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Because she didn’t just get to make pastries this summer, she got to be with Jaime.
Joy!
She glanced up from her food truck to take in the well-lit meadow. Just like every other evening, it was jammed with people roaming the booths, picnicking on beach towels, and waiting for the next band to take the stage.
Her feet hurt, she was starving, but she couldn’t remember a time she’d been more content. But Jaime was right. As much as she didn’t want to accept more favors, she understood she couldn’t keep up this pace. She needed help. She’d been slammed all day—hadn’t even had a chance to take a bathroom break. So, yes, she’d go to the rink tomorrow morning and meet the boys. She’d be more productiveandhave time for really hot sex.
Everything was great…except the whole thing about hiding their relationship.
That didn’t sit well with her. All morning, she’d wrestled with his request, but it came down to one question: what would she do if she had a child? If she only had a few weeks with a man, would she let him meet her daughter? No, she wouldn’t.
So, if that were the case, how could she expect anything different from him?
Well, she knew the answer to that. She just liked him so much and wanted to spend every free moment with him.
She wanted to taste desserts at Wally’s and Harley and Lu’s Emporium. She’d heard about the Homestead Inn’s Dark Chocolate Obsession cake and wanted to try it. She wanted to ride the mechanical bull at Wild Billy’s and hike deep into the forest until she saw a moose. She wanted to wander the stalls at the farmer’s market. With Jaime. As her date.
But she’d see how it went. If it didn’t feel right, if she started wanting more than a fling, then she’d end it. For now, it was fun, he was hot, and no one could get hurt because the festival ended Labor Day weekend. After that, she’d have no food truck and no reason to stay in Calamity.
Not to make excuses for him, but she really did understand the big leap he’d taken in allowing himself this one slice of pleasure.
Bagging up six doughnuts, she handed it to the customer. “Thanks very much. Have a great day.”
The next person in line moved forward. “Hey, do you have any of those caramel chocolate cream puffs?”
“Sorry. I didn’t make them this morning.”
“But they’re my favorite.”
She laughed. “Fair point. I guess the longer I’m here, the more I’ll figure this stuff out.”
“Will you have them tomorrow?”
“Sure, I can do that.” She lifted one of the baskets. “Can I interest you in a—” Familiar laughter jerked her attention over to a group of people walking by. It sounded like Jaime.
Is he here to see me?
She started to smooth down her hair—it must be a mess—but remembered her hands were sticky from the powdered sugar she’d rolled the last batch of doughnuts in.
From this angle, she didn’t have a clear view, so she wasn’t sure it was him. But then, someone called his name, and he had to move closer to shake hands. Yep. It was him, all right.
Since he had the confounding appearance of a professional athlete who modeledandbelonged to a motorcycle club, he stood out in any crowd. It was almost comical to watch him catching up with his friend as heads turned and people stopped talking to check him out. Because he had no clue. None.
If she had help, she’d run right into his arms. Well, she couldn’t do that, but she could at least—
Whoa.A gorgeous red-haired woman came up and stood beside him. Grace froze, watching their interaction.
Are theytogethertogether? Like…on a date?
Would he do that to me?
He couldn’t possibly talk to me the way he did last night and then show up with another woman the next day, could he?
Oh, she was withhim, all right. A woman knows these things. From the way they stood so close together and the ease in their body language, Grace knew they’d had sex.
The redhead smiled like she was dazzled by him. With a crop top, jean shorts, and combat boots, she had an edgy vibe. She looked artsy, sexy, impulsive, and fun.
Everything I’m not.
