Chapter One
Harper Sanders had gone on her last date ever. Blind, online, swipe right, introduction by a well-meaning friend, none of the attempts at finding a man she was attracted to worked. None of the dates had accomplished her one and only goal.
Getting Matt Banks out of her head and her heart.
She’d lived in Montlake, Colorado her entire life. She knew everyone and everyone knew her. In fact, she and Matt had grown up together, from preschool through elementary, middle and high school. They’d been friends, too. Good friends, she’d thought, even if she’d been more than a little in love with him. They hung out in school, after school. He knew her likes and dislikes. She’d suffered through him dating other girls and her going out with guys. Neither of them had ever made a move despite the fact that there had been times she believed he might reciprocate her feelings. But she’d held onto hope that one day they’d become adults who acknowledged their feelings.
Then she’d gone away to college, and when she’d returned home? Matt had been a stranger, one who wanted nothing to do with her. She’d pined for years, but lately, she’d decided to put herself out there with other men. Her best friend getting married had spurred her desire to find true love for herself, too.
Yet despite date after unsuccessful date, nobody lit her fire the way Matt did. It didn’t help that she had to see him often, given her coffee shop was located across the street from his garage. That he came into her place often for his coffee. Still, she’d made the attempt to get over him. The large man with his tousled brown hair and sexy blue bedroom eyes that looked at everyone but her.
Last night she’d ended things with what she’d decided was her last attempt at finding a man. Rich Jonas, a new-in-town lawyer had been … odd to say the least. She’d given him the same three-date minimum she had most of the guys she tried to go out with, hoping that by getting to know them better, she’d find herself interested. But Rich and his too-eager personality had turned her off instead of on.
She’d given him the old ‘it’s not you it’s me’ speech. In reality, he just wasn’t Matt. And she’d have to see him often, too. Because he, too, came into the coffee shop a lot.
Small towns, she thought, blowing out a puff of air that hovered in a cloud thanks to the freezing temperatures. She let herself into Harper and Em’s Bake and Brew, the shop she’d opened with her best friend and a woman Matt had not only dated but actively pursued upon Emily’s move to town.
For years now, it was as if Harper didn’t exist for him as anything other than a woman he looked right through – unless he was servicing her car, or she was handing him his coffee multiple times a day. Strong, dark, one sugar, she thought, because of course, she had his order memorized. And it frustrated the hell out of her.
“Are you ready to leave on your trip?” Emily asked, greeting her from behind the counter.
Emily always arrived extra early to bake her muffins and cake slices for the morning crowd, leaving her husband, Parker, in their warm bed. He, in turn, took care of their baby daughter, Jillian, until Emily returned home so he could go to his place of business. A babysitter came in later so Emily could work the afternoon shift with Harper. It was the perfect situation, and Harper was envious of her friend’s life. She was happy for her, too, but Harper wanted a family of her own.
“Car’s packed,” she replied. “I’m really looking forward to this weekend.”
She was off to Denver for a coffee class in Latte Art, a hands-on experience in foam design. She’d also enrolled in an Alternative Brewing class, which would expose her to different kinds of brewing equipment and their range of “single origins.” Learning about farms that specialized in one type of coffee would help her carry more exclusive brands.
Considering the nearby skiing brought in tourists over the winter seeking unique experiences, she knew these classes would help her expand their clientele, even in their tiny town. Emily’s dad owned the Ruby Rose Inn, named after his deceased wife / Emily’s mom. Recently renovated and expanded, they were advertising far and wide for more upscale customers. Customers who would come into town for Emily’s fabulous baked goods and Harper’s unique blends of coffee.
Emily smiled. “You deserve some fun. Go, learn new skills, and enjoy.” The timer sounded in the kitchen and Emily darted back inside to see to her baked goods.
Harper couldn’t hate her willowy blonde friend. She’d gone out with Matt not knowing Harper still had a thing for the man because she’d kept her feelings to herself. And Emily had ended things because of her relationship with her now-husband, who’d been staying at her father’s Bed and Breakfast. Emily had also realized that Harper had feelings for Matt, and she’d never knowingly hurt her close friend.