I lift the steaming mug to my lips, inhaling the rich aroma. I moan when the heavenly mix of vanilla and hazelnut hits my tongue.

“Girl, you make drinking coffee sound erotic. Let’s make a commercial. I’ll have a line around the block,” Delilah announces and signals down Main Street from the front window. She turns off the open sign, whips off her pink apron, and plops down on the cushy chair next to mine. I take another generous sip, making sure my enjoyment is heard loud and clear.

“Now you’re being over the top,” she says.

“You brew damn good beans. I’m only showing my appreciation of your mad skills.”

My best friend shimmies her shoulders. “That’s right, keep stroking my ego.”

I laugh, but she deserves all the praise. Everyone in our small town would tell her the same. In less than a year, Delilah has set up a very successful—and profitable—business. Her coffee house, Jitters, is everything Garden Grove had been missing and she delivered big time. “How’s business this week?”

She fluffs a decorative pillow before slouching deeper into the seat. “Kinda slow thanks to summer winding down, but you won’t hear me complaining. After that hectic season, I’m ready for a break. The profit margin is totally worth it, though.” Her eyes flutter shut, and I’m pretty sure she’s going to fall asleep.

I nudge her lightly. “You’re such a boss.”

“Thanks for noticing.” Delilah peeks over at me. “How’re you hanging in there? Usually you don’t stop by for an evening boost unless it’s been a rough day.”

I glance around the empty café, recalling the very unexpected events during my lunch shift. My belly gets all tingly and warm, along with the rest of me. The smile lifting my lips feels like a reflex, cropping up whenever I think about him.

Delilah springs to attention, suddenly rejuvenated. “Oh, snap. Something actually happened. I figured Marlene was just exaggerating.”

I groan and cover my face. “That woman needs a better hobby. She has ears everywhere, I swear.”

She scoffs. “She’ll be busy with great-grandbaby number twenty soon enough.”

I snort. “Pretty sure this is the first one. Peter and Becky stopped by Dagos while they were here visiting. I heard all about Marlene’s extravagant plans.”

Not that she’s ever secretive about anything. The old lady has a reliable reputation of spreading all Garden Grove gossip far and wide. Trying to keep news private around here is a task and a half thanks to her.

Delilah steeples her fingers. “Even better. All her attention will be solely focused.”

“True story.”

Her eyebrows jump up and down. “So, let’s get back to your sordid affair this afternoon. Tell me everything.”

I feel my cheeks heat and scratch at the burn. “Uh, well... Shane stopped by to eat. Mitch was with him. They sat in my section.”

Delilah pretends to snore. “Oh my gosh, snooze-alert. Get to the good stuff.”

“I was doing a slow build-up for the ultimate climatic experience.”

“Damn, that sounds sexy. But save it for the bedroom. With Shane,” she stage-whispers.

I don’t hold back my exaggerated eye roll. “That’s all shot to shit. Turns out he’s really looking for a new place to live. And it just so happens I have a room available. Somehow, he walked up at the exact moment I was whining to Myla about Tania leaving. Shane couldn’t speak up fast enough.”

She blinks at me and shakes her head. “Wait a second. He actually wants to move in with you?”

“Hey!” I shove her lightly. “You make it seem like such a hardship.”

“Oh, please. It’s just surprising considering his wishy-washy behavior. This is a fairly huge commitment. He can’t flake out on you.”

I bite my lip. “Shane is pretty positive about living together. He didn’t want to come by first or anything. Just agreed blindly and ready to go.” A pebble of doubt rolls in my stomach recalling his over eagerness that quickly changed to hesitation. I squint at Delilah and say, “That closes the door for a relationship between us. I made sure to let him know our status would be friends-only. No bed-sharing.” I sigh and slump my shoulders. “Kinda sucks, right?”

She crosses her arms. “I call bullshit.”

“What? Why?”

“You honestly think lines won’t be crossed? I give it a few weeks, tops. No way he can resist you. That man has it so effing bad, girlfriend.”

“Sure has a funny way of showing it,” I reply.

Delilah shoots me a flat stare. “Don’t be a downer. Sounds to me like he pounced on this opportunity, assuming it would bring you two closer. I take it you’re the one with the silly boundary rules?”

“D, leaving the possibility open is a disaster waiting to happen. It’s far easier to shut this down before anything happens. I’m thankful to have a decent roommate option. I won’t blow it because he’s hot and my lady bits want his beef stick.”

She sticks out her tongue. “Thanks for the visual.”

“Please,” I say through a giggle. “You’re far worse than me.”

“She’s right, D,” Raven calls from the hallway. My other bestie strolls toward us, a streak of flour across her forehead like war paint.

“You win the battle?” I ask.

Raven plops onto the couch across from us. “It was touch and go, but I pulled out ahead.”

“That’s what she said,” I joke and we all laugh.

Raven claps. “We should totally binge The Office tonight.”

I smile at her. She’s a much-needed addition around here, and not just for her masterbaking. Raven managed to turn Trey’s permanent frown upside down and the entire population of Garden Grove is thankful. That guy is still unruly, but he’s far better these days.

“I’m in,” I chirp.

Delilah bumps me. “Shouldn’t you be preparing for a certain someone to enter your domain?”

“You make it sound so dirty,” I reply.

Raven holds up a hand. “I missed something. Please explain.” They’re both looking at me, and I exhale slowly, mentally preparing for another round of questions.

“Shane is moving in with me,” I murmur.

“Since when?” Raven’s pitch raises several notches.

I pick at my nails. “Um, today?”

“You sure about this?” she asks.

“I’m suddenly very unsure,” I admit.

Delilah chimes in. “Why?”

“Because I’m weak and he’s so attractive,” I wail with a fist in the air. They burst into a fit of cackles.

Raven wipes under her eyes. “I don’t see the issue.”

I form a square with my fingers. “Let me paint you a picture. What starts at flirting turns into heavy petting, which obviously leads to sex. What if it’s terrible? Then we’re stuck in the same apartment, avoiding each other until his lease runs out. That’s really uncomfortable to imagine.”

Delilah shrugs. “Would you rather be constantly wondering how fantastic it could be? Take it from me, don’t miss an opportunity.”

“Not to mention all that wasted chemistry,” Raven adds.

I fake-sob. “It’s tragic. Shane came out of thin air. Seriously, where is he from? Suddenly he’s barging into my personal space with his woodsy cologne and bulging muscles. No man should look so hot wearing a ball cap. Oh, and don’t forget dimples.” I smack the table. “Those bad boys are lethal. How am I expected to resist?”

My friends are wearing matching grins. I search their expressions. My gaze bounces between them, waiting for all the answers. Their lips only lift higher.

Eventually I crack. “Okay, what’re you two thinking?”

Delilah rubs my back. “You’re already sunk, sweetheart.”

I balk at that. “No way. I hardly know the guy. Sure, Shane has stepped in when I needed help a couple of times, but he rarely speaks to me. Today was our first decent conversation in months.”

“You’re a special case,” Raven says. “Shane talks plenty. Pretty sure he drives Trey a little mad when they’re working together. Mostly blabbing about you, I’m sure.” I roll my eyes at that, but she keeps going. “Addy, he doesn’t hide it well. At all.”

Delilah’s blonde hair swishes when she nods. “He loves sneaking up on you, swooping in at the perfect moment. Holi-Daze was my favorite. He would have pummeled those guys with your permission.”

I glance at the ceiling, prickles trailing up my spine. “You weren’t even there.”

“Feels like I was with the amount of vivid detail you provided. What’s his nickname for you again?” she prods.

I shiver just thinking about him calling me lass in that deep voice of his. The word rolls off his seductive tongue like candy. Why is that so hot? My gaze jumps to the traffic outside, continuing to avoid her all-knowing stare. “Not sure what you mean.”

Delilah elbows me. “No way you’re playing this game. We both know you remember like it was yesterday.”

I huff. “He calls me lass.”

Raven’s brow crinkles. “Huh?”

“Like an Irish girl,” I supply.

“Don’t you hate redhead stereotypes?” she asks.

“This is different,” I mumble.

“So gone,” Delilah whispers to Raven.

I bite my lip. “Do you think living with him is a mistake?”

A knot tugs in my chest when considering backing out of our deal. I’ve already grown attached to the idea, my wavering be damned. These more than friendly feelings toward Shane can be dealt with later. I’m completely capable of controlling myself.

“It’s a fantastic plan. I’ve already told you. All of Shane’s needs will be met under your roof,” Raven says with a bounce in her brow.

“Yup.” Delilah agrees. “What could possibly go wrong?”

“I feel like you two haven’t been listening to any of my concerns,” I complain. “What would my mother say about living with a guy? I can’t even think about my dad.”

Delilah scoffs. “Lucky for you, they’re living very permanently in Florida.”

“Retirement suits them well,” I say.

“Seriously your mom is a fox. You’ve got great genes. Must be nice knowing that’s how you’ll look at sixty. I bet your dad still has to chase men off her tail,” Delilah laughs.

“Ugh, he’s used to it. They’ve been together forever. She’s always kept him busy.” I shudder. “I don’t want to think about that.”

“Right, so what’s your next excuse?” Delilah asks and motions for me to spit it out.

I cross my legs and pull at the fraying hem of my shorts. “How will this impact my dating life?”

“You mean the nonexistent one?” Raven laughs.

I giggle at her snark. “Shut up over there.”

Delilah pokes my arm. “I’d say it’s going to be really helpful getting Shane locked down.”

I muffle a groan between my fingers. “D, that’s not the point of letting him move in. I have to consider other options.”

“Addy, you’ve lived in Garden Grove all your twenty-three years. The male prospects aren’t suddenly going to change. I’d say this is your best bet. Plus, he’s the one you want and has been for quite a while. Let’s not lie,” Delilah drawls.

“Are you searching for an escape clause?” Raven arches a brow.

I shrug. “I just want to explore all avenues.”

“Because the possibilities are endless.” Raven’s words are coated in a heavy dose of sarcasm.

Delilah makes a sound of agreement. “Girlfriend, this is a match made is roommate heaven. Green light means go for it. You won’t hear me trying to persuade otherwise.”

I squint at her. “Being in love sure does change a person.”

She flips some blonde hair over her shoulder. “I know, right? Looks good on me.”

Raven laughs and points at me. “You’re next.”

“Why did I bother bringing this up? Both of you are total instigators,” I accuse.

“Guilty as charged,” they reply in unison.

I smile in spite of the unease coursing through me. “Now I know how it feels when we play two-against-one in the dealing with men department.”

Raven winks. “Isn’t it lovely to be outnumbered?”

“Yeah, what else are friends for?” Delilah jibes.

“That’s the best question I’ve heard so far this evening,” I mutter. Their expressions sober, and my stomach twists at ruining the humor between us.

Raven leans forward. “Are you honestly worried? I figured we were mostly messing around about this. It already seems like your mind's made up.”

I blow out a long breath. “It is. I was just looking for a bit of support. Maybe to back up my friends-only rule.”

“Is that really what you want out of this?” Delilah asks.

“Yeah?” The word is wimpy, even to my own ears.

“Addy, let’s be honest. Shane is transparent about his feelings, but he’s not the only one,” Raven comments.

“Deny all you want. The constant fidgeting alone gives you away. But we’ll just see what happens,” Delilah says.

“You know how much I like going with the flow,” Raven quips.

I roll my eyes and stand up. “Great plan. Thanks.”

Delilah grabs my wrist. “Where are you going? We haven’t discussed this topic in nearly enough depth.”

I shake her off with a playful shove. “You’re just trying to further delay the cleaning chores.” She doesn’t dispute my assumption. I take a moment to study the quiet café. “Not sure if I tell you often enough, but the setup in here is fantastic. Comfortable furniture by the window. Regular table and chairs closer to the counter. I love the layout. Very welcoming and customer friendly.”

Delilah tilts her chin. “And I think you missed a true calling as an interior decorator. Your apartment alone is proof.”

I wave her off. “I’d never be able to do that as a job. Especially around here. There aren’t enough options.”

“Just for fun, in your free time. Those inspiration boards of yours are a-mazing. I’m seriously jelly of your creativity. You should help people redecorate,” Raven suggests.

I shrug. “Maybe. I’m happy working at Dagos for now.”

Delilah sniffs. “Yeah, yeah. Rub it in.”

I smirk at her. “You ready to match my salary?”

“Nope. Still can’t afford you,” she admits.

“Quit your bitching. You’ve got the best baker in the state,” I say. “Grayson would love to expand our desserts menu, but no one can compete.”

“Damn straight,” Raven cheers.

I slowly step toward the door, attempting a clean getaway. They snicker at my not-so-stealthy retreat. “Off to prepare your love nest?” Delilah drawls.

A shiver rolls over me as I let my imagination run wild. I don’t bother hiding my grin. “Maybe.”