Page 32 of The Soulmate Bakery

‘So, how is the spell going to work for you when it’s been tailored for dragons?’ Orion asked, sounding all reasonable.

‘But – but,’ I spluttered, grasping for something. ‘But you haven’t shifted yet, it won’t work for you either.’

‘I did when I went to get you lunch and my chest is like a sputtered-out candle right now,’ Orion retorted, and that smug look was painted over the planes of his handsome face again. ‘So, spoon, please.’

Resigned, I did what he asked because I knew better than to argue. From my apron, I proffered one of my twenty spoons in his direction. He must have noticed the slight tremor in my hand, because he grabbed the spoon and held on – not taking it out of my hand. I looked away from the magical treat and into his eyes.

‘It’s going to be fine,’ Orion said, with such unshakeable confidence.

‘What if a second head erupts out of your neck?’ I blurted.

Orion shrugged. ‘Then I’ll be twice as good-looking.’

And with that, he took the spoon and dived straight into the tart.

Orion’s eyes slid shut as he swallowed, and his closed fist went to his chest. Slowly, a smile tugged at his mouth. Relief loosened the tension in my chest, replacing the nerves with unadulterated excitement.

‘So?’ I probed, eager for the compliment.

‘It’s good, Reverie,’ Orion said, finally opening his eyes. I watched, transfixed, as he took a second bite. This time, he dragged the spoon out of his mouth like he was savouring every morsel. ‘You’re really, really good.’

‘Thank you,’ I said, pride bursting through me. ‘But remember, I didn’t bake these. If Ivy finds out I’m working at another bakery, I’ll lose the apprenticeship. So, when Melodie sells them, she has to say she outsourced them or made them herself.’

‘Promise,’ he replied and gave me a grin. ‘I’ll keep your secret; you’ll keep baking for the Treasure Trove, and we’ll break the love curse.’

My heart jumped and my stomach hollowed upon hearing his use of we. I couldn’t help but think of what a disaster it was for me the last time I wanted us to be a we.

Instead of saying something though, I just reached out to take a bite of the tart.

‘Mine,’ Orion said, possessively, as he stuck his spoon into the tart once more.

I grinned and allowed myself to be comforted by the one thing that was always the same about Orion Hawthorne: he had a sweet tooth.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Luck-enchanted macaroons. Red-coloured and dusted with the gold that reminded me of Silas’s eyes when he shifted into his werewolf form. Filled with a charmed spiced-apple buttercream. They were so perfect, each delicate shell crisp and just ready for a crunch. I made them yesterday, after my third shift at the Treasure Trove.

‘You’re going to crush them,’ Sofia reprimanded, nudging me with her elbow. I looked down at the box I was holding, and I was indeed crushing the sides of it.

‘I’m nervous,’ I murmured, teeth chattering. One could say it was because of the fact that we were sitting in the front-row bleachers of Maple Falls High’s stadium in the freezing cold, wrapped in our school-coloured scarves. But it was probably more because I somehow had to get Silas to eat one of the macaroons I brought.

‘I didn’t think you were such a rugby fan,’ Sofia remarked, dubiously. I had texted her to join Raven and me, and we’d all met at Charmed & Toasty before coming here. Sofia had gone all out, charming her flower bracelets to the school colours and dressing in the school jerseys. She looked like she’d always lived in Maple Falls.

‘She’s not,’ Raven snorted, half her face covered with her chunky scarf. ‘She’s a massive fan of the captain of the team.’

I shot her a glare, but no one was listening to us; everyone was screaming, hollering or truly invested in the game. Sofia giggled beside me and nudged my shoulder again.

‘He’s cute, I get it,’ Sofia said, and then looked down at the macaroons. ‘Are those for him?’

I nodded, feeling my cheeks warm when Sofia gave me a look that said you’re just too sweet.

‘How are you going to give them to him?’ Sofia questioned. ‘Do you two know each other already?’

‘Well,’ I stretched out the word, unsure of how to respond. ‘We do know each other a little. We’ve just never, you know, really had a full conversation. Ever.’

Sofia blinked. ‘So, you need to get his attention.’

I groaned softly and then leaned back against the uncomfortable bleacher seat. ‘Yes, but look at him. He’s winning like crazy – right?’ I checked with Raven, who nodded. ‘So, there’s not really a reason for him to eat my luck-infused macaroons.’