Chapter 4

Note: You ran out of coffee. Pick up coffee at the grocery store and don't go to Books, Beans, and Buns!

The note left on the front of his refrigerator this morning made him laugh. He should have headed to the grocery store, but he was at his favorite coffee shop in town. The bell above the door jingled as Alex pushed into Books, Beans, and Buns, his senses immediately engulfed by the scent of dark roast mixed with the subtle tang of aged paper. He inhaled deeply, a hint of a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. The warmth enveloped him, a stark contrast to the brisk autumn air that nipped at his cheeks outside.

"Hey, Alex!" Brock's voice cut through the symphony of espresso machines and rustling pages. The owner waved him over as he began working on another order for the customer ahead of him.

"Morning, Brock." Alex approached the counter, realizing he had his hands stuffed in the pockets of his jeans as he tried to hide from reality. Being yelled at the night before had put him in a mood. He wasn't sure who the guy was who'd been changing his tire, but he didn't want to run into him again.

"The clinic treating you well?" Brock's eyebrows arched high as he finished steaming the milk.

"It's keeping me on my toes." Alex pulled his hands from his pockets, trying to act relaxed.

"Bet it does," Brock said, chuckling as he slid a steaming cup across the counter to the waiting customer who had her nose buried in a book. "Here you go, miss."

The woman looked up and flashed a smile. "Thank you, and thanks for the recommendation of the book. It's good."

Brock smiled wider. "Nothing like a good book and a hot cup of coffee. Enjoy!"

"Sure will."

"What will you have?" Brock asked. "Let me guess, just coffee?"

"Yes. Just coffee."

Brock grabbed a paper cup and lifted it. "Paper?"

Alex nodded. "I need to head over to the office."

"Sure. I hope all the people are treating you well. I know the animals are for sure."

Alex chuckled. "Definitely. It's a good town. Not at all like the last place I lived before."

"Big cities take it out of you. They're unforgiving." Brock set the coffee on the counter, and Alex paid.

"Thanks, Brock," Alex said as he picked up his coffee, ready to leave.

"Have a great day."

"You, too."

Alex turned and almost collided with a tall man but saved himself at the last minute. He hadn't known anyone else had stepped in and surely didn't know the guy was standing so close.

"Watch it!" The voice, sharp and irritated, yanked Alex's attention upward.

The man's lips pressed into a thin line, and his forehead crinkled. His eyes narrowed as annoyance flashed in his sky-blue eyes. He was tall, his shoulders wide and his waist narrow. He had muscles and a tan that indicated he spent a lot of time outdoors. The shadow of his whiskers showed that he hadn't shaved this morning, and Alex wondered if that was on purpose or if he'd been running late.

"Sorry," Alex mumbled, heat creeping up his neck as he wondered if all the hot guys were assholes here. The man last night had a nice body but a shitty attitude. His grip tightened on the cup as he sidestepped, putting distance between himself and the man whose jaw tightened and his nostrils flared. A muscle ticked in the guy's cheek, betraying the effort it took to swallow further anger.

"Jesus, be more careful," the guy snapped under his breath, but still loud enough for Alex to hear.

Alex needed to get away before he said something. He glanced back and something sparked as recognition. Was it the same guy he'd almost run over the night before—the man changing the tire? No, it couldn't be. That would be too much of a coincidence. But both of them were very hot. Great, just great. He was ogling a jerk.

Alex's hand trembled as he clutched his coffee cup, the warmth against his palm doing nothing to soothe the sudden chill that had washed over him. For just the briefest of seconds he caught the man's gaze, noticing the irritation still etched in the fine lines around those piercing blue eyes. First last night, now this morning. This guy seemed to be having a shit time of it. Normally, Alex would flee the confrontation, but something told him a kind word would go a long way to helping the man feel better.

"Look, I'm really sorry about that." Alex held his breath for a second while the man straightened his shoulders. Then, after a few seconds, the guy let out a slow breath, apologies shining in his eyes.

"No, I'm the one who should apologize for snapping."

Alex nodded as a group of teenagers rushed in, filling the space with noise. Brock called up the next customer, which happened to be the man he'd almost run into. There was no reason for him to stick around, so he headed out. He had a long day of work ahead, and he needed to focus. The auction was starting to stress him, which was the last thing he needed.