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He was impressed, even though he had no clue how anyone would manage that. “Something you want to introduce to folks here?”
“Absolutely.” She traded the plain croissant for strudel. “It’ll have to be limited runs, and likely baked super early in the mornings.” She sighed over the strudel. “And if what I have in mind fails, I can adapt the recipe for strudel.”
She wiped her mouth and her hands. “Ready to see the metropolis of Brookwell? Gram’s likely to quiz you later—if only to make sure I’ve shown my new boyfriend all the sights.”
“Will I need to take notes?”
“Not if you’re observant.” Getting up, she went to grab a pair of bright blue sneakers.
He polished off the last of his coffee and set the cup aside. “Observant is my middle name.”
“Oh, I hope your parents weren’t so cruel.”
He did a double take, grateful she was distracted. There were degrees of cruelty in the world and while his parents didn’t top the list, they hadn’t been anything to hold up as a positive example.
“Any chance we can make a plan before we leave the room?”
“I have our plan,” Lila said, bouncing on her toes. “We’ll tour Central Street first, because contrary to Gram’s orders, I want to see the bakery in action, especially as it relates to the otherbusinesses nearby. And I have a few friends who need to know I’m back. After that, I thought a stroll along the beach was in order and maybe a quick circuit of the island if I can track down an old friend who works at the marina.”
An old boyfriend, maybe? Time would tell. Right now, though, he needed to focus. “I meant a plan for any potential trouble.”
With a smile, she flicked that away. “You’ll handle the trouble.”
“So confident.”
“Have you forgotten that I’ve seen you in action frequently over the last six months? We weren’t on the yacht the entire time.”
She had a point.
She was also in her jacket already and was looping a small bag over her shoulder and across her body. “Come on.”
At the door, he stopped her, holding it shut when she would’ve opened it. “If there is trouble, you have to promise to cooperate with any orders I give you.”
Her gaze turned stormy and damned if that didn’t turn him on as well.
Staring down at her, he waited. They could stand here all day if necessary, he wasn’t leaving this suite without her word on this.
“What kind of orders do you plan to issue?”
Was she kidding? “This is serious, Lila. Keeping you safe is my priority.”
Sympathy and some emotion he couldn’t pin down flickered through those green eyes. “I promise to obey all of your safety commands, Mr. Upton.”
“Thank you.” He paused, knowing he should take her word and just let it go. Maybe the thief would cut her losses rather than face certain exposure in such a small town. But he kept talking. “I will hold you to that promise, Lila. I expect you to keep your word.”
Her eyes flashed and her gaze dropped to his mouth for a split second. And in that there-and-gone moment he was lost to the memory of kissing her. Tasting her.
Of wanting more. Everything.
“Travis.” She tugged on his jacket. “Whatever you think you know about me, I don’t lie, cheat or steal. I do, however, keep my word.”
She nudged him aside and yanked open the door. “Let’s get moving before Gram gets the really wrong idea.”
“What idea would that be?” he asked, his voice low as they moved through the quiet hallway, the carpeting swallowing the sound of their steps.
“That we’re honing our baby-making skills.”
He tripped, righted himself quickly. “You’re kidding.”
