Fairy Tales and Cappuccinos (Everyday Love #1) - Taylor Rylan Page 0,48

Hudson. Are you serious?” I walked over to the coffee machine and started checking it out.

“Yeah, I am. Ford made a valid point. Why do something half-assed? So here we are. Welcome to Cappuccinos, the coffeehouse that’s inside Fairy Tales bookstore. I’m going to need a manager. Someone who knows how to do things and is good with people. Someone who can hire an employee or two when needed.”

I jerked in surprise. “Me?”

“Yeah. We can definitely talk about the specifics later this weekend. So, does this thing need to warm up or anything like that?”

I couldn’t believe it. He’d been so hesitant, but yet, here we were. He’d somehow installed an entire coffeehouse setup while I’d been in Breckenridge.

“Wow. I can’t believe you did this. Are you sure?”

“Yep. Now, about that cappuccino. I want a shot of vanilla in it as well,” Hudson said and leaned an elbow against the counter while looking at me expectantly. There were several bistro tables set up in front of it and a comfortable-looking couch, two chairs, and an oversized coffee table off to the far left.

“This is amazing. Did you and Ford do this?” I walked around the counter and went to the sink, turning it on to let the water warm up so I could wash my hands.

“We had help. But yeah. We did this. The stuff has been at Ford’s since last week. I tried to get a company to come and do the counter for us, but they can’t get here until after the beginning of the year. We’ll have to figure out what we want to do with it since it will require Cappuccinos to be closed while the place is being renovated.”

“You’re serious.” I was a bit shocked.

“Absolutely. It’s obvious that Grandma had plans for expanding, and I figured why not see them through? The space was already kind of sectioned off, so why not use it?”

I could only nod because what could I possibly say to that? I had suggested the coffee counter and had every intention of pushing for a more in-depth service once a profit was seen. Now I wouldn’t have to.

I got busy making Hudson’s cappuccino, and when I slid it across the counter to him, he wrapped his hand around mine and wouldn’t let go.

“We need to talk. But not about this place. I want to hear about what happened Wednesday.”

I sighed. I knew it was coming. Hudson had called right after my dad had left, and I hadn’t had enough time to collect myself before answering. He immediately could tell something was wrong, and I’d gotten out of explaining then by telling him I’d talk about it when I got back.

“I’m guessing it has something to do with your dad.”

I nodded.

“Well, you can tell me when you’re ready. Or not. I mean, we’ve only been together a few days. I don’t expect you to share all of your family history with me so soon.”

“It’s not that.” I leaned against the bar and stared at Hudson. “I honestly don’t even know where to begin. Other than my dad is so focused on nothing but the lodge, and he’s actually accusing me of trying to sabotage the family, and he’s blaming me for Shelly’s pregnancy issues. It’s just a mess and—”

“Whoa. Wait. You said you were gay. How is Shelly pregnant?”

I blinked at Hudson, who looked absolutely horrified, before I burst out laughing. Damn, I really needed that. It took a few minutes before I was able to get myself under control.

“Shelly is my sister-in-law. I adore her but can’t figure out what she sees in my brother. She was our event planner, and she’s—”

“Okay, you scared me for a minute there. I’m not ready to be a dad, even if by proxy, and hell, I’m not sure I ever will be.”

That threw me. Why was he… “Hudson?”

“Hmm?”

“We’re not at the ‘let’s have kids’ stage yet. You haven’t even taken me out on our first date yet,” I growled. Hudson blushed.

“Yeah, I’m sorry about that. I promise we’ll go out tonight, even, if you want.”

“Oh hell no. After dealing with people all day today, the last thing I’m going to want to do is go out. Besides, aren’t we staying open late?”

“Yes. Okay. Tomorrow?”

I thought about it for all of two seconds before I nodded in agreement. Tomorrow would be fine. It was Saturday and we were closed on Sundays, so maybe I could somehow talk Hudson into at least letting me come back