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Oh yes, he was definitely warm now. He cleared his throat. “Um, yes. Yes, it is.”
She smiled as though pleased with his answer. “Would you like some more hot cocoa?”
“Sure.” He didn’t want it. Not really. But it would give him something to do with his hands. He glanced up just then and noticed that the snow clouds were parting and the moon was visible. “Look at that.” He pointed toward the sky.
The moonbeams lit up the earth around them, reflecting off the fresh layer of snow. It was so bright out that it was almost like daylight.
“This is so beautiful, like a postcard,” Jillian said. “Thank you for sharing this spot with me.”
This was his chance to convince her that she had other choices—other than Glenn. When she turned back to him, he dipped his head and caught her lips with his own. His heart was pounding so loud now that it echoed in his ears.
Her lips were smooth and warm. Desire pumped in his veins. He longed to devour her with a passionate kiss, but he used all of his restraint to move slowly.
She didn’t move as though surprised by his kiss. Surely she couldn’t be that surprised. Could she?
And then she pulled back. She avoided his gaze. “We shouldn’t do that.”
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask why and then he remembered Glenn. Was it really possible she still had deep feelings for that guy?
“Sorry.” He wasn’t sorry. Not really.
“I’m the one who’s sorry. It’s just that—”
“Don’t.” He couldn’t bear to hear about Glenn. “I shouldn’t have done it. Can we still be friends?”
“Of course.”
He needed to smooth things over and not leave it at this awkward juncture. “Thank you again for helping me with the Bake-Off. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you.”
“I’m sure you would have managed.” She handed over a fresh cup of cocoa.
“I don’t think so.” Having this generic conversation after what had happened between them felt so strange. But refusing to give up his newfound connection to Jillian, he continued. “I checked out the online videos and they just didn’t work for me. But you’ve taught me a lot.”
“I did?”
He nodded. “You taught me that you don’t have to follow the directions exactly but you can take chances and switch things up.”
She smiled broadly. “I’m glad you think I helped. I hope you’ll think the same thing when we tackle the cake phase of the competition.”
“Whoa! Slow up. We’ll deal with the cookies first.”
“Are you ready for the first round of the Bake-Off tomorrow?”
He took a drink of the cocoa, enjoying the warm, rich taste. “I guess I’m as read
y as I’m ever going to be.”
“Just do it like we went over in the kitchen and you’ll be a shoo-in to win.”
He almost choked on another mouthful of cocoa. He swallowed hard. “You are certainly a dreamer.”
“No. I’m serious. I liked the changes you made to the cookie recipe.”
He handed her back the empty cup. “I wouldn’t have even known I could do that if it wasn’t for you.”
“I guess we make a good team.” Jillian poured the rest of the cocoa in the cup.
This was the moment for him to vocalize the one thing that he’d come out here to say to her. “I agree. I know that after you quit working for me that our friendship…well, we didn’t see each other much. I’m sorry I let the distance grow between us. I hope this time we’ll not lose contact again. I enjoy our friendship. I hope you feel the same way.”
