The Coffee Bomb and the Corporate Spy

One Change of Scene Changes Two Lives

Joel Cabot loves his small town life and his graphic design work for Grateful Grocer.

But a flood of suggestions for a big project threatens to bury him alive.

Duncan Jackson's hectic corporate spy career leaves him burned out and ready for a break.

A quick job sleuthing out a design project sounds like a perfect chance to relax and unwind.

Neither expects sparks to fly when they meet.

Or just how deep Grateful Grocer's secrets run.

Will Joel and Duncan get lost in spy games?

Or will they discover a path to each other?

An Unexpected Spark Changes Everything

"I haven't swung a bat in ages," Duncan said. "Never was all that great at it, but I always loved to try. I can feel the blisters starting already. So, you in?"

Joel had that warm, solid feeling in his chest he got when he started something that was going to turn out good.

And damned if he hadn't earned a bit of relaxation over the last few months.

"Okay, I'm in. I did my best with baseball, especially with my uncle as the coach, but I was more comfortable as a soccer player growing up. So you have to promise not to laugh at how bad I might be at it after all this time."

Duncan laughed, then covered his mouth with one hand.

"I'm sorry, that's not at you. Like I said, I wasn't exactly an All Star. I don't think I'll get hit, but I have managed to get hit in a batting cage before. We'll have to promise not to laugh at each other. Deal?"

Joel held out one hand.

"Deal."

The contact between them hit like lightning.

Rippling, long-lasting, summer-night heat lightning.

The kind that circled and promised and threatened all night long, but never built up enough force to turn destructive.

Every inch of Joel's skin tingled and the hair on his arms stood on end.

From the way Duncan caught his breath, the sensation was mutual.