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She grinned, charmed by him already.
“It’s true.” Banner rolled his eyes. “He’s all about the fancy shit. Snails and lobster and everything.”
“What about cider donuts?” she asked with a sideways glance.
He shrugged. “Never tried them. Every time the fair comes along, I’m away on business, so this is my first time.”
“You’ve never had a cider donut?” she nearly shouted. “Well, what are we waiting for? You can’t possibly live a second longer without one.”
He laughed, then said to Banner, “I like this one already.”
Her nose led her to the booth where the bakery had set up a makeshift donut shop. Trays of sugary donuts waited to be devoured. Her mouth watered already.
She went to order, but Ambrose stepped in before she could. “I’ll take a dozen.”
When she opened her mouth to offer to pay, Ambrose waved her away.
A few moments later, they each had one in hand.
“Go ahead,” she said to Ambrose. “Let’s see if I steered you right.”
He took a bite, managing to fit almost the whole thing in one mouthful. His eyes narrowed as he contemplated an answer, as if he were a food critic at a fancy restaurant. She had to laugh at his exaggerated expression.
“Hmmm.”
“Come on,” she said. “You can’t hate it. If you hate it, this date is over.”
Nodding, he swallowed the bite. “It’s delicious.”
“Told you!”
“Seriously,” he said, shoving the rest in his mouth. “Probably the best-tasting breakfast I’ve ever had. I’d buy three dozen more, but then I wouldn’t fit into my pants anymore.”
“Some things are worth getting fat for.” She took a bite of hers.
Banner piped in. “I’m gonna bring some to Rook. The boy has a sweet tooth just like our dad did.”
She’d almost forgotten he was there. Feeling guilty, she turned to give him some attention too. “That’s a good idea. How’s he doing, anyway?”
He shrugged. “Seems like something’s up. I’ve been visiting more often just so he knows I’m around to talk to.” He frowned. “I worry about him.”
“I know. But you’re a great brother, and he’s lucky to have you.”
Ambrose took another donut from the bag and held it out to her. She wanted it badly, still hungry from having skipped breakfast, but she hesitated. “I probably shouldn’t.”
“Come on,” he said, waving it in front of her. “I know you want it.”
Laughing, she grabbed the donut. “You’re bad.”
His eyes darkened in an instant. “You have no idea.”
The mood shifted and the funny feeling she got when Banner acted dominant crept into her belly, making her freeze in place. She wasn’t hungry for donuts anymore.
“Um.” She cleared her throat. “So, what do you do for work?”
Ambrose smiled, seeming to enjoy making her squirm. She couldn’t tell if it annoyed her or aroused her. The whole sub drop thing was still keeping her off balance.
“I’m in the shipping business.”
