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

“I’m sorry, Ryan, that’s not possible. There’s too much hurt between us, and I’m already involved with someone new.”

He frowned, stiffening. “What are you talking about? I read the article, and I was there at the auction. You’re single.” His grip tightened.

She tugged, pulling her hand free. “We wanted to keep things to ourselves for a while.”

“Any man who isn’t shouting your relationship from the rooftops doesn’t deserve you.” He scowled.

Rolling her eyes at his dramatics, she kept her voice even. “It’s complicated.”

“It can’t be serious. You just relocated.” The whine in his voice struck a nerve. Was he always like this? Love truly makes a person blind.

“It takes more than time to determine the depth of emotions.”

“Who is it?”

“That’s none of your business.”

He studied her intensely. “It’s Captain America, isn’t it? The blue-eyed brunette who bid against me for this date.”

She shrugged, wondering what she saw in him before. How she’d failed to see the arrogance and his inability to accept things that didn’t go his way. What once seemed like determination and grit felt like entitlement and ignorance.

“I don’t want to go backward, Ryan. Maybe one day a long time from now we could make a go at being friends. Right now, it’s too soon.”

“If you’re over us, why the hesitation? I could win you over again if you let me.”

“You can’t treat a relationship like a business. My heart isn’t a corporation ready to be taken over and run with an iron first.” She shook her head. “Thank you for dinner and the overdue conversation.” Opening her black purse, she rummaged for her half of the bill. Being beholden to him in any way wouldn’t feel right.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Our hour is up. I think we’ve said all we need to.” She placed twenty dollars on the table.

“Ros—”

“There’s no point in dragging this out. If I didn’t make my position clear enough before, allow me to do so now. I’m not interested in rekindling anything. I moved here for a fresh start, and I’m going to have that come hell or high water.” Slipping her purse strap onto her shoulder she stood.

“It’s been ... real seeing you. Take care of yourself.” She left him behind with zero regrets and not one look back.

ALARIC

Smiling down at the cherry wood crib that had become his secret project, he wiped the sweat from his brow. It felt good to be back in the shop. His dad stayed home to look over his mother, and he had all but ran from their house with flour still clinging to his hands. A shouted promise over his shoulder to return the next day bright and early, and his dad’s expert distraction skills had kept his mother from protesting. The contest had three dishes. The final dish was always pumpkin pie, but the other two changed frequently.

One year they’d thrown in a twist and added pumpkin spice latte. You could practice as much as you wanted leading up until the contest date, but the dishes had to be prepared in the presence of the judges in a day-long bake off. He didn’t want to embarrass his mom, but she wouldn’t be there to coach him every step of the way. He tried to retain the information she fed him. The pressure didn’t make things easy. His mother had done so much for him growing up, he’d do just about anything to see her happy. This was one thing he wasn’t sure he could pull off. Sighing, he returned his attention to the piece coming to life beneath his sander. Once it was coated and sealed, it’d be the perfect gift for his friends expecting their newest addition to the family.

A knock on the door drew his attention.

“Hey, boss. You got a guy out here asking for you.”

He frowned. “Customer?”

“Potential one maybe?” Josh shook his head. “I don’t know. He looks big city to me. I almost wanted to ask him if he was lost.”

Alaric snickered. “Give me a second, and I’ll be out there.”

“All right.” Josh knocked on the wall and left the way he came.

Setting aside the rough sandpaper, he brushed himself off and washed his hands in the sink. This is as good as it’s going to get without a shower. Declaring himself ready, he walked out into the main store. The sight of the tall blond who broke Rosaleen’s heart made him see red. You’ve got to be kidding me.

“I don’t think we have what you’re looking for here,” Alaric drawled.