Sweeter Than Candy (The Davenports 1)

“No.” I shake my head. “But I know the sign. It’s one of the things we’re briefed on in my profession.”

“It’s different when you’re the one in the situation, Clara. You know that.”

“I do. I let it go on too long. Until the overbearing, boundary-pushing manipulation strangled me.” I touch my neck. “I had to get out while I still could.”

“Did he hurt you?” Ash’s eyes flash black with rage.

“Not physically.”

“That’s worse. Mental and verbal abuse are silent soul killers delivered by those who seem too good to be true to everyone else.”

“Yes.” I breathe the words. He understands. “It was an ugly parting. People took sides, I had to change my shifts, and suffer gossip and speculation. I learned the hard way who my friends truly were. It was a painful lesson. I fell into a depression. It was a time of great self-doubt, reflection, and growth. It took me a long time to build myself back up. Looking back I can see how necessary the lesson was.”

“And now?” he whispers.

“Spending time with you, forming a close friend

ship first, and letting things develop naturally cracked the shell I’d built around my heart. I couldn’t deny our connection if I wanted, which I don’t. In a lot of ways, I’m just as scared as you are.” I sigh. “What a pair we make, huh?”

“One made for each other.” He presses a kiss to my temple. “Thank you for sharing this with me.”

“I wanted to be on equal footing with you.”

His smile eases the tightness in my chest. A sense of rightness descends. My spirit lifts.

“I think we’ve had enough serious talk for one evening. Let’s get a game started.” We slip back into our easy companionship, and I feel the seeds of something new take hold as the weeds of past disappointment, hurt, and sorrow are banished by hope.

“Are you nervous?” Ash asks with a smirk.

“Yes.” I bite my bottom lip.

He pulls my lip free. “Don’t be. You already know them.”

“Yeah. As a lactation consultant, not your date.”

“You’re adorable when you’re nervous.” He kisses me sweetly. I moan as his tongue parts my lips and sweeps inside, distracting me

“Shouldn’t you be more supportive?” I elbow him gently.

“No, this is too rare a sight not to savor.” He chuckles gently. Wrapping an arm around my shoulders, he pulls me close to his side.

“This will be fun. Look at it this way … they’ll be eating brunch, so how many conversations can they really expect from you?”

I pat his cheek. “Always looking on the bright side of things.”

“I try.” We leave the car behind and walk toward the bright pink building with a wooden sign with the words ‘Sugar and Spice’ written in red. The restaurant is an old favorite I’ve never had the pleasure of eating at.

“How long have you guys been coming here to eat?”

“Since we were kids. I can’t believe you’ve never been here before. You’re in for a treat. Everything is made fresh and delicious.”

The pigs dancing around the syrup-covered pancake statue with a large pick in the center makes me smile. Brilliant colors and whimsical features create a magical environment. I’ve yet to set foot inside, and the trip has already been a memorable one. My eyes are assaulted by brightly colored walls, bold diamond patterns, fast food murals, and multicolored vinyl booths. A wall of rubber ducks stands out, confusing and amusing me.

“What in the world?” I crane my neck to take it all in.

“Welcome to Sugar and Spice, babe.”

“Hey!” Micah waves as we spot the Davenports taking up the center island.