Latte Darling: Book Two of The Darling Series

I take in the grounds as I head up the sidewalk to the medium sized building.

We’re just outside of Darling Lake, in a county park, and this chalet-style building is some sort of event center.

Maddie said it was going to be a small crowd, but I can see a fair amount of people milling around inside, and more walking up. But she was right about it not being too fancy because there’re guests in everything from t-shirts to suits, so I blend in perfectly.

Following a family through the front doors, I step off to the side and am quickly reminded that I don’t know anyone here.

“Axel?”

Okay, scratch that.

Hearing my name, I turn and find a face I recognize. Dark eyes, close cut dark hair, and a dimpled smile.

The man places a hand on his chest, “Tony Stoleman.”

I nod as it comes back to me. “GTO.”

He grins, “That’s right. You guys did a killer job.”

My chin dips, “Glad to hear.”

“Hey, let me get you a drink.”

“A drink?”

“Yeah,” he smiles over his shoulder at me as he makes his way over to a bar that’s been set up along the side wall of the lobby.

“Well, hell.” I step up next to him and look at the selection. “This is a tradition I can get behind.”

Tony laughs and orders a Jack and Coke.

“I’ll have the same,” I tell the bartender.

“So,” Tony turns to face me while our drinks are being made, “do you know the bride or my brother?”

Brother?

My head gives a slow shake, “Neither, actually.”

Tony’s head tips back as he laughs, “Oh man, please tell me you just decided to randomly crash this wedding.”

The bartender hands over our drinks and Tony slips some money into the tip jar.

“I’m here with Maddie. Or, I will be,” I gesture with my free hand, “whenever she comes out from doing wedding things.”

Tony’s head tilts a little as he looks at me. Really looks at me. And his features harden for just a flicker before they soften again.

“Ya know, I can see it.” He taps his plastic cup against my own. “I don’t know her well, but small town, best friend’s little sister’s friend.” He lifts a shoulder and I try to follow that trail of breadcrumbs. “You might be good for her.”

I take a drink and admit the truth, “She’s too good for me.”

Tony barks out a laugh, “Of course she is, but that’s the burden we bear as men surrounded by amazing women. Just treat her well. I’d hate to have to burn your shop down.”

He’s smiling when he says it, but there’s a glimmer of true threat in his eyes.

I tip my glass in his direction. “That makes two of us.”