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

“Mmm-hmm.” Rosaleen nodded. “I will never make these in my shop now because I know. I can’t do this justice.” She popped the rest of the pastry in her mouth. “I only shared to prove a point. I’m pretty protective of my sweets.”

“You got a real sweet tooth. It turns you vicious when it’s denied, huh?”

“How can I be a pastry chef without being a connoisseur of sweets?”

“Hey, you don’t have to defend your vice to me, sugar.”

She rolled her eyes. “That is the best nickname you can come up with, hero?”

“I think it’s fitting.” His eyes focused on her plump, dark pink lips. Will she taste as sweet as the pastries she baked and consumed with zeal?

“I am who I am. Take it or leave it.”

Don’t tempt me, woman. “Let’s see what else we can get to appease your craving for sweets.” He winked. Scoffing, she couldn’t hide the smile that followed. It did funny things to his guts. This woman had appeared out of nowhere and jumpstarted his libido, intoxicating him.

“What about you, hero?” She nodded her head toward him. “What do you crave other than snickerdoodles?”

You.

“I’m partial to fall flavors ... cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and apple. I’m easy.”

“Somehow, I doubt that.” She shook her head.

“Are you insinuating I might be difficult?” He mocked offense.

She eyed him shrewdly. “Maybe. The jury is still out for now.”

He whistled. “Anyone ever tell you you’re tough on the ego?”

Tossing her head back, she laughed. “I might’ve heard it a time or two. It’s good for you. Builds character.”

“She says as she ribs me.”

“You’re welcome to give it back. I assure you I can take it.”

He stepped closer. Their arms brushed. The muscles in his stomach flexed. Does she feel the energy flowing between us?

A toddler came out of nowhere. She stopped abruptly, falling back as her imbalance threw her off. Catching her, he pulled her body against his to save them both. Her dilated eyes and the smoldering expression in them had him smothering a moan. Locked in a stare, the world around them faded. Her curves were lush and soft against him. His pants grew too tight.

“I am so sorry.” The frantic mother grasping the toddler’s wrist apologized, breaking the haze that settled over him.

“It’s okay,” Rosaleen said breathlessly.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” She nodded.

Licking his lips, he released her and stepped back. She turned to the embarrassed mother. “These things happen. I’m sure we all made a run for it when we were his age. No one was hurt. Please don’t give it another thought.”

Watching her assure the young mother showed how kind she was. There has to be a catch. Did she turn hideous at midnight or have a hidden mean streak? Time and experience had taught him to mistrust anything that appeared too good to be true. Right now, Rosaleen was looking like an angel. He didn’t trust it. He couldn’t afford to. At thirty-five, he wasn’t getting any younger, and getting locked into a relationship that went nowhere wasn’t on his agenda. He longed for a meaningful relationship that led to more.

Being single was lonely. He kept himself busy, but he constantly felt like a piece of a puzzle was missing. With his career in line, he’d begun to look for the missing fulfillment in his personal life and more. Friends, hobbies, and family hadn’t filled the hole that existed inside of his heart. Thinking that the woman beside him might be that missing piece could prove foolish. Still, he refused to risk letting her go before he found out for certain. Trusting his gut had gotten him this far. He wouldn’t deny it now.

Chapter Three

Rosaleen

Suddenly, there was a knock. Glancing down at her smartwatch, she gri