THE BARISTA’S BELOVED

Maeve Brennan came to River Hill to launch a distillery with her brother—and maybe, finally, put down roots. She loves the town’s cozy charm, the adopted family she’s found in her friends, and the way life feels quieter here. Simpler. The only complication? Her not-so-little crush on Ben Worthington, a grumpy, gorgeous barista with the best forearms she’s ever seen. He’s also her brother’s friend, so of course, he’s off-limits. Which is why she’s definitely going to stop fantasizing about kissing him.

Ben Worthington used to have a corner office and was on the fast track to partner. Now he’s crashing over his best friend’s garage, slinging espresso shots, and pretending like his whole life didn’t just implode. The only bright spot in his day? Maeve Brennan, his friend’s little sister, and the only person who makes him forget how lost he feels. But she’s made it clear she doesn’t have time for romance. And besides, even if she did, Ben’s not sure he deserves her.

So they stay friends. Best friends. The kind with inside jokes, outings that look a lot like dates, and entirely too much tension for two people who aren’t sleeping together—until one rainy night changes everything. And now that the line’s been crossed, there’s no going back. But taking the leap means risking the one thing they swore they’d never lose: each other.