Bonus Epilogue

"Welcome to the Coffee Loft." I adjust my apron, clear my throat, and bat my lashes over the counter at the handsome man waiting to be served. It's my first day on the job, working as a new assistant manager, and I already know I'm going to love everything about working for Coffee Loft. "How can I help you?"

"I'm not sure yet." North leans over on the counter, resting both elbows. "Whatever I get I'm going to need a Lofty size as the car wash is just beginning, and I have a feeling it's going to be a long day."

"That's right." I slowly press the buttons on the tablet to punch in a Lofty size drink, making sure I don't miss anything. "How many players do you think will show up to help out?"

"I made it a required practice, so it better be the whole team. We have to earn money some way."

"Oh, before I forget." I grab his coffee cup but rest it in my palm as I have so many thoughts racing through my brain. "Did my dad get ahold of you for the final count of pizzas you need donated. I think he was going to do about thirty. Is that okay?"

"That should be phenomenal. I hate fundraising, but every little bit helps."

Portia walks forward, smiling sweetly toward North. "Why don't you put Coffee Loft down for donating some gift cards for the auction."

"That's awfully sweet of you." North nods, pulling his phone out to make a note. "I'm messaging our secretary now before I forget to add it to the roster." After a moment of typing, he looks back up from his phone. "Boy, there's so much to remember with these things, but it's coming together. We'll have football for at least another year."

"That's the goal, right?" Another customer passes through the front door, and I hate to rush North, but I'm super slow at making drinks, and I hate to get behind. "Did you want your chai?"

"What do you think?" North beams at me as his gaze paces from me to Portia, who quietly stands behind me to assist with my training. "Should I go back to my usual chai, or find something new?"

"You know what I think." I playfully hold off to wait for that sparkle in his eye that always appears when I tease him.

"What's that?" He leans one arm on the counter, and I marvel how his arms get better looking every day.

My heart blooms full of so much love as I know I finally found my place. I love my new life, working at the Coffee Loft. I get to see Dad most days as he's only across the street, and I love that I'm finally living my days with North. Nothing else matters. "I don't care if you order pumpkin spice, vanilla or chai. The only thing I care about is that you are my guy ."

Thank you for reading No More Mr. Chai Guy.