Shadows of You (Lost & Found #4)(23)

She grinned. “Got some good ones before the storm rolled in. I think I’ll have everything I need in a few more weeks.”

“But we’ll miss you around here when you go,” Jonesy said, lifting his mug of coffee to his white-whisker-covered mouth. “I like spending my mornings surrounded by beautiful women.”

Elsie blushed. “I’ll stay put if you finally agree to marry me.”

Jonesy let out a guffaw as the lines around his eyes and mouth deepened. “You just name the place and time.”

My lips twitched at my favorite regular’s antics. He’d been in here daily since I started, and Elsie had become part of the package deal when she got to town. I had other daily visitors, but they didn’t stay as long, most getting a coffee before heading to work or school. I liked being able to count on having Jonesy and Elsie to keep me company.

That spot between my shoulders started to itch. The telltale sign that someone was watching. My gaze instantly swept the room and collided with steely gray eyes. Something about them was cold. Too cold.

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to move behind the counter and ignore the stare. I was on edge. Anyone glancing my way would have me on alert.

Hanging up my coat, I shoved my purse into the cabinet. I turned around to get the register sorted and there he was, those gray eyes just as assessing as before.

My palms dampened, but I forced myself to smile at the man while taking in everything I could about him. Dark brown hair. Pale skin. Probably in his late twenties or early thirties. He wore a name-brand jacket and had a nice watch—money but not gobs of it.

“How can I help you this morning?” I greeted.

The man returned my grin, but his expression had an edge. “Tell me what you recommend.”

I didn’t want to take my eyes off the man, feeling like he might strike if I did. But I flicked a quick glance at the bakery case. “If you’re going for savory, you can’t go wrong with the cheddar and scallion biscuit. If you’re in the mood for sweet, I like the orange-cranberry scones.”

“Sounds amazing. I’ll take one of each.”

I nodded, moving to grab the tongs so I could get his items.

“You from here?” the man asked.

I couldn’t help the tension that swept through my muscles. It had taken me so long to get used to the tourists’ and locals’ curious natures and remind myself that they only wanted to make conversation, not uncover all my secrets.

“Been here almost five years now.”

The man grinned again, but I didn’t see an edge to it this time. The curve of his mouth read genuine. I gave my head a little shake. John’s letter was making me lose it.

The guy handed over a twenty. “You’re a local, then. My buddy and I are here to do a little hiking and exploring. Any places you recommend?”

A tourist. The tension bled out of my shoulders a fraction as I made change. “There’s a company in town called Vacation Adventures. They have a whole slew of guided trips you can take.”

“Sounds awesome. I’ll have to check it out. Thanks…”

“Aspen,” I filled in.

“Thanks, Aspen. I’m Steven.”

“Nice to meet you.”

He took the plates from me. “If these taste as good as they look, I’m sure I’ll be back.”

I chuckled. “I’ve been warned.”

As he stepped away from the counter, a woman in her sixties took his place. I fought the groan that wanted to surface as I struggled to keep my smile in place. “Good morning, Ms. Peabody. What can I get you today?”

She looked around the café before her gaze settled back on me as if hoping some juicy piece of gossip would land in her lap. “I’ll take an Earl Grey tea and a bran muffin.”

“Coming right up.” I poured the hot water into a whimsical mug that fit with the rest of the décor of The Brew. I’d convinced the owner, Sue, to let me redecorate with a minimal budget. Cady and I had a blast hunting for finds at garage and estate sales and giving the place a new coat of paint. The result was an almost Alice in Wonderland look, full of color and life.

I handed Ms. Peabody her breakfast and took the exact change she gave me. There was never a tip from her.

“Did you hear that SAR rescued a man off the mountain the night before last?” she asked.

A shiver ran through me as I thought about how cold it had been. “No, I didn’t.”

Ms. Peabody let out a little huff, but I didn’t miss the glee in her eyes. “Tourist, of course. Decided to go hiking in the snow. Got hypothermia and scared his poor wife to death. They’re staying at my B&B, naturally.”

I tried to stifle my laugh. She’d said it as if that garnered her some sort of prize. But I guessed when gossip was your currency, it did.

The bell over the door rang, and I glanced up to greet the newcomer. The words Welcome to The Brew died in my throat. Piercing blue eyes met mine. His light brown hair looked more than a little wild, and stubble dotted Roan’s jaw. He carried a large bag of something, and I knew it had to be heavy because I saw his muscles bulging, even under his jacket.

Ms. Peabody pursed her lips and hurried to a table as Roan strode toward me. He had the kind of energy that ate up space and made everyone sit up and pay attention.

“Hi,” I greeted. Unfortunately, it sounded more like a rush of air than an actual word.