CHAPTER 31
“Y ou have gotten pretty spoiled,” Jonny told himself, as he grimaced at the bitter taste of the cup of coffee he’d just brewed. “Not too long ago, you would’ve thought this drink was fine. Now you’re acting as if you’re drinking cough syrup.”
Determined to prove his point, he picked up his cup and gulped the remaining liquid. It was as acidic as he’d remembered. In addition, even though the coffee wasn’t scalding, it was hot enough to make his eyes water as it slid down his throat.
And now he was not only spoiled, but he was an idiot, too.
Sitting on the stool behind the shop’s counter, Jonny tried to ignore the burn. It was difficult but doable.
Just as electing to not go to the Trailside Café at his usual time had been.
Perhaps it was just as foolish?
“You need to stop worrying so much and just tell Treva how you feel,” he muttered. “Once you tell her what’s in your heart, you’ll know where you stand. For better or worse, you’ll both know where you stand. Treva won’t be guessing, and you won’t be stressing.” Rubbing his chest, he tried that idea on for size. It felt good.
Or maybe the coffee’s burn had finally dissipated? Whatever the reason, he was going with it. “Yeah, Jonathan. That’s the thing to do.”
Now that he had a game plan, his future was looking brighter. But did it have to include drinking poorly brewed coffee?
He could be wrong, but he didn’t think there was a strong correlation.
Glancing at the digital clock on the counter, Jonny figured the last of the morning rush should be finished within the next hour. He’d stay put, maybe wipe down some shelves, and then when it was almost nine, he’d head down to Treva’s shop.
Maybe even give in and finally have one of Treva’s apricot bars. Just yesterday he’d received a call from Dr. Mason’s physician’s assistant with his latest lab results. It had been incredible. His cholesterol numbers had gone down almost twenty points.
“Whatever you’ve been doing, keep doing it,” the physician’s assistant had said.
“I will, but can I cheat every now and then?”
“What do you mean by cheating?” she’d asked.
“Nothing too crazy. Just a cookie or muffin every once in a while. Maybe have a steak?”
To his surprise, the woman on the other end of the line had giggled. “You did take Dr. Mason’s orders seriously, didn’t you?”
“Wasn’t I supposed to?”
“Yes. Yes, of course! It’s just that . . . well, not everyone is so diligent, I’m afraid.”
“So, can I?”
“I think it would be fine, as long as you don’t go too crazy.” Her voice hardened. “Don’t you dare start eating fast food and donuts all the time.”
“I won’t.” Still needing direction, he said, “But maybe three cheats a week?” And yes, he was acting like a kid looking forward to a pillow sack filled with Halloween candy.
“Do you really need your directions to be that specific?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Three cheats a week, then. But that doesn’t mean a burger, fries, and chocolate shake count as one cheat.”
“So . . . that would be three?”
“That would be three.”
“What do you think about four?”
“I think I’m beginning to understand why you needed specifics,” she said, teasing him. “Jonny, I feel good about telling you three cheats. If you want something different, you’re going to have to go see Dr. Mason.”
No way was he going to drive up to Cleveland just to be told to take care of himself better. As far as he was concerned, he’d already been there and done that. “That won’t be necessary.”
The PA chuckled but seemed satisfied with their conversation.
And now, here he was, thinking about Treva, her coffee, and some apricot bars.
When the door chimed, he breathed a sigh of relief. He needed a break from the thoughts about Treva revolving in his head.
But it looked like that wasn’t going to be the case.
There she was in the flesh, looking fresh and delightful as always. And, even better, holding two large cups of coffee in her hands.
“Treva, I can’t believe you’re here.”
A puzzled look appeared on her forehead. “I hope you’re glad to see me?”
“Very glad,” he said as he strode to her side. “Especially if one of those cups is for me?”
“It is, though you’re making me feel kind of bad,” she said. “One would almost think you’re more excited about seeing that cup of coffee than me.”
“Not at all.” And before he went and talked himself out of it, he leaned down and kissed her hello. Her lips softened as she leaned close, letting him know that she welcomed it.
Pleased, he brushed his lips against hers again before moving back.
“Treva, I was just thinking about you . . . and here you are. It’s a nice surprise.”
“I’m glad you think so.” Looking a little dazed, she handed him his cup. “Here.”
He laughed. “ Danke .” Taking an exploratory sip, he sighed in appreciation. There it was. Smooth, flavorful, nonacidic coffee. Fixed just the way he liked it. “It’s perfect.”
“It’s just a cup of coffee, Jonny.”
“It’s more than that. Plus, you used almond milk. Thank you.”
“I know that’s what you prefer. It wasn’t any trouble.” A line formed between her brows. Obviously, she was confused by his effusive praise, and who could blame her?
Glad they were alone in the shop, he reached for her free hand and pulled her toward the back of the shop. “Have a seat,” he said. “I’ll go grab another stool.”
When he returned, she was half spinning on the stool, going about halfway around before returning to her original position. He noticed that her cast was far smaller and her wrist didn’t seem to be bothering her any.
Today, she had on a violet-colored dress, black stockings, and some half boots. Instead of wearing a cloak, she had on the fleece he’d given her. “I like you in the fleece,” he said.
“ Danke . It’s cozy and warm. I like wearing it.”
When they shared a smile, tension rose between them. It was obvious that each of them had something on their minds.
“Since you’re here and the shop is empty, can we talk for a moment?”
“Of course. That’s actually why I came. I was hoping to get the chance to visit with you during your morning lull.”
“We’re learning each other’s schedules, aren’t we?”
“I’d say so.” She looked down at her lap as she sipped her coffee.
“Treva?”
She looked him in the eyes again. “Yes?”
“I need to tell you something, but every time I practice my speech, it comes out wrong.”
“Why don’t you just tell me what you’re thinking, then? I don’t want to hear something that’s practiced.”
She was right. Smooth, glib words wouldn’t convey the same meaning as three simple words did. Setting his cup of coffee on the counter, he reached for her hand. Took a fortifying breath. “I love you.”
Her eyes widened and she inhaled sharply.
For a second there, he’d been sure that she’d guessed what he’d been about to say. A flicker of unease settled back inside of him, burning his insides like that awful, acidic coffee. “Sorry if I’ve shocked you,” he said in a rush. “Another man might have a suave way of putting things, but I’ve never claimed to be suave. But it’s true,” he continued, unable to stop himself from talking nonstop. “I love so many things about you, Treva Kramer. I love the way you treat everyone around you. I love how close you are to your family. I love how you rode that bike even though you were scared. I love how you can make a perfect cup of coffee. I love how pretty you are. Treva, you’ve claimed my heart.”
“Jonny.” Her voice sounded kind of breathless and her green eyes were damp, making the color turn to jade.
Was she happy? Upset?
“Treva, say something,” he whispered. “Say something before I begin another awkward, incomprehensible speech.”
“I understood your speech just fine.” She squeezed his hand.
One of the tears that had been filling her eyes escaped. Unable to help himself, he captured it with his finger. “And?” he asked.
“And I love you, too.”
“You do?”
“So much.” She leaned forward.
That was all he needed to move closer, pull her into his arms, and kiss her lips. When her lips moved against his, he deepened their connection, enjoying the feel of her, the taste of her.
No, enjoying the feeling of being in love.
When they finally broke apart, he said, “You’ve made me so very happy, Treva. I love you so much.”
Happiness and promise filled her eyes. “Then kiss me again.”
He needed no more urging.