Free Deserving Love: A Contemporary Romance Series (Nick & Lexi Book 1) by Kay Brody Page A

would make it through adversity only to find that we were perfect for each other. Sometimes I had to laugh at Kendall and her hopeless romantic side. Not that I didn’t hope for love and all that it entailed, but I didn’t have visions of some magical event unfolding that led me to the perfect man.  
    In fact, I was pretty sure that when and if I met anyone it would be some ordinary thing. Maybe he’d come into the shop or we’d pass each other at the grocery store. We’d chat briefly and find out that we liked the same restaurants or movies. He’d probably ask me out and I’d agree.  
    During the date we’d have a nice and pleasant conversation. There’d be nothing magical or electric, but we’d get along and that would lead to future dates. Eventually we’d get married and have kids and live a nice long life with common goals.  
    Kendall would think something like that sounded boring. She wanted the wild and crazy stories from the movies. Things that never really happened in the world, but women still hoped and dreamed for. I didn’t blame her. I just couldn’t agree with her.  
    Especially about Evan Monroe. I wasn’t even sure why we were having coffee. Neither of us seemed to like the other all that much. But I felt bad for him. The town had all but thrown him out and he was trying to find a place he belonged. I didn’t feel right shutting him out at that moment. The outfit was just my way of looking my best. I wasn’t really sure why. I just knew it was important.  
    As she continued to babble about the impossible, I glanced at my phone hoping to see a message from Nick. There was nothing. He hadn’t even contacted me about our favorite show. Not that I’d watched it. But it was unusual for him to not even contact me.  
    I was slightly worried that maybe his life crisis had led him to the woman of his dreams. Of course I felt hypocritical; worrying about that as I sat listening to my best friend tell me that Evan Monroe might just be my knight in shining armor.  
    “You okay?” Kendall’s question brought me out of my thoughts.  
    “Yeah,” I replied halfheartedly. I knew she’d never buy it if I left it there so I continued. “Nick has been MIA for a couple of days.”
    “Maybe he’s met a real woman?” she snapped, and quickly regretted it. “I’m sorry Lex. I didn’t mean it like that.”
    “It’s okay,” I shook my head, trying hard to convince both of us that I was fine. “I should probably get some fresh coffee on before my date arrives.” I emphasized the word just to return her to the smiling and giddy girl that had drifted away for a second.  
    “I better get out of here! Three’s a crowd you know,” she grinned and picked up her things. “Call me later and tell me everything!”
    “Of course,” I nodded. “Love you Kendall.”
    “Love you too,” she slung her hand backwards over her shoulder to wave as she made her way out the door without looking in my direction.  
    I went to the counter and put on three fresh pots to brew. I opted for a hazelnut, mint chocolate and regular coffee. I wasn’t sure what he’d enjoy, but these were three of the most popular I carried.  
    The idea that he might like a snack hit me and I found myself creating a small platter of candies for him to sample. I wasn’t sure if he’d ever even tried any of my candy. If not, he was in for a real treat.  
    For the remainder of the time I waited, I found ways inside the shop to keep myself busy. None of those included a customer. In fact, by the time noon was about to strike I hadn’t seen a single customer. That was odd even for the slow days.  
    It’s fate.
    I could hear Kendall’s voice in my head and I couldn’t help but laugh. Her imagination could go wild.  
    “I’m not sure it’s safe if a woman is in a candy store alone and laughing like she just heard the funniest joke,” his voice caught my attention quickly.  
    It was a distinctive voice. I’d heard he was