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Drew took the fork she’d provided and cut off a piece. It was soft with a line of something gooey along the center. He placed a piece in his mouth and groaned. The cinnamon and sugar danced on his tongue, the cake all but melting in his mouth. It wasn’t just food, it was an experience.
The proud look on Baylee’s face said his reaction was precisely what she was looking for. And he was more than happy to deliver.
“You like it.” It wasn’t a question.
Liked it? He was making noises loud enough for the next table to hear and didn’t feel one iota of embarrassment. “It’s spectacular.”
“Oooh, spectacular. I haven’t heard that one yet. That makes my day.”
Drew was all too happy to make her day. He was up for making more than her day if she’d let him. But caution swept in and waved a little red flag. Sure, he was enamored with this woman for whatever reason, but he wasn’t staying, had no clue where his life was going, and again, knew nothing about her either. Maybe she was married. Nah. She wasn’t wearing a ring and didn’t give off a married vibe. It didn’t matter. He couldn’t start anything with Baylee because he couldn’t finish it.
Which was just too damn bad.
And yet he still sat in the middle of her bakery, inhaling her coffee cake and getting way too much enjoyment out of the look on her face as he did so.
He finished the last bite and sipped coffee to wash it down. “Have you always wanted to own a bakery?” There were so many things he wanted to know about this woman, but that was the first question that came to mind.
Much to his chagrin, her smile faded a bit. Her fingers toyed with the pocket of her apron. “No. Not really. I mean, I’ve always liked to bake, but never really thought of running a place myself.” She shrugged. “Life just sort of worked things out this way.”
He of all people could understand life throwing you a curve ball you weren’t ready for. “Is that a bad thing?”
“Oh, no. Not at all. I’m happy. I enjoy my work. It doesn’t feel like work, really. It’s fun. And a good distraction.”
She looked past him as if thinking of something she wasn’t ready to share. He had no intention of pushing either. Just listen to her.
“When I’m baking I go to another place, ya know?”
He did know. It was exactly how he felt on the pitcher’s mound. People asked him all the time how he blocked out the crowds and the noise. But it wasn’t hard. When he stood there, the only thing that existed was the ball in his hand and the catcher’s glove.
“Whatever I worry about, whatever is bothering me, simply gets lost in the dough and the process. I’m just… me.”
“What do you worry about?” The question went from his brain to his mouth before he could stop it.
The glimmer in her eyes dimmed a bit, making him regret his question.
The bell above the door jingled causing her to turn her attention that way. “Excuse me for a moment. I’ll be back. I need to go say hello to someone.” She stood and patted his hand again, a habit of hers he was beginning to like. A lot.
She hugged the woman who had just come into the bakery. An elderly woman with short gray hair and a cane. They chatted for a moment then Baylee led her to a chair and table near the window. His heart sank when she took the seat across from the woman but she said she’d be back. He’d wait all day if he had to. Besides, it wasn’t like he had anywhere to go.
He took a bite of the sugar cookie. Baylee was right. The coffee cake was better, but the cookie was pretty amazing as well. The woman was gifted in the kitchen.
For the first time in months, Drew didn’t mind a full day ahead of him. And if sitting for hours and eating pastries meant getting to see Baylee, he was more than happy to step up.
*
Baylee sat acrossfrom Gwen and fought the urge to turn and look at Drew who sat at a table behind her. Gwen was an older woman she’d met through Kate and Maggie. Someone she was happy to call her friend. A widow who lived alone, Gwen spent much of her time volunteering and was involved in their local church. A woman of faith and wisdom, Baylee looked up to her and appreciated Gwen’s weekly visits into the bakery. They’d sit and chat for a few minutes while Gwen munched on whatever Baylee brought her.
“You seem distracted this morning,” Gwen said. “I’m guessing it has something to do with that handsome gentleman you were sitting with when I came in.”
Baylee glanced in Drew’s direction. He held up his coffee mug in a toast then took a sip. Warmth flooded her cheeks. She turned back towards Gwen.
“Ah, the blush says it all, my dear.”
“We’re just friends, Gwen. Not even that, really. He’s Kate’s brother. He’s only in town for a short while during his recovery.”
“Oh, yes. Kate mentioned that to me. Poor guy. Hurt his shoulder, right?”
“Yes. He’s a professional baseball player.”
