Untamed Reunion

Chapter 1

Hazel

I sit down at my desk and open up my computer, ready to start the day. Before I do anything else, I always check my emails to see if there’s anything that’s been missed from the day prior. Delete the spam, reply to inquiries, and look at the orders placed. Once I have a mental note of what my day is going to look like, I get dressed and start my walk to get coffee. I have a favorite place in town that I stop at every morning. The Roasted Bean is the only coffee shop in town, but even if it wasn’t, it would still be a favorite. It’s just down the street, and with the weather finally getting cooler, I can walk without being absolutely miserable.

I have a little more pep in my step this morning, especially given that I haven’t had any caffeine yet. Tonight is Harvest Fest, something that only happens for four Saturdays, and if you miss it, you’re shit out of luck. Everyone dresses up for the event. There’s always a mirror maze set up amongst the trees, bobbing for apples, pin the nose on the scarecrow, and other fun activities to take part in. After eight p.m., the kids leave and it’s an adults-only event. They serve spiked apple cider and other fall-themed goodies that we can indulge in. They even have a DJ there to set the mood. We always arrive early, though, to take pictures before the sun disappears. There are always cute booths set up that you can poke your face through that give the illusion of a weird body, and its aesthetic with all of the trees behind you is unlike anything else.

“Good morning,” I call as I walk through the doors. The fresh scent of ground beans hits my nose and I inhale deeply. I can almost feel the coffee working before taking a sip.

“Good morning,” Heather calls, “Your favorite?”

“Wait, you have it back in stock?”

“Mhm!”

“Uh, then yes!” I can’t hold back my excitement. I bounce on the balls of my feet like a little kid as she turns around to go make my pumpkin spice latte. They always run out of supplies to make it after the first release at the beginning of October. It’s always the most popular drink, and I know why. It’s a perfect blend of spices with the earthy tones of the pumpkin. I work to pull my card out of my pocket when a deep chuckle sounds behind me.

“Let me pay for that,” the deep voice rumbles and I pause in my tracks. I recognize that voice, but no- it can’t be.

I turn around and I’m stuck staring smack dab at a… chest. A wide chest, and for some reason, instead of looking up, I look down. I take in the barrel-shaped abdomen and thick jean-clad thighs. I reach the leather square-toed boots before my head pops up to look into the dark blue eyes staring back at me. My mouth goes dry and it’s hard to swallow as I gape up at him. He even smells the same. He smells like apple cider that’s been spiked with bourbon. It’s spicy, sweet and delicious.

Seeing my ex-boyfriend standing in my favorite coffee shop is not on my Saturday bingo card.

He reaches around me to tap his card against the machine before returning to his spot. My feet are rooted in place, too shocked to move right now.

“Callum," I gulp around the knot that formed in my throat. "Wha- what are you doing here?” I stutter out.

“Well, I’m back for the harvest festival. Plus, I actually just bought some property. I’m going to stay with my parents while the house is built. I want to run my construction company out of it.”

Right. Harvest festival. People from all over come to this thing, and once you’ve been to it, you’ll want to come every year.

“Oh? So you’re back to stay?”

“Yeah,” he starts, “but how about you? What are you doing here?”

“Well, I was left the house when my parents died, so I just live here. I own my own business now and things are great.” I force a smile, but honestly, it’s hard. We drifted apart after my parents passed. I wasn’t in a good place, I pushed everyone as far away from me as possible and that broke us. I don’t blame him, but looking at him right now, all I’m reminded of is them, and it hurts.

“Well, thanks for the coffee,” I say, finally convincing myself to move away from him. I back away, heading to the other side of the counter. My coffee waits for me, and I grab it hoping the spiciness will take away some of the extra anxiety I currently feel. I leave the shop in a hurry, not wanting to get caught up in another conversation.

I’ve been packing orders all morning, getting them ready to ship the next business day. I make custom graphic t-shirts with whatever the customer wants. There’s a mixture of the basic ‘Happy Fall, Y’all’ logos, but there’s also people who order something truly custom. I like those the most because then I can design something and print it. My job is never boring, which I like. There’s always something different going on, even if it’s just packing a different shirt for that day. I decide to call Daphne even though I’ll see her in just a few hours. I can’t stop thinking about Callum. Part of me felt those same throat-catching butterflies that I had before, and the other part of me just felt sad from the way everything went down.

“Hey,” she calls through the phone, “you ready for tonight?”

“Yes and no,” I answer honestly.

“What the fuck? Why no?”

“Well, you wouldn’t believe who I just ran into.”

“Who?”

“Callum.”

“What?”

“Yep. I just, I don’t know. Part of my body lit up to see him and the other half was just sad. And what if we run into each other again tonight?”

“It’s a huge event, girly. Don’t let yourself get all worked up over whether or not you might see the man. This is your favorite, it’ll be so fun!”

“Yeah, okay you’re right.”

“I know I am,” she giggles, “Hey, I need to run to finish up some things before I head over there. Are we still good for two?”

“Yep! Two is great.”

“Okay love you.”

“Love you too,” I say before the line disconnects. I take a moment to get my shit together because she’s totally right. I’m not going to let tonight be ruined because of the possibility of seeing him there.

I busy myself with the last of the packing before plopping into my chair.

“Tonight is going to be great,” I say to myself.