Meet Cute: Magnolia & Ellis from XO
The Francois Family’s Bed and Breakfast had exceeded my expectations. Kitchen and dining room had an open layout. The dining room was empty except for the man standing behind the breakfast bar. I assumed he was Linda’s son. Jazz hummed at a quiet volume and the lights were low.
I noted the shiny hardwood furniture and unique dining tables as I strode through the room. The paisley printed wallpaper was a different color scheme; a mix of neutral colors covered the walls. I walked past the fireplace, briefly basking in its warmth before continuing to the bar.
As I reached the breakfast bar, Linda’s son turned to face me. I sucked in a sharp breath when our eyes met. His rich molasses colored skin was radiant under the soft lighting of the dining room. A smile stretched across his handsome face. I returned one just as wide as I took my seat.
“I need a drink,” I told him, holding my smile. My eyebrow quirked when he leaned on the bar, putting his face a few inches from mine. His cologne smelled like toasted vanilla and spice.
“That bad of a day, huh?” he questioned. “I know what you need.”
He went underneath the bar and pulled out two mason jars, both contained clear liquids. I burst into laughter, remembering the moonshine my uncles brought to family gatherings. This was just what I needed.
“Are you familiar?”
I nodded. “Very. My mom hated when my dad would drink this with her brothers and lost it when she learned I joined them from time to time.” She’s probably rolling in her grave. He smiled, then filled my glass half-way. “Let me guess, you can’t drink because it’s so busy, right?”
“I like you,” he said, “I’m Ellis Francois, by the way.”
“Magnolia Fields, but you can call me Nola.”
After pouring himself a glass, he tapped it against mine. I sipped the strong yet sweet drink, sinking back into my seat.
Ellis chuckled before taking another swig of his drink. “Where are you from, Nola? I can tell you’re not from ‘round here.”
“Guess,” I teased with a smirk. Ellis’s brown eyes glimmered and the corners of his mouth tipped. He stepped back, carefully looking over my appearance.
“You’re from Atlanta. I’ve met girls like you before.”
“Girls like me?” Placing my hand on my chest, I feigned offense. “What does that mean?”
“City girls never last long out here. It’s too quiet, too slow. Everyone knows everyone.” He shrugged while scratching his face.
The five o’clock shadow adoring his face was sexy as hell. I bit my lip while admiring his muscular arms. His white button-up shirt was rolled up at the sleeves, exposing the veins and tattoos on his forearms. Ellis had this grown man energy about him. I loved it.
“You know what I’m talking ‘bout.”
I took another swig of my moonshine, wincing at the warmth shooting throughout my body. The view of Ellis exacerbated the sensation.
“Damn. What’s her name?”
“Who?”
“The city girl who broke your heart?” I shot back, knowing damn well he was the one handing out heartbreaks with those penetrating eyes and charming smile.
After receiving life-changing news, Magnolia Fields goes to her father's hometown, Eden Island, looking for answers. An unlikely encounter with Ellis Francois–the owner of the bed-and-breakfast Magnolia booked upon her arrival–begins her journey toward healing and experiencing true love.
cw: grief & childhood bullying.
Note: this is a 12k novelette with a HFN (happy-for-now) ending.