I Only Have Pies for You (Pumpkin Spice Life 1)

“What’s your favorite?”

He cleared his throat. “Captain America.”

“Of course, he is, hero.” She smirked. “And the Captain America for the mister here.”

They exchanged stuffed animals, and he chuckled. “Can’t say this has ever happened before.”

Tilting her head, she pursed her lips. “What? Men like gifts, too, right?”

“Yeah, we do.” He nodded his head in agreement.

“This way, we both win.”

“And you like to do things equally?”

“I’ll take a partnership over being pampered any day. Not to say a lady doesn’t like to be spoiled. I just want to ...”

“Share the load?” he whispered.

“Exactly.” She beamed, and he knew he couldn’t let go of this rare gem he was lucky enough to stumble upon.

Chapter Two

Rosaleen

“You should do this next year.” He tapped the flyer before he handed it over to her. “People send in their applications months in advance to grab a spot. It’s the perfect way to showcase your food. We started it about five years ago, and it’s been bigger and better every year.”

Reading the piece of paper with date and descriptions, she nodded. “We had something like this in Cincinnati.”

“I’m pretty sure

that’s where we borrowed the concept from.”

She placed the flyer on her counter, cocking her head to look up at him. “I have to ask.” She leaned forward. “Are you trying to fatten me up?”

“What?” he snickered.

“Most things you take me to are food-related.”

“For the record, you’re perfect as you are. But I don’t mind a little extra padding.”

“Stop.” She pushed off the counter and shoved him playfully.

“It’s fall, the season of food before we’re stuck in our houses when the snow comes.” He shrugged.

“Makes sense. You probably get more than we did back in Cincinnati.”

“Oh yeah. Be sure you’re stocked when they predict heavy snow is on its way.”

“I’ll remember that.” She eyed him thoughtfully. “The extra padding surprises me.”

“Why? I’m more concerned about what’s on the inside.” He frowned. “Looks can’t carry on a conversation, understand what matters most, or keep my interest long term.”

His words held a weight that waved a flag. “You sound like you speak from experience,” she said curiously.

“I do. I’m not one to talk badly about my exes. For the most part, we’ve all parted amicably. Like friends, not everyone you enter into a romantic relationship with is the one. We outgrow people, drift apart, or realize we’ve gone as far as we can together.”

She nodded, soaking up the information he was freely giving.