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

“Do I?”

Her words were a one-two punch to the solar plexus. Stepping closer, he cupped her face. “You should.” He brushed her lips with his own. “You’ve become vital to my happiness.”

Closing her eyes, she sighed.

He bent down and kissed her forehead. “Let’s give each other a minute to cool down and revisit this?”

She nodded. “You’re not the only one who needs time to process.”

“Fair enough.” The words stung. How had things gone to hell so fast?

Chapter Eight

Rosaleen

A silly smile lined her lips as she entered River Road. Alaric had asked her to meet him in person, making the first move toward calming the choppy waters they’d landed in. Despite the passage of time, the uneasy feeling had yet to subside between them. Ordering a caramel macchiato, she took her beverage to the corner table. Alaric appeared a few moments later, slightly disheveled. His hair fell across his forehead, and the white T-shirt, worn jeans, and red and black plaid shirt boasted a few swirls of wood shavings. This was Alaric in his element. And I’ve never been more attracted. The man has a way with his hands. Biting her bottom lip, she remembered the feel of his calloused fingers moving her skin. She waved, catching his eye. A blinding smile followed. Her stomach flipped. This gorgeous man was all hers. After ordering, he made his way over.

“Hey,”

“Hi,” she whispered. They exchange sheepish smiles.

“How’s your day been?” he asked.

“Steady. How about yours?”

“Busy. The cradle is ready to stain.” His eyes sparkled with excitement. “I want you to be the first to see it once it’s finished.”

“I’d love that.” Being included in something so personal endeared him further.

“The next time I head over to Charlie and Trisha’s, you’ll have to come with me. They’d love to finally meet you.”

“You told them about me?”

“Of course. I’m not hiding you, sugar. This was about keeping our business out of the gossip circle, not hiding it from the people in our lives.” He cleared his throat. “I know we left things on a sour note the other night. I want to reset. Can we do that?”

She studied him quietly. “I think so.”

“We have something special and I’m not willing to let it be detailed.” His firm, matter-of-fact delivery added to his sincerity. He was trying. She didn’t expect to be placed about his mother, but she wanted to be on the same playing field.

“I think so, too.”

“Yeah?” His shoulders relaxed. “I know this is still new. But I feel like I’ve known you for years.”

“I feel the same way. It’s almost scary how easy things are with you.”

“Maybe this is the way it’s meant to be.” He peered at her through the fringe of hair. Reaching across the table, she brushed the strands out of his eyes. “I’ve been searching for a relationship like this for years.”

Pretty words didn’t always mean much, but she felt these to her soul. He’d slipped in and become such a necessary part of her life.

“Am I alone in that feeling?”

She shook her head, the curls brushing her shoulders. “No.”

“We can take this as slow as we need to, but I’ve never been one to bite my tongue. Life is sh

ort, and I try to avoid regrets.”

“Where did you come from?” she asked playfully. He wasn’t someone she would have chosen on her own, but he seemed to be exactly what she needed.