Page 21 of The Autumn Leaf Bookshop (Everly Hollow #1)

The Blackberry Moon Lily Drop

Sylas

G lancing at the clock on the wall is a dangerous move. I got here early to meet Raene, and I’m nervous.

I touched her. I felt her warmth pressed against me, the soft curves of her body fitting perfectly against mine. I wanted to kiss her. Hell, I still want to kiss her, and I swear I sensed the change in her scent. She wanted it too. Maybe even more.

But when she stepped back, I gave her space. What else could I do? I half-expected her to text me saying she wouldn’t meet me tonight, that she was done helping with the festival.

Instead, she gave me that shy, awkward little smile that knocked the air out of me when we first met. And all she said was, “See you Friday.”

Hannah and Malik are huddled over the drink menu she curated for the evening.

Her warm, light brown skin practically glows under the low bar lights, perfectly complementing the soft lavender of her messy bun.

Those pale gray eyes of hers sparkle with excitement, like she’s already imagining the magic she’s about to pour into our glasses tonight.

“Why are you so nervous?” Nim sighs, his voice dripping with impatience as it curls through my mind.

“I’m fine ,” I mumble.

“You literally just admitted that...”

“Nim,” I mutter, before taking a swig of my beer.

Okay, well in that case…bring me home some fries, will you? It would be greatly appreciated.”

Hearing the door, I turn. She’s here.

“You’re going to have to ask me about those fries later.” My mental shield goes up.

She’s looking around, scanning the room for me, wearing a jean jacket over an olive-green dress that dips just enough to show the middle of her breasts.

Fuck.

She looks incredible in that color, like the Goddess herself dressed her just to torment me.

She spots me. I raise a hand in a quick wave, trying to play it cool while my pulse kicks up a notch. Her smile hits me. She walks toward me, hips swaying, the skirt of her dress brushing over knee-high brown boots.

I stand to greet her, not sure if I should shake her hand or hell, what’s normal here? Squeeze her shoulder?

My brain stalls, but she solves the problem with a quick hug, her head resting against my chest, her arms wrapped around my waist, and my arms do not hesitate to do the same .

Her scent hits me, she’s like summer and sunshine, with a warm undercurrent of coconut.

I don’t move for a second too long, afraid that if I breathe her in again, I’ll say something I can’t take back.

“Thanks for coming,” I managed to stumble out. What the fuck! Did I say that? Why does she make me so nervous?

“And turn down amazing drinks? Never,” she says, slipping her purse off her shoulder and strapping it to the back of the barstool before taking a seat.

She leans forward, her elbows propped on the bar as she narrows her eyes at me. “One-hundred and…ten,” she guesses, her voice laced with mock confidence. “No, wait…one-hundred.” I laugh, shaking my head as I sip water.

“That laugh,” she mutters, staring openly at my lips like she’s caught herself in the act but doesn’t care.

“You’re terrible at this game,” I say with a sly grin. “Keep going. Maybe you’ll hit the mark before we finish our drinks.”

“Any hints?”

“Nope.”

“One-hundred and seven?”

“Not even close,” I tease, loving the way her lips purse in concentration.

Before she can fire off another number, Hannah slides in front of us with a tray balanced on her hand. “I’m Hannah, and I’m excited to make some amazing drinks for you both.”

We smile, and I nod for her to continue. “I’ve made three different drinks for you to try .

“First up, we have A Dawn’s Kiss ,” she says warmly.

The glass is delicate, with pale pink liquid shimmering faintly like sunlight.

“It’s vodka, rose syrup, lime juice, and a hint of pear.

Sweet, romantic, but with just enough bite to keep things interesting.

” Raene’s lips curl into a grin. “It’s pretty and the name sounds dreamy.

” We each take a small glass and take a drink, letting the flavors hit our tongues.

“I like this,” I say, stirring the two miniature black straws in the drink. “The pear is subtle, but it’s refreshing.”

I look over to Raene, and she is sipping hers through the straws. Her eyes crinkle as she lifts a shoulder into a lazy shrug.

“What? I’m savoring it?”

“You like it?”

“It’s good,” she says, tilting her head as if weighing the flavors and the appearance of the drink. “But it doesn’t fit the aesthetic I’m hoping for. You know…moody, dark blues, like the pillows…twilight.”

“So, a moody drink to match your moody dislike of fall?” I tease, letting a grin creep in.

Her lips press together, holding back a smile. “Precisely.”

“But seriously,” she says, setting her glass down, “wouldn’t it be nice to have an event that isn’t completely dragged down the fall clearance aisle?”

I nod. I get it. Not everyone loves fall the way I do. I’ve been surrounded by it my whole life. The warm hues, the earthy and spicy scents, and the bite of the crisp air .

The autumn realm is autumn, all the time, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Yes, I enjoy the changing seasons and their celebrations, but fall? Fall is home. It’s heart.

“You’re looking at me like I’m supposed to apologize. Sorry, but I’ll defend my pumpkin lattes and apple cider donuts to the bitter end.” I say, laughing.

She smirks and takes a sip of her drink again. “Of course you would. I bet you even own one of those Hello Pumpkin mugs.”

I look around at everyone, listen to the music a bit before leaning closer. “Guilty. But don’t worry, I promise I won’t make you drink out of it, unless you’re into that sort of thing.”

She laughs into the back of her hand. “You’re a mess.”

I flag down a waitress and order food: an appetizer spread of hot wings, chips, and queso, and French fries with ranch.

“Oh, and an order of fries to go,” I say.

Raene tilts her head, a knowing smile on her lips. “For Nim?”

I nod my head. “I can’t leave here without them.”

She shakes her head, her laughter soft and easy. “You two are ridiculous.”

When Malik appears to help serve the second drink, he introduces himself to Raene with a warm smile.

“It’s nice to finally meet you,” Raene says, extending her hand.

“And congratulations on the engagement. Oriana seems really special." His expression softens, his eyes light up like a man who knows he’s found his person. His lips curve up into a wide smile, showing his fangs. “Yeah, she’s…my forever,” he says quietly, giving me a slight bow, before he steps away to help another customer.

Hannah steps in his place with the next drink, and Raene’s eyes widen.

Hannah calls it The Blackberry Moon Lily Drop .

A metal skewer rests across the rim, studded with plump blackberries, and the drink itself is a swirling masterpiece of deep purple and silver shimmer, garnished with mint and a moon lily perched delicately on the edge.

“This one is my favorite,” she says, setting a glass in front of each of us.

“Blackberry syrup, mint, soda, lemon juice, and just a whisper of moon lily nectar. It is a mocktail, but if you choose this as your drink special and some of your guests want alcohol, then we can always add white rum.” Raene takes the first sip, her eyes fluttering closed for a second. “Okay…that’s unfair.”

She looks down at her drink, the shimmery liquid catching the light and reflecting in her eyes. “That’s not just a drink. It’s life-changing.”

I take a sip, savoring the cool sweetness, just as our food is served, three colorful platters set between us, along with two small plates and a reminder that I’ll get my order of fries when I leave.

Raene carefully plates a little bit of everything and nabs one of the small dishes of ranch, leaving me the other.

“So, what do you think?” She asks before biting into a wing, sauce glistening on her lip.

“It is delicious,” I say, loading up my plate.

I refuse to make eye contact. I refuse to watch her tongue poke out and lick the sauce off her lips. “And I like that we can keep it as a mocktail and jazz it up if we want. It fits your aesthetic pretty spot on.”

She nods her head in agreement, setting her wing down and wiping her fingers on the black, cloth napkin. “So,” she turns to me, her knees brushing mine in a soft, deliberate graze, “you’re admitting my aesthetic wins over your pumpkin-loving heart?”

I pop a few fries into my mouth. “Only this time, Raene.” I wink.

She chuckles, turning to face her plate once again. We fall into an easy rhythm, sipping our drinks and sharing food with the soft hum of conversation around us fading into the background.

“How is Vera healing?” I ask, genuinely curious.

She’s doing great, actually,” She nibbles on a chip covered in queso.

“Keeping up with her sessions and getting around pretty well. I feel like the recovery here versus the city is… better. She’s more relaxed, and she has some amazing tools to help that she can’t get anywhere else.

Flora’s products have been a Goddess sent, Grandma’s words exactly. So for that, I’m grateful.”

“I’m glad to hear it.”

Before I can ask another question, Hannah appears with the last drink. Starry Night arrives in a deep violet hue containing vodka, blueberry purée, and lemonade, glimmering under the warm lights.

“So, this one is definitely a contender,” Raene says, tracing her finger around the rim of her glass, her nail skimming the rim in a way that steals my attention. “But I love the silver of the moon lily drop drink. ”

“You know, this night is your idea,” I say, leaning back slightly but watching her. “We can make whatever drink and food menu you want. We could do all three as drink specials,” I offer. “Then serve other refreshments, plus an open bar. What do you think?”

Her large eyes widen, softening as they meet mine, and she gives me a smile that feels like it slips past all my defenses. “I’d love that. I think it would be amazing. Thanks, Ash.”

I catch myself staring at Raene as she laughs softly at something Hannah says. It hits me then, this whole night feels like it’s wrapped around her, the way the moonlight clings to dark water, its reflection glowing brightly.

I want this event to have her fingerprints all over it. I want to see that look on her face again when she tastes the drink and calls it an experience.

Goddess, she’s magnetic.

The way she tilts her head when she’s thinking, chewing on her inner cheek, the way she tucks her hair behind her ear without even realizing she’s doing it.

And those moments, like when her knees brushed against mine, where I swear the rest of the world blurs out and I can’t hear a damn thing, even in a busy bar on a Friday night.

I pick up the glass beside Starry Night , take another sip of the drink, and smile to myself. Yeah, the Blackberry Moon Lily Drop is the winner. Not because it’s the best drink, but because it’s hers.