he did before, but I swear he blushes. “Everything is good in my world.”

“Mmm hmm.” Georgia goes on gloating as if she knows all his secrets.

Now I’m dying to know what she’s heard from Josie.

“I was going to ask Miles the same thing,” he says. “I haven’t heard about any more setups.”

“Yeah. I’ve put a pause on my matchmaking. ”

“Really?” That does get a trace of a smile from Owen. “Last I heard, he was lost without you.”

I shoot him a glare, but he ignores it. I don’t need both of them ganging up on me.

“Oh, he is. Utterly lost. So I’m taking a more hands-on approach with his dating life.”

All right, now I’m probably blushing.

He laughs and raises his coffee cup to me in a toast. “Sounds like a good plan for him. I’m heading out.”

We say quick goodbyes, and a couple of customers walk in to browse the bookshop as Owen walks out. Georgia and I have worked together the last few days like we always have—but with a little more unnecessary touching when we slide past each other behind the counter, and a lot more watching each other across the store.

“I’ve been thinking,” I say when the shop has cleared out again sometime later. “I’d like to take you to dinner this weekend.”

She leans against one of the big wooden bookshelves. “Oh. Like a date?”

“Yes.”

“A practice date?”

“No. This would be completely real.” We’re not going to have any more confusion between us.

“Are you sure you don’t want more practice? That kiss the other day was lacking a little something.”

I’d be panicked if she wasn’t wearing the most wicked look I’ve ever seen on her.

“Really?” I stalk closer. “Where did I go wrong?”

“I wanted more.”

That sentence does something visceral to me. It’s a tangible thing coursing through my veins, followed swiftly by the sentence I’d be happy to give you more .

“Wasn’t that part of your lesson? Always leave them wanting more?”

“I regret that I’ve taught you so well.”

I nod sagely. “The student has become the master.”

She laughs. “Don’t get cocky on me.”

“If I aced your remedial lessons, are there advanced courses I could take?”

Her laughter fades out, and her gaze zeroes in on my mouth. “We could probably figure something out.”

With truly impeccable timing, a family with two little kids walks in. Georgia dashes over to them, eager to help out wherever needed. Logically, I know it’s for the best, but emotionally, I’d love to usher the family out, bolt the door, turn the sign to Closed , and take Georgia up on her offer.

For my own sanity, I should probably institute some kind of No PDA rule in the store.

One day.

Eventually, the family leaves with their book selections tucked safely in their arms. But before Georgia and I can get back to her hands-on approach to my dating life, my mother walks into the store.

“Mom. I thought you said you weren’t up for driving this week.”

She shoots me a sour look and turns her attention on Georgia. “How are you, sweetheart?”

She beams at my mom. “I’m just great. It’s good to see you.”

It’s been a while since Mom has felt up for a trip into town. Thus, my well-meaning but poorly phrased greeting.

“Cece brought me to town to do my hair.” She pats her messy bun. “I’m thinking about going shorter, so I don’t have as much to brush.”

“I bet that will look cute on you. Do you want to come sit down? ”

Georgia’s being so sweet to my mom, and I’m still standing around like a stranger.

“We’ve got a few pumpkin cream cheese muffins left,” I offer.

“Oh, no. I can’t stay long. I just wanted to stop by and say hello.” Mom turns back to Georgia. “And to tell you I saw that cute cover you did with that couple by the lake. It’s beautiful.”

I love the way Georgia glows from that brief praise. She needs to hear how impressive her art is every day.

“Thank you,” she says. “I really enjoyed that one.”

“But all your covers are so adorable. I’m sure the authors you work with are pleased.”

“They seem to be.”

“You could do even more with your art if you wanted. Digital prints, stickers, licensed work. You could have an entire online store.” It’s pretty clear Mom’s been thinking about this a lot. Her entrepreneurial spirit tends to rub off on everyone around her.

Georgia stands a little taller, like Mom’s encouragement is a grow light and she’s a sunflower who can’t get enough. “I’ve thought about some of that but haven’t tried to pursue anything yet.”

“Well, you’ve got plenty of time. Your art has a very distinct style. I can see why you have such a big following.”

“You follow Georgia on Instagram?” I ask.

“Of course. I have to keep up with her cover reveals somehow.” Mom turns to me. “I’d follow you if you had social media, honey. But alas.”

Georgia laughs, light and bright. “I’m wearing him down.”

“I’m sure you are.” Mom flashes a small smirk at me. “Now, where is your sandwich board? I walk up and down Center, and every store has a sandwich board to draw people in.”

“We don’t have a sandwich board,” I tell her .

“But I’m working on something better than a sandwich board,” Georgia says.

Mom cocks her head closer. “I’m listening.”

“A bookmobile bike to go out front. It will have a small selection of books on it, and we can add our pastry menu of the day to the inside of one of the doors.”

“I heard something about that idea. I love it. Can’t wait to see it.” Mom turns back to me. “You’d better hold onto her, Miles.”

I have every intention of doing exactly that—just as soon as my mother leaves.