Chapter 4

It was just after noon, and the sidewalks were busy. Killian glanced into Cubby’s Creekside Café, studying the place through one of the windows. It seemed very homey inside and nearly full. Probably a good place to pick up local gossip. He’d bet a dime today’s was all about him and his brothers. Half-brothers, he reminded himself, and the familiar bitterness washed through him.

Benner had called this morning. He wanted Killian to stop by later today, so he could catch him up on how the first two weeks had gone, but Killian wasn’t even sure he wanted to hear. He wanted out of this disaster as soon as possible. Still, he’d have to talk to the man sooner or later. Might be best to get it over with.

He had made it to the end of the block, in front of Heart Starter. Was her coffee like battery acid, or just strong with a rich flavor? Whatever, he needed something to clear his brain, so he pushed the door open and walked in. A bell tinkled overhead.

“Be right with you,” a voice called.

Killian stopped in his tracks. The voice had the lyrical quality of an angel’s, plucking at his heartstrings as well as other parts of his body. When she rushed out from the back of the shop and he caught sight of her, he was sure he’d need some of the strongest coffee, because his heart stopped. Just. Stopped.

Lexie Choate was his actual dream come true, the best package Killian had ever seen. Holy shit! The top of her head just came to below his shoulder, a head full of streaky blonde curls. Gold-flecked hazel eyes surveyed him from beneath a fringe of thick lashes sweeping over creamy cheeks with a light dusting of freckles. She was busily tying a clean apron over a pink T-shirt and skinny jeans and smiling an apology to him with plump, kissable lips.

Kissable?

What the fuck, Killian?First of all, he wasn’t here in this bumfuck town to have fun. Secondly, with the damnable truth about Dusty and the whole situation, was he even good relationship material anymore? What kind of genes did he carry, anyway? Could he be faithful to one woman? He needed to get his head out of his ass before it got permanently stuck there.

Yeah? The little voice in his head remarked. He should tell that to his cock which was suddenly begging to be let loose to have fun.

“Sorry.” Her voice danced over his skin like a teasing wind. “I got a little tied up in the back.”

At the words “tied up,” Killian’s fingers curled up over his absent length of rope. A picture burst into his mind of the very tasty barista naked except for his rope tied around her in an intricate pattern.

Down, boy!

The bell jingled again, interrupting his erotic reverie. He glanced behind him to see three people walk in. He stepped aside and motioned them to the counter.

“You were here first,” the hot angel pointed out.

“I’m in no rush. Take care of your customers.”

“Well, okay.” Her smile made his errant cock jump. “But don’t leave.”

“I won’t.” Not even if someone paid him.

“Good morning, Billy.” She smiled at a tall, stocky man, with graying hair, wearing a plaid shirt, and jeans. “Your usual?”

“Of course.” He nodded. “I swear you make the best pastries in Kansas, Lexie.”

Okay, so this was the owner, Lexie Choate. Somehow the name fit her, sparkly fun with a subtle sexy overlay. He had to stop himself from licking his lips.

He took the opportunity to scan the interior of Heart Starter. The owner had put together a very attractive place. Cafe tables and chairs occupied much of the polished wood plank floor. Framed colorful artwork hung on the walls, giving the place a warm feeling. A counter ran the length of the wall opposite the door, with all the equipment and supplies for coffee on shelves behind it. One end of the counter topped a glass display case with an assortment of pastries. Adjacent to all that was a small refrigerator case with sandwiches.

Apparently, she had just stocked a fresh batch of goodies because the aroma of cinnamon and sugar filled the room, mingling with the scent of fresh-roasted coffee and making his mouth water.

The tempting little blonde expertly filled the orders, smiling and chatting as she did so.

“Thanks for stopping in,” she said as she rang up the purchases. “It’s always good to see you. And, Risa, tell your sister if she’s still interested in something part-time to come by and see me.”

“I will,” the woman named Risa said. “She’ll be so excited. With her youngest in day care, she really wants to get out and do something.”

“I’d love to have her.” Lexie smiled as she handed the woman her change. Then she turned her hundred-watt smile on Killian. “Have you decided what you’d like?”

Yes. You.

“I’d like to have dinner with you.”

Had he asked her out? He could hardly believe the words had dropped out of his stupid mouth. He wanted to smack himself. God, was he a dumbass or what?

Lexie stared at him. “Excuse me?”

“Uh, black with a shot of espresso, please. And I’ll take a couple of those cinnamon rolls.” Then, he couldn’t help himself. “And I still want to take you to dinner.”

She didn’t say anything while she fixed his coffee and slid a couple of rolls onto a small plate for him. He waited while she processed his payment, wondering if she’d even respond to his invitation.

“Take any of the tables.” She laughed. “We’re not busy at the moment. You just beat the noon rush.”

But he stood there at the counter, stubbornly, unable to believe what he was doing. This was so not like him. He’d met his share of women both in his hometown and when he travelled to Great Falls, and he hadn’t been tongue-tied with any of them. Or with any of those he’d had a more extended relationship with. So, why was he suddenly acting like a teenager?