I sipped my coffee, waiting for Eli to meet me. Based on the conversation at the table behind me, news of his engagement to Delaney had spread quickly.
“I’d been in her store before, but I don’t really know her. She’s not from around here.” The woman talked like she was in high school but sounded a bit too old for that.
Turning around to look would give away that I was eavesdropping, so I stayed still.
“Well, whatever she modeled for him sure cured him.”
The cute brunette who ran the doughnut shop walked past me. “Or maybe he wasn’t the one with the problem.”
“You mean she has a problem? His fiancée?”
I couldn’t tell who asked the question, and it took a lot of willpower not to turn around and look.
“No, that’s not what I mean. Just forget it. Have a nice day.” The brunette sighed as she passed my table.
“Miss.”
She whipped around and smiled. “Yes? What can I help you with?”
She answered to miss without hesitation, and there wasn’t a ring on her finger. Those were helpful pieces of information.
“I just wanted to say how good the doughnut was. Delicious.” I stayed too busy playing private investigator to even think about dating right now, but maybe that would change at some point.
“Which kind did you have?” She stuck her hands into the pockets of her apron.
“I had the one with the glaze and pecans on top. So good.”
“Thanks.” She glanced at the door as a small crowd walked in. “Help yourself to more coffee.”
I watched as she chatted with customers and handed doughnuts to the hungry people. Her hair was up in a knot, and I wondered how it would look dancing around her shoulders.
How had it taken me a year to come into the doughnut shop? After being in here today, I wanted to schedule more client meetings at the doughnut shop.
The lady behind me bumped my chair as she stood. “I wonder what Tessa meant. She always did take up for Eli. I’m surprised they didn’t get married.”
The other woman laughed. “Eli and Tessa are cousins. Didn’t you know that?”
“Oh!” The woman flipped her hair over her shoulder as she walked past me. “That makes so much sense.”
The ladies were much older than high school age, but by the sound of it, they’d lived here since then. Their gossip had proved helpful. They’d given me a key bit of info. Tessa. I’d have to remember that name.
I went back to watching Tessa.
“Sorry I’m late.” Eli dropped into the chair across from me, then looked toward the counter. A slow grin spread across his face. “Admiring the shop owner?”
“Just waiting and enjoying the coffee. I think you’re going to like what I found.” I pulled a manilla envelope out of my briefcase.
He leaned forward. “Did you find Delaney’s mom?”
“I think so. I’ll have confirmation soon. But on that other task, I scored. Big time.” I caught sight of that brightly colored apron out of the corner of my eye and smiled up at Tessa.
She set a plate in front of me. “Thought you might want another pecan praline doughnut. And Eli, here’s your doughnut and a mug for coffee.” Leaning toward the table, she whispered, “I don’t want to know what’s being discussed here, so if I walk by . . . be quiet. I do not have the ability to lie. Even for surprises.”
Eli chuckled. “Don’t you think I know that? I’m not even going to tell you his name.”
“Thank you.” She fluttered her fingers as she walked back toward the counter.
“Let me fill this mug, and then you can tell me the good news.” He walked to the coffee station, giving me another minute to observe Tessa.
She didn’t act like she knew who I was. And that was different because the first few months after moving to town, strangers would stop and ask about my dad and my life story. In this area, being related to Beau Henry garnered me attention. Attention I’d rather avoid. He had money, and that made me leery of females who were too attentive.
Tessa was just the right amount of attentive.
“I can introduce you if you’d like.” Eli slipped into his chair. “Not right away . . . for obvious reasons.”
I shook my head. “Oh, no. That’s okay.”
He shrugged. “Probably a good thing. Ever since her broken engagement, she’s sworn off men, so getting her to go out with you wouldn’t be easy. She’s great, though.” He pulled the envelope across the table. “How can I surprise Delaney with a reminder of her grandma on our wedding day?”
“The daughter who inherited the house years ago sold it to a guy who rents it out as a vacation rental.”
Eli slapped the table. “Yes! That will be perfect. We’d talked about going to a beach somewhere, but we’ll spend a night or two in San Antonio. Have you booked it already?”
“I put a hold on it. He’s expecting your call. But I wouldn’t wait too long to book it.”
“Are you kidding? I’ll jump on that as soon as we finish up here. Thank you. Back to the first part. You think you found Delaney’s mom?”
I glanced down as my phone buzzed, then lifted the phone for Eli to see a photo my associate had sent. “She’s in Denver, working at a vegan restaurant. I’ll fly out tonight and get a phone number and maybe an address.”
“I could hug you.”
I put up a hand. “Don’t. I’m just doing my job.”
“You’re helping me make my fiancée happy.” He picked up the envelope. “And if Tessa changes her mind about staying single, I’ll let you know.” Chuckling, he walked out of the shop.
After fishing a few bills out of my pocket, I crossed to the counter and stuffed them into the tip jar.
A bright smile lit up Tessa’s face. “Thanks so much.”
The idea that Tessa wasn’t interested made me more interested. I was stupid that way. But nothing ventured; nothing gained.
“Would you be interested in grabbing dinner later this week? I’m flying out tonight for work, but I should be back by Friday.” I reached into my pocket for my phone, hoping I’d at least get her number.
My hope shattered when she shook her head.
“First of all, I don’t want to know your name or where you work or why you are leaving town. If I find out something I shouldn’t, I’ll have to avoid my best friend until her wedding. I can’t go three months without hanging out with her especially because we have a wedding to plan. And second, if I went out with you, I’d know your name.” She scrunched up her face, creating a little line between her eyebrows. “You already have a hint of familiarity like I should know who you are, but I’m trying not to think about it. So, thank you, but no.”
“Fair enough. I guess I’ll see you around.” I tapped the counter, more disappointed than I anticipated.
She touched my arm. “I’m sorry. All of what I said is true, but also, I just don’t date anymore. I didn’t mean to sound rude.”
“You didn’t. Not at all.”
She opened the back of the display case. “Would you like another doughnut?”
“No, thanks. I’d go into a sugar coma. But you’ll see me around.”
“Okay, well . . . have a nice day, Mr. X.” She’d turned me down, but I did have a mysterious new nickname.
“You too, Tessa.” I acted like I didn’t see the shocked look on her face as I walked out.
Thank you for reading Three Rules I’d Never Break! I hope you loved Delaney and Eli’s story. Find out what happens with Tessa and Garrett in Two Risks I’d Never Take Again.
Keep Reading for a BONUS epilogue!