Chapter 13
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The bell above the coffee shop door jingled softly as Madison stepped inside.
The warm, nutty scent of espresso and cinnamon hit her like a full-body hug.
Her shoulders relaxed for the first time all morning, even though she’d only slept—what, maybe four hours, tops?
She, Garrett, Ryker, and some of the full-time brewery staff had been working around the clock to get ready for the soft opening.
Garrett walked in behind her, the door catching slightly on the heel of his boot as it swung shut.
She hadn’t meant to arrive with him.
But they’d both stepped outside at the same time, bleary-eyed, with matching mumbles about caffeine. They hadn’t planned this. Hadn’t planned to meet or walk to Sacred Grounds together. But standing there in the doorway . . . it sure looked like they had.
Every head turned. She caught snippets of greetings from around the café.
“Morning, Garrett.”
“Good morning, Madison!”
“We’re looking forward to the opening!”
Madison barely remembered some of their names, but they spoke to her like she’d always belonged.
And the wild part? She didn’t hate it like she thought she would.
She offered polite smiles, nodding to familiar faces as she stepped up to the counter, the warm wood beneath her palms grounding her in the moment.
A woman with kind eyes and a high ponytail tucked under a soft baseball cap smiled from behind the register. “You must be Madison. I’m Kate.”
Madison smiled, instantly liking her. Garrett had mentioned that Kate was dating his brother. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard good things from Garrett.”
Kate’s laugh was soft. “He’s not always wrong.”
Madison’s stomach growled loudly as she eyed the pastry case. “Please tell me that scone is blueberry.”
“Fresh batch this morning. And we added a hint of lemon glaze,” Kate said, already bagging one up.
Madison practically salivated. “You’re dangerous.”
“Only before ten a.m.,” Kate quipped.
Garrett stepped up behind her just as Madison handed over her card. “I’ve got it,” he said, nudging her elbow as he handed Kate his instead.
“You don’t have to—”
“It’s coffee and a scone, not a mortgage payment.”
Kate swiped his card and leaned slightly toward Madison, lowering her voice just enough. “You two make a cute couple. How long’s it been?”
Madison blinked. “Oh—we’re not . . .”
Kate gave her a questioning look.
Madison chuckled, warmth creeping up her neck. “I’m just helping with the brewery launch. We aren’t dating.”
Kate nodded slowly, not looking convinced. “Right. Got it.”
Madison took the to-go bag with a murmured thanks and stepped aside to wait for her drink, trying not to let her grin stretch too wide.
Garrett ordered his usual—something with two shots and no frills. He caught her watching and his gaze sharpened. “What?”
“Nothing,” she said, fighting back a smirk. “You just have a very boring coffee order for someone who likes experimenting with beer flavors.”
He gave her a look. “That scone better be worth the sass.”
“It has lemon glaze,” she said, lifting her bag. “I regret nothing.”
Their drinks were ready a minute later, and as they left Sacred Grounds, walking side by side, Madison couldn’t help but notice the hush behind them, like the whole coffee shop was watching.
“Do you think the entire town is placing bets on us?” she muttered.
“Knowing Deer Creek Falls?” Garrett took a sip of his coffee. “Probably.”