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

“Hi.”

“Hi. You look good for someone playing Cinderfella.”

“Ha, ha,” he replied dryly.

She hid her smirk in her coffee. “How’s your mom?”

“Driving me and Dad crazy, but taking her meds and staying off her feet for the most part.”

“Good.” She nodded.

Silence fell as they sipped their caffeinated beverage. This was the closest they’d come to a disagreement. Wariness settled in as she waited to see his true colors. The auction was this evening, and she wanted to clear the air and get an idea where she stood. Her run-in with Ryan left her uneasy and on edge. Things with Alaric had been so easy. Maybe too easy. Things that appeared too good to be true usually were. Up until now she hadn’t questioned his charm and easy-going mannerisms. Didn’t I learn from Ryan not to take people at face value?

“I’ll be honest, sugar. When I saw the article in the paper, I was upset.”

She sighed. “You know I didn’t pitch that to her. Jennifer decided to spin it that way. Probably to get more reads.”

“I figured that much. I just didn’t understand why you said you were single.”

She scoffed. “You agreed we wanted to keep things between us for a while.”

“Yes, but you didn’t have to name me, did you?” He arched his brow.

Part of her knew he was right, but the other part resented his questioning. But after being called out, she’d blanked.

“No, but my mother was standing right there, and I assure you, she would’ve noticed, and grilled me. Jennifer caught me off guard. I answered the best way I could while respecting the boundaries we set.”

He sighed. “I understand. I’m just ... I’m not a man who shares well when it matters to me.”

Her brow dipped low. “And do you believe me to be a woman who does?”

“I wasn’t insinuating anything, sugar. Just sharing my point of view.” He reached across the table and grabbed her hand. She glanced around to make sure they weren’t noticed. “What are we going to do?”

She shrugged. “Is there anything to do?”

He frowned. “I think so. Otherwise, I’m going to be black and blue from defending your honor from cads trying to cut into a dance they’re not invited to.”

His words sent warmth through her belly. “I’m flattered you think I’m that desirable, but I think you’re overestimating the response that’ll come from this article,” she said honestly.

He clenched his jaw. “And if I’m not?”

“Then it might be time to consider breaking it to our folks,” she answered smoothly.

“And your date from the auction?”

Seeing him rattled gave her more pleasure than it should. He’s really into me, isn’t he? “I have no problem letting them know I’m not interested, hero. What’s going on with you?”

He shook his head. “While we were courting, we existed in a bubble. I never stopped to think about how things might change once you opened the shop.” He paused.

“And now?” she asked softly.

“I wanted to make my stance clear.”

“It’s still a little muddy.” She studied him as he swallowed.

“I’m in this for the long haul, Rosaleen. I don’t want someone sweeping in and stealing you away because I failed to make my intentions clear.”

She smiled. “I read you loud and clear. We’re on the same wavelength. I wouldn’t have agreed to date you if I wasn’t. We’ve both been hurt. Keeping the lines of communication open is extremely important.”