Chapter 54

When Mabel came in, she didn’t look around in her desperation for caffeine. She ordered quickly, careful to thank and tip the barista with cash, then moved down the counter where white paper cups with black lids were being shuffled out to waiting hands. Her fingers twisted the locket around her neck while she waited.

Her eyes flitted up when she heard her name called.

She turned to go—cup in hand—and her gaze finally landed on mine.

Her eyes darted around, likely looking to see if she was imagining me or if anyone else saw the man she’d been thinking and dreaming about since last night.

She must have decided she wasn’t hallucinating because gave me a small, casual wave. I returned her greeting with a nod and a coy but welcoming smile.

Instead of waiting for her to think too long and talk herself out of coming over to me, I got to my feet and closed the distance between us.

“This is a pleasant surprise,” I said, practically feeling her shiver at the sound of my voice.

“It is?” She laug