Page 46 of Biker Orc Baby Daddy
He noticed.
Of course he noticed. I've been noticing for days. Ever since that first meeting when Orry smiled at Gunther and I saw my son's face reflected in a stranger's.
Not a stranger.The thought whispers treacherous and unwelcome.
I shove it away. Go back to organizing lipstick. Rose to burgundy. Coral to crimson. Simple. Logical.Controllable.
Colum appearstwenty minutes before closing, carrying two coffee cups and a grin.
"Busy day?" He sets a cup on my counter. Oat milk latte. He remembers.
"Steady." I accept the cup. "Thanks."
"I saw Gunther flee your shop earlier like the building was on fire." Colum leans against the counter, all casual curiosity. "Everything okay?"
"Fine. He offered to help move shelves."
"And you said?"
"That I could handle it."
Colum sighs. "Cecie. You can't do everything alone."
"Watch me." I take a sip of latte. Perfect temperature. Damn him.
"I'm serious. You've got a business to run. A baby to raise. Let people help."
"I don't need help."
"Everyone needs help." He gestures around the shop. "This? This isamazing.You built this. But you don't have to maintain it solo."
I set the cup down. "What do you want, Colum?"
"Dinner. Tomorrow night. You, me, Gunther. Casual. No pressure. Just neighbors being neighborly."
There it is."I don't think?—"
"Bring Orry. We'll order pizza. Gunther's great with kids."
"He barely spoke to Orry today."
"He's shy. You're intimidating."
I laugh. Can't help it. "I'mintimidating?"
"Terrifying." Colum grins. "Successful, independent, gorgeous woman who doesn't need anyone? Absolutely petrifying for a guy like Gunther."
"A guy like Gunther." I raise an eyebrow. "What does that mean?"
"Smart. Loyal. Bit awkward. Heart the size of a spreadsheet." Colum's expression softens. "He's good people, Sis. Give him a chance."
"A chance at what, exactly?"
"Friendship. Community. Maybe more if you're both interested." He holds up his hands. "But I'm not matchmaking. Just facilitating connection."
"That's literally what matchmaking is."
"Semantics." He pushes off the counter. "Tomorrow. Seven PM. My office. Say yes."
