Nicole had made sure to have a wide variety for people to sample in order to entice many palates. And she’d kept her audience in mind, including parents who’d brought their kids for a day outdoors. As a result, some of her more popular items included the fried apple fritters and chocolate caramel doughnut holes. Of course, the churros and cream puffs were big hits too.
The morning passed quickly and Nicole was riding a high from the response to her baked goods. When she added the general welcome she’d received from just about everyone who stopped by her booth, she was feeling not only like she belonged in Serendipity, but optimistic about the success of their soon-to-be-opened bake shop.
The only thing that could make the day better would be seeing Sam. He’d promised to stop by but had texted her to say he’d been delayed by a call from the station and said he’d find her later.
After the long morning on her feet, she took advantage of a lull in the crowd and turned things over to Aunt Lulu while she treated herself to a much-needed break. It was the first time she’d had a chance to check out the art fair, and she found herself impressed with the talent on display. The general look of the fair was similar to the street fairs in Manhattan, with a warmer feel because the people were so friendly.
She didn’t want to leave Aunt Lulu alone for much longer, but before returning to work, she decided to take a quick bathroom trip. Joe’s wife, Annie, had stopped by the booth earlier and told her to feel free to come around back and use the bar’s office restroom.
Anything to avoid the long lines at the shops, Nicole thought, and she cut down the alley leading to the back of the stores on Main.
She was almost at the back lot when a male voice spoke to her. “Excuse me?”
“Yes?” She turned and looked up at a handsome man with blond hair and a severe expression.
“Didn’t I see you at the bakery booth earlier?” he asked.
“Yes. I’m running it with my partner, Lulu Donovan. Did you taste something you liked?” she asked hopefully.
So many people had come back for seconds or to inquire whether she’d be carrying the various items she’d prepared once she opened the store.
But this man didn’t answer, merely studied her intently.
In the wake of his long silence, she grew increasingly uncomfortable. She didn’t like being alone in the alleyway with a stranger who’d stopped her but was less than chatty.
“I enjoyed the cream puffs,” he said at last.
“Well, I’ll definitely be making those a staple in our new place. I hope you’ll come try them again. If you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to get back to the booth.”
She’d stepped around him when he spoke again. “You’re Nicole Farnsworth, yes? You used to be engaged to Tyler Stanton.” He didn’t ask.
He knew.
Every warning instinct Nicole had told her to flee, but he held her there with that hard stare.
“You should get back together with your fiancé,” he told her. “If you’re smart and don’t want—”
“Nicole!”
Sam’s voice interrupted the man, and she gratefully turned toward the sound.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” He came toward her from the direction of the parking lot, reaching her with quick, deliberate strides.
Her heart was racing so fast her chest hurt. She glanced back to see that the stranger had disappeared.
Relieved beyond words, she threw herself into Sam’s arms.
As he enfolded her in his strong embrace, she realized she was trembling.
“Who was that guy you were talking to?” Sam asked.
She swallowed hard. “I don’t know. He approached me in the alley. At first I thought it was about the bakery, but he knew who I was. He knew about Tyler.”
Sam’s hold on her tightened. “Call your ex. Tell him to meet us at your place now.”
Nicole pushed out of his arms. “No! I can’t do that. I have to work the booth. Besides, why—” Her voice trailed off as she looked into the eyes of one very pissed-off man.
“That guy who cornered you? He’s a Russian art dealer,” Sam informed her.