Read Online Sunrise on Cedar Key by Terri Dulong - Free Book Online Page A

realized we seemed to be indulging in an overly polite greeting. “Well, if you’re not busy, I thought maybe we could discuss the plans for your coffee café.”
    Clearing his throat, Lucas gestured toward the new room. “That sounds good. There’s a table in here.”
    â€œGreat,” I said, following him and not missing the fact that this man really looked great in jeans.
    I saw that he’d also set up another table, which held a coffeemaker and ... were those croissants?
    â€œWould you like some coffee and croissants while we talk?”
    Oh, yeah, definitely a man after my own heart. When it came to France, there were four things I could never resist—wine, coffee, chocolate, and croissants.
    â€œHow nice,” I said. Not possessing an ounce of shyness, I proceeded to place the buttery, delectable crescent on a plate before pouring myself a cup of coffee.
    Lucas did the same and then joined me at the table.
    I took a bite of the heavenly roll, closed my eyes for a second to allow my palate to experience the exquisite pleasure, and oh, God! I think I actually moaned .
    Lucas laughed, and my eyes flew open as I felt my cheeks heating up. Cripe, I felt like I’d shared an intimate moment with him.
    Covering my embarrassment, I joined his laughter. “My God, that is so good! And I know you brought those back from France.”
    â€œI did.” His smile widened. “And I’m very pleased to see that you enjoy it so much.”
    He was referring to the croissants, right?
    â€œOh, I do,” I said, and then took a sip of coffee. While I didn’t exhibit the same reaction that the croissants had caused, I nodded. “And the coffee is delicious too.”
    â€œGood. Well, what do you suggest we do with this empty room?”
    We? Silly me, but I really liked the sound of that.
    â€œHmm,” I said, looking around. An instant vision came to me. “I think you want to create a cozy atmosphere. You know, a place that will not only beckon people to purchase coffee but cause them to want to stay awhile. Spend some time here socializing and feeling comfortable.”
    â€œAh, much like your place was.”
    â€œWell, yes, I suppose so. But this is your place, so don’t let me take away whatever vision you might have.”
    â€œThat’s just it. My area of expertise is running a bookshop. I can do that quite well, but a coffee café? I’m afraid this is where I’m relying on you.”
    Really? Well, be my guest to rely away .
    I took another bite of croissant and refrained from any further outburst while I gave my vision some more thought.
    â€œYou have a great window and shelf over there,” I said, pointing to the front of the room. “It might be nice to set up a coffee display. Some brightly colors mugs, maybe a French press. Oh, will you also be serving tea?”
    â€œWhat do you think?”
    I recalled the day that Lucas had first walked into my coffee shop. It wasn’t coffee that he ordered—it was a cup of tea.
    â€œYes, I think offering tea is a good choice. So you could also display some teapots with an unusual design. On one of your trips back to France, you won’t have any problem finding a few of those.”
    â€œThat sounds good.”
    â€œI think maybe you should have a long wooden counter built back there,” I said, pointing to the back of the room. “This is where your patrons will order the coffee. And you’ll need to have some small tables with four chairs. I’d arrange those against the wall, because you also want to have some cushy seating in the middle. A few love seats, maybe some chairs like you have in the bookshop.”
    â€œI like it,” Lucas said. “I can visualize it and, yes, I like it very much. What do you think about decorating? What décor should I use?”
    â€œWell, since you’re French, why not go with black and white for colors? On