Page 8 of Protected by the Loner (The Men of Ghost Security #2)

VIVIAN

I nstead of answering immediately, I stand and move around Owen’s desk. He watches me carefully as I close the distance between us. When I’m close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body, I stop.

“That depends.”

“On what?” His voice comes out hoarse.

“On whether you’re done running.” I reach out and place my hand over his where it rests on the desk, feeling the tremor in his fingers.

“On whether you’re willing to trust me when I tell you that being scared is normal.

Wanting to protect your partner from being hurt is normal. Communicating your fears is normal.”

He turns his hand palm up under mine, and the simple gesture breaks down some of the wall I’ve built up since that night. “I don’t want to run anymore. I want to be the man you deserve.”

“You already are . You need to believe it.”

My phone buzzes in my pocket, insistent and annoying. I try to ignore it, focusing on this moment and the breakthrough we’re having.

But it won’t stop.

Frustration floods through me as I glance at the screen, seeing message after message flooding in. The bubble of intimacy we’ve created pops as reality intrudes.

“I have to go.” Frustration rolls through me. Owen and I are so close, but now I have to deal with my coffee shop and its future.

“Why?” Owen’s already reaching for his jacket, that protective instinct kicking in. “What happened?”

I look at him, seeing the concern in his eyes, and my heart clenches with both affection and dread.

“Aurora Coffee moved up their deadline. I have until tomorrow to accept their offer, or they’re opening anyway, and I’m dead in the water.

” My voice cracks. “Mika’s already getting calls from customers asking if we’re closing. ”

I watch anger flash across his features—not at me, but for me.

Owen’s expression changes to one of determination. “No. You’re not giving up.”

“What choice do I have? I can’t compete with free coffee and a million-dollar marketing budget.”

“You can. Because I’ve been working on something.” He pulls out his phone. “Jake? It’s Owen. Is Izzy available tomorrow afternoon?”

I stare at him. “What are you doing?”

“Fighting for you.” He covers the phone. “Izzy. She’s Jake’s fiancée, and she’s been planning a surprise visit to your shop. We’ve been coordinating it all week.”

“You...what?” My legs feel weak. My head feels like it’s about to explode. Did Owen just say what I think he said? “You know Izzy? Izzy-the-pop-star Izzy?”

“I’ve only met her a couple of times, but yes. She’s back in town for a week or two, and she agreed to stop by and post on Instagram or whatever you need.” His eyes are fierce, and all my anger melts away. “You go deal with Daily Brew. I’ll come by when I have more details.”

There might be a chance—for Daily Brew and for a future with Owen.

I’m restocking pastries when the door chimes. I look up and nearly drop the tray.

Owen walks in with Izzy, her signature dark hair pulled back in a casual ponytail, dressed in jeans and an oversized sweater. She looks around the shop with genuine interest, not like someone doing a favor, but like someone who actually wants to be here.

“Vivian,” Owen says, and there’s something in his voice–pride mixed with nervousness. “This is Izzy. Izzy, this is Vivian.”

“Oh my God,” Mika breathes from behind the espresso machine. “Is that… I must be dreaming!”

Izzy laughs warmly and extends her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you! Owen’s been telling me about your shop. He says you make the best coffee in the city.”

I look at Owen, who’s watching me with an uncertain expression.

“I’ve been working on this,” he admits quietly. “I wanted to help, but I didn’t want to promise something I couldn’t deliver.”

My heart does something complicated in my chest. While I thought he’d abandoned me, he remembered what I said about Izzy and went out of his way to support Daily Brew and me, even when I thought he’d ghosted me forever.

“Your shop is gorgeous,” Izzy says, pulling out her phone. “Do you mind if I take some photos? I’m always looking for great local spots to share with my followers.”

“Of course,” I manage, still trying to process that Izzy is in my coffee shop.

“What’s your signature drink?” Izzy asks, studying the menu board.

“The lavender honey latte,” Mika pipes up before I can respond. “It’s incredible. Vivian spent ages perfecting the recipe.”

“Perfect. I’ll take one of those.” Izzy grins at me. “And whatever pastry you recommend.”

My hands are steadier than I expected as I craft the latte, hyper-aware of Owen watching me intensely. When I slide the drink across the counter along with one of our almond croissants, Izzy takes a photo of both.

She takes a sip, and her eyes widen. “Holy shit.” She covers her mouth. “Sorry, I swear when I’m excited. But seriously, this is amazing.”

She starts typing on her phone, then shows me the screen. “How’s this? ‘I love coming to Daily Brew to have some of their amazing coffee and delicious pastries. It’s where you’ll find me whenever I’m in town!’ And I’ll tag your location.”

“That’s...that’s amazing. Thank you so much!” I whisper.

“Can I get a photo with you behind the counter?” Izzy asks. “My followers love seeing the people behind the places I recommend.”

I move around the counter in a daze. Mika takes the photo–Izzy and me, both holding lattes, with the Daily Brew logo visible behind us.

“Posted,” Izzy announces, then turns to me with a thoughtful expression.

“Actually, I have another idea if you’re interested.

I’ve been wanting to do more intimate acoustic sets, connect with fans in smaller spaces.

Would you be open to me doing a pop-up concert here this weekend?

Nothing huge, maybe an hour, just me and a guitar.

We could promote it as a thank-you to the neighborhood. ”

My brain short-circuits. “You want to...here?”

“If you’re comfortable with it. It would bring people in, and honestly, the vibe here is exactly what I’m looking for. Cozy, authentic, real.”

“Yes,” I blurt out. “Yes, absolutely, of course!”

Izzy’s smile is radiant. “Perfect! I’ll have my team coordinate the details with you.” She takes another sip of her latte. “Seriously, this is so good. I wasn’t lying about coming back.”

My phone buzzes. Then buzzes again. And again.

Mika picks it up from where I’d left it by the register. “Viv. Your Instagram. You’re getting...a lot of notifications.”

I look at the screen. Dozens of new followers. Comments pouring in. People tagging friends, saying they’re coming by.

“Oh my God,” I breathe.

“Give it an hour,” Izzy smiles. “It’ll really pick up then. I hope this helps! And I’ll definitely be back.”

I turn to Owen, who’s been standing quietly to the side, watching this unfold. “You did this. While I thought you’d disappeared, you were doing this.”

“I wanted to fix it,” he says simply. “The Aurora Coffee problem. I couldn’t stand the thought of you losing something you’d worked so hard to build.”

The emotion hits me like a wave. “Owen—”

“I’m sorry I disappeared,” he says, voice low. “I never stopped thinking about you or trying to help.”

Izzy glances between us with obvious amusement. “I’m going to go sit over there and enjoy this amazing coffee while you two talk. Mika, why don’t you join me?”

Mika looks like she might faint, but follows Izzy to a corner table.

I reach for Owen’s hand. “Thank you. For not giving up even when I thought you had.”

“I’m not giving up. I’m sorry I hurt you. I promise to communicate better,” he says, threading his fingers through mine. “I want a future with you, Vivian.”