Brewed Danger

Chapter 1 Teagan

Teagan

“Are you done yet?”

A warm hand lands on the small of my back. If I didn’t know the voice preceding the touch, I would have jumped. Twisting around, my eyes lock on his and warm fuzzies immediately swarm in the pit of my stomach. “I’m sorry. What?”

“You’ve been off gallivanting around Europe for, what, two years?

Are you done yet?” Axel Pembroke, my best friend's brother’s palm continues to warm my side.

This is different. New. Unexpected. He’s always been confident but has never shown any signs that he’s cared about what I do with my life.

So, to hear him ask me this is shocking.

Not gonna lie, I love how bold he’s being right now.

“Gallivanting? I was an Au Pair for a couple who travels for work so I could earn enough money to buy the café like the owners and I agreed upon before I left. You know that. Don’t play dumb.

” A lone brow arches above my left eye. “Don’t pretend like you didn’t overhear me and Finley discussing this before I left.

Your sister tried talking me out of it all the time.

” At this, he removes his hand and crosses his arms over his chest.

“I heard you both argue from time to time about leaving to pursue your dreams. I just…” He stalls for a beat drumming up how to complete his sentence.

He’s never been an open book, so I know whatever he says will likely be cryptic.

“I knew a little about the Au Pair job, but not for how long, or details about the café to be honest. One minute you were here, and the next you’re gone. ”

“There’s one thing you know about me… I’ll go to any lengths to get what I want.”

“Well... If I didn’t know. I damn sure do now.”

“And don’t forget it.” I wink. Where my newfound confidence is coming from is beyond me, but I’m proud of myself. This man has always lived rent-free in my mind and he has no idea all the things I’ve dreamt of doing to him.

As a smirk curves on his lips, he nods to someone behind me.

“After you mingle, come find me.” His gorgeous sky-blue eyes flick to each of mine.

What the heck does he mean? Come find him?

My heart rate picks up at an alarming rate and I pray my cheeks aren’t betraying me although I feel the heat creeping up my face.

Trying to shake how much he’s getting to me, I turn to find my best friend Finley heading my way with two drinks in tow.

“Not too shabby for a welcome home party, slash Thanksgiving dinner, right?” Finley holds up the beverages.

Bumping my hip with hers, I take the offered spritzer.

“You and your family are too kind. You know you didn’t need to invite the whole town to y’all’s Thanksgiving get-together on my account.

Not gonna lie though, I love that you live on the shore and it’s very convenient for this crowd that your house is massive.

That may be the only reason most of these people showed up. ” Giggling, I take a swig.

“It is a nice house but they’re definitely here to see you and live vicariously through your wonderful stories about all the places you got to visit and hear about the lovely coffee shops you got to frequent to get inspiration.

Not to mention, Thanksgiving was Thursday.

Today is Saturday. So, technically the holiday is over and this is all about you. ”

“Ha-ha. You’re impossible, but they do seem a bit too intrigued about all the quaint cafés I went to regularly.

” My thoughts trail off as I reminisce about when I stepped into the cutest patisserie I’ve ever seen.

The café’s cascade of vibrant blooms greeted me—petals unfurling like delicate whispers in the air.

Sunlight filtered through the flowers, casting a warm glow on the worn wooden tables.

Scents of jasmine mingled with freshly brewed coffee and wrapped around me like a familiar embrace.

I sank into a plush chair, my fingers brushed against the cool ceramic of my cup.

Happiness danced around me, each sound pulled me deeper into the magic of that hidden Parisian gem.

Those flowers will add to a similar theme I’ll use when I decorate Bayfront Beans, the café I worked at through high school and college. It’s the same one I’ve had my heart set on making mine for nearly a decade.

“Don’t forget to come see me before you leave.” Goose bumps pepper my skin as Axel’s breath feathers against my neck.

Clearing my throat, I twist my head to where his lips just were, putting us nose to nose. “I won’t.” My words come out too breathy. It takes all that’s in me not to close the distance and feel his warm lips on mine.

Straightening his spine, he stands a good head taller than me. “See you later.” He takes a step away and I hold my breath until he’s around the corner.

“Umm, care to explain?” Finley’s voice brings me back down to earth.

“Explain?” My head is still scrambled.

“Yeah, what the hell was that?” Her eyebrows nearly touch her hairline.

“I…I have no idea.” I don’t. He’s never even hinted at liking me. I’m pretty sure he’s flirting but I don’t know.

“It looked to me like you two were about to consume each other right here and now. You can cut the sexual tension with a knife.” Finley takes a long pull from her bottle.

“It did not look that way.” There’s no way my cheeks aren’t as red as this party dress I’m wearing. Holding my glass bottle to my face, I do my best to cool down.

“See, you’re all hot and bothered, but won’t admit it,” she says a little too loud for my comfort.

“Finley, shh. No one here knows that,” I whisper yell. “Only you know I’ve had a crush on him since we were teens. I’d like to keep it that way.”

“Girl, anyone in this room can look at you and see you’ve got it bad for my brother. But let me warn you, Stella has been working overtime to get him to notice her.”

“What?” My stomach starts to turn. Stella has always had eyes for him but so have I.

“I’m just saying, don’t wait too long before you let him know how you feel.” She grips my shoulder. “But never mind about her. Tonight is about you.”

“Ut-un. I’m too heated to want to change the subject. I need to know, did they ever date?” He’s extremely well-built being a builder and all. He’s easy on the eyes and would make anyone a great husband. I don’t blame Stella, but I certainly don’t like the idea of those two ever being together.

“That’s a whole story in and of itself but he’s not with anyone,” Finley answers enigmatically.

“Hold on? What kind of answer is that?” What the heck kind of things happened between those two?

“Oh, it’s an interesting story but not mine to tell, you’ll have to get it out of him. But what is important to know is that he’s not dating anyone at the moment.”

“Well, I know that he was busy focusing on his business before I left. But if he’s single I’m happy.”

“As you should be. I’ve never even seen him look at anyone the way he was just looking at you.” She knocks her bottle to mine.

“And how was that exactly?” I thought maybe he was flirting, but she knows her brother better than anyone.

“Like he’s hungry and you’re his next meal.” Immediately, we burst out laughing, getting a few glances our way. “Speaking of food, I’m sure Dad has all the food ready. Let’s go.” Looping her arm through mine, we head to the patio.

As Finley and I step outside, the rich, savory aroma of a Thanksgiving feast envelops me.

The warm scent of roasted turkey fills the air, mingling with the buttery notes of mashed potatoes and the sweet, spiced fragrance of pumpkin pie.

A hint of herbs—rosemary and thyme—wafts from the kitchen, blending seamlessly with the mouthwatering smell of stuffing, creating an olfactory symphony making my stomach rumble in anticipation.

Breathing in deeply, I let the fragrance wash over me.

The promise of good food and cherished moments brings a smile to my face.

I’ve been looking forward to coming home, and now that I’m finally here, the sights and smells make it all so real.

I glance over at Finley, grinning as wide as I am.

Her excitement is infectious, and I can’t help but revel in the surge of happiness flowing through me.

Outside, the backyard comes alive with vibrant autumn colors, the last leaves clinging to the trees.

Though it’s chilly in Starlight Bay, the crisp air is invigorating, and a cozy jacket wards off the cold.

String lights twinkle overhead, casting a warm, golden glow on the gathering below.

A long table is set in the center, draped with a seasonal tablecloth, laden with platters of golden-brown turkey, rich gravy, creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and freshly baked rolls.

The sight of a pumpkin pie, its crust perfectly browned, makes my mouth water.

Laughter and chatter float through the air, mingling with the clinking of glasses and the joyful strains of a holiday playlist drifting from a portable speaker.

Everyone seems to be in high spirits, the warmth of friendship and community palpable.

Familiar faces greet me, and the festive setup fills me with a sense of belonging.

It’s the perfect welcome home party. I couldn’t be happier.