Witchy Sour(39)

Liam laughed. “Thank you, Midge. You’re a dear.”

She gave a quick bow of her head, and then studied both of us once more before vanishing from the dining room back toward the lobby.

“She seems like the perfect person to own a B&B,” I said once she’d gone. “Friendly, but strict. Private.”

“Not to mention the cappuccinos.” Liam raised his glass. “A toast before we jump straight into business?”

I raised my mug, and we clinked glasses. I took a sip of the frothy beverage, the creamy warmth just what I needed after a long day at the bungalow. Closing my eyes, I sighed with happiness. “This is good.”

“Wait till you dip the biscotti into it.” Liam reached for the plate and picked up a long, thin cookie with a light frosting made to look like a magical wand. He dunked it into his own cappuccino, and then held out the end. “Try this.”

I hesitated. As positive as Midge was that Liam wasn’t interested in “my type,” I couldn’t help but think this was feeling an awful lot like a date. I didn’t want to be on a date. However, I did want that cookie. Leaning forward, I took a quick bite, smiling despite every intention to be one hundred percent business. “That is tasty.”

“I told you! Now, hold on, you’ve got a little something...” He trailed off, reaching across the table, his finger gently brushing something off of my top lip.

I blushed. “Well, that was embarrassing.”

“It was just a bit of foam.” He winked. “I thought it was cute.”

For lack of a follow-up, I reached for another cookie.

“What brings you by?” Liam asked. “Did you get my note?”

“Yes!” Grateful for the change of subject, I reached into my pocket and dug around until I extracted all of the money he had paid me. “I also got the coins you left for your meal, and it is far too much. I can’t accept it. So, here you go.”

Liam’s eyes followed my movements as I extended my closed fist across the table, turning it over and exposing the coins on the palm of my hand. It felt odd to dump them on the table, so I waited patiently.

“That’s everything.” Liam hardly glanced at the coins. “You didn’t keep any payment for yourself.”

“The meal was on the house. You’re a visitor. Plus, it was just a few eggs.”

“Keep it all. I left it as a tip. It wasn’t an accident.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. You ordered eggs, but paid for an entire chicken coop.”

Liam laughed as he reached forward and closed my fingers around the coins. “Keep it. I want you to have it. Really, you’re making a big deal out of nothing.”

“It’s too much!”

“It’s my money. I earn it, so I get to spend it how I like, and I would like for you to have it. I wasn’t tipping for the eggs. I was tipping for the service. It’s been a while since I’ve been to The Isle, and it was pleasant to receive a warm reception. Don’t read deeper into it.”

I frowned. “You normally don’t receive a warm reception?”

Liam grinned. “You like to ask questions.”

My cheeks likely reddened, and I gave an embarrassed shake of my head. “You don’t have to answer that. I’m nosy by nature. Don’t worry, it’s not just you, I pester everyone with questions.”

“Unfortunate. I rather liked the idea of it being just me.” Liam winked. Then he nodded at the coins in my hands. “It’s yours.”

“Thank you,” I said, pulling my hand back. “Then I insist you come back for breakfast before you leave The Isle. On me.”

“Of course. How does tomorrow sound?”

“Great!” I tried for cheery, but my distraction won over. “Listen, I need to ask you one thing.”

“Go ahead.” Liam’s gaze was clear and pleasant. “I’m an open book.”

“Well, it’s less asking and more telling.”

“Then I’m listening.”

“I just wanted to put it out there that I’m a little confused why you’re being so nice to me,” I said. “And I feel obligated to tell you that I’m not looking for anything right now—in terms of romance, at least. This is super awkward to say since I don’t know if you’re even interested in me at all, or if maybe I’m reading this whole situation wrong. You seem like a nice man, and I’d love to have you over for breakfast. I’m babbling, so if you want to jump in and spare me more embarrassment, that’d be lovely—”

“Breakfast is just breakfast, and cookies are just cookies.” Liam gestured toward the tray. “Don’t worry. I appreciate your honesty, but I’m not looking for anything, either. Well, nothing more than some good food and decent conversation if it’s available.”