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

“How about with actual food, so I don’t feel guilty for pumping you full of sugar.”

“Deal.” He pulled a seat out for her and slid onto the bench across from her. Reaching over the edge of the table, he gave her hand a squeeze. “Thank you for this.”

“I wanted to let you know how much our time has meant. Meeting you has changed my life for the better. Opening up the bakery has been my dream for so long, I never thought too far beyond that. Then you showed up and gave me a little food for thought.”

“You did the same thing for me. I’ve been stuck in a bit of a rut outside of work. You breathed fresh life into my routine and helped me see the town I was born and raised in with new appreciation.” Lifting her hand, he kissed the back of it. His eyes darkened to a shade of cornflower blue, and she inhaled. Tiny bumps broke out over her arm and electricity passed between them. He released her hand and grabbed a sandwich. Exhaling, she took a sip of her water, working on calming her hormones. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her she hadn’t eaten since breakfast, and she reached over to fix herself a few ham and mayonnaise sandwiches. An enjoyable silence swept through the room as they ate.

“Okay, I’m ready for dessert now.” He rubbed his hands together, and she laughed.

“All right, start with these.” She grabbed snickerdoodle, cinnamon roll, mini S’mores, and peanut butter cup cupcakes.

“I’m going to half these, so I have room for the pumpkin spice creations. It’s one of my favorite fall flavors.” He cut the S’mores cupcake in half, revealing the chocolate marshmallow center. Dipped in chocolate and covered in toasted marshmallow sprinkled with graham crackers, it did a good job of simulating the fireside treat. Popping the piece in his mouth, he moaned. The happiness he experienced while eating filled her heart with warmth and joy. “I was worried the marshmallow would be overpowering, but it’s not.” He shook his head, then went for the peanut butter cup next. A light peanut butter cream cheese frosting with a small peanut butter cup in the middle topped off the look. Chopping it in half with his fork, he revealed the rich peanut butter filling which contrasted beautifully with the chocolate cake.

Chewing slowly, he hummed. “This is rich. One is all you need.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin and finished a half glass of water.

“Was it too much?” she asked.

“I’m not a huge chocolate fan, so for me, it was. For most people, it’d be heaven. The cake was moist, and the peanut butter filling was incredible. It was actually my favorite part.” His eyes lit as he picked up the Snickerdoodle. “It’d be blasphemy to break this in half and leave it behind.”

She laughed. “I put extra care into those for you.”

His eyes twinkled, and he took a bite. The deep moan he released had her body tingling. Pure enjoyment spread over his face. His long eyelashes kissed his cheek and his lips curved up. She reached over and caressed the soft hair covering his jaw. “I could eat these every day and never get sick of them.”

“Coming from you about Snickerdoodles that’s a huge compliment.”

“Just don’t tell my mother.”

She cupped his face and brushed her lips against his. “Your secret is safe with me.” Sweeping the crumbs free, she grabbed one for herself.

The bell rang above the door downstairs, and she jumped up and clapped her hands. “They’re here.” The boisterous sound of little boys came up the stairway.

“You go greet them. I’ll clean up.”

“You’re my guest.”

He held out his hand. “No, you did all this. It’s the least I can do.”

“Okay. Thank you.” Kissing his cheek, she moved out of the kitchen and hurried down the stairs.

Walking through the door that opened into the business portion of the building, she found Connor and Caden talking noisily, waving their arms in animation. Stephanie smiled and shook her head, sending her thick, wheat-colored hair around her round face. The amused exasperation visible in her dark blue eyes made her laugh. The boys were a sweet handful.

“Are you sure about this?” Stephanie asked, helping the boys shrug off their book bags.

“Positive. There’s no one more honest than a child. Right?”

“Uh-huh,” Stephanie said skeptically.

“Hey, boys.” Alaric appeared behind them with a smile.

“Hi, Mr. Alaric,” the boys crowed.

“I have to tell you I just sampled some of what Ms. Rosaleen baked for you guys, and it’s delicious.”

“Mom, can we try it now!” Caden asked, jumping from one foot to the other. His blue-green eyes threatened to bulge as he did the strange dance.

Alaric lifted his hands. “Don’t let me be the one who holds up the taste test.”

“All right. I’ll talk to you later on today then.”