Coffee on Waihi Beach by Enni Amanda

Author:Enni Amanda
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: holiday, beach, cafe, new zealand, mystery father, beach read, holiday romance, barista
Publisher: Lumi Publishing
Published: 2020-07-14T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

Declan was manning the cafe during an afternoon lull, when he noticed Kurt's burly figure behind the doors. He was two hours early for this shift. The way he made a beeline to Declan told him something was up. Kurt had drunk a lot the night before. He'd been cheery on the way home, laughing and poking fun at everything. Declan had reassured him the gig had gone well. He worried about his friend's drinking, but had enjoyed seeing him in high spirits.

Now, he was sober and menacing.

"I think I blew it with the Finnish girl," Kurt blurted.

"Ingrid? How so?"

It annoyed Declan he wouldn't use Ingrid's name.

"She needed a ride, she had nowhere to stay last night. Her car was left at that farm where I picked her up. I was meant to get her a new battery and get it fixed. But I had the gig and I just forgot. Shit!"

Kurt slammed his forehead and grimaced in pain.

"You promised to give her a ride last night?" Declan asked.

That made no sense. After a gig, Kurt was always the one needing a ride.

"Yes. No. Not really. But I said we'd talk. I mean, I knew she needed help and I think I implied that I would help her. She must hate me now."

"She was here, laughing at your jokes."

Declan understood Kurt's dilemma, but couldn't help feeling angry.

"Do you know where she is?" Kurt asked.

Declan gestured at the back room. "She just finished her shift and went to charge her phone and call a towing company."

"No need. I'll fix that car!"

Kurt traipsed towards the back door.

Declan blocked his way. "You know, I found her sleeping in my car last night."

He spoke without thinking, surprised by his own anger. He wasn't supposed to tell Kurt anything about last night.

Kurt's eyebrows shot up. "What?"

"I need to know you really care about her. Don't just help her out when it's convenient for you and then leave her high and dry."

Declan's heart pounded in his throat. He knew Kurt already felt bad, and he was piling it on. He should have been helping Kurt and Ingrid together. Kurt fixing her car was the perfect opportunity. But his friend was more concerned about whether the girl liked him than whether she'd survived the night. Ingrid deserved better.

Kurt met his gaze. "So, you rescued her out of your car, into your own bed?"

Declan sighed. He'd walked straight into this one.

"I didn't sleep with her."

"Really?"

"Really."

Kurt studied his face and decided he wasn't lying.

"That must have taken a significant amount of willpower."

Declan took a deep breath. They were old friends, but there was a limit. One more stupid comment, and Kurt would have a red nose to match his eyes.

"It was freezing last night. She was bone cold. I thought about taking her to the hospital."

Kurt looked embarrassed. "Sorry. I didn't realise."

"I told you, I'm worried about her."

Kurt studied him for a beat. "And you think it's in her best interest to pay hundreds of dollars to a towing company instead of me helping her out?"

Declan sighed.

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