Ignoring the dig at his best friend, Asher said, “Anything is possible once someone meets the right person.”
His older brother gave a disgusted snort and strode from the kitchen.
Shelby frowned at his back, but Celia’s gaze stayed on Asher. “You think you’re the right person?”
He shrugged even as his heart answered, Yes.
Celia looked skeptical. “You better make sure Roxanna’s wrong before you get in too deep,” she warned.
Before he could respond, her fiancé leaned through the doorway. “You ready to head out, babe? I was hoping to fit in a few hours of work before the fundraiser.”
Goodbye’s were said, and Asher encouraged Shelby to still invite Merit along to look at her proposed veterinary clinic before ducking out himself. As he reached to insert the key in the ignition of his Camaro, he got a text from Roxanna.
Rox: Did you happen to see your neighbor while she was baking cupcakes recently?
A shiver snaked down his spine. No matter how many times she did that, it was still eerie as all hell.
Asher: Last night. Why?
Rox: There is hope yet.
He frowned at his phone. What does that mean?
Rox: Nothing. Carry on.
Except with her, nothing was ever nothing. Not that she’d explain more. She never did.
Asher: Freak.
Rox: Love you, too.
Asher: So I’m forgiven, then?
Rox: You were forgiven last night. Am I?
Asher: Of course. I know your heart’s in the right place.
Rox: Good. I think yours might be, too.
Well, that was awfully cryptic. Typical Rox.
Despite the urge to hurry home, he made a quick detour onto Aspen Street and parked in the back of Lift Your Spirit shortly after one p.m. With Roxanna, face to face sometimes netted better results. Sometimes.
He used his master key to enter the back, an invite she’d extended from the day he’d purchased the building six years ago and offered her prime rental space. She looked up from the register and gave him a smile. Despite the recent text exchange, her welcome was subdued as he approached.
“How was brunch? Does everyone hate me?” Somehow, she sounded worried and mutinous at the same time.
He cast an absent glance at the three girls having coffee at one of the café tables. There were a couple other browsing customers, but that was it. Being it was a Sunday, Roxanna was the only one manning the store. Her two part-time employees, Tessa and Darcy, worked Tuesdays through Saturday so she could give readings in the back room.
“No one hates you.”
Roxanna turned away as she mumbled, “Your brother does.”
The misery in her voice made him frown. “You just have to ignore Loy—whoa.” He leaned over to peer closer at the top of the garbage. “Is that one of Honor’s cupcakes?”
“Yes.” Rox reached to the side and picked up a half-eaten chocolate one on the counter he hadn’t even noticed. “And Oh. My. God,” she stage whispered. “I now understand your mouth orgasms.”
“Why is that one in the garbage?” Indignation sharpened his voice. He’d eaten two of the lemon blueberry already and no way in hell did something so equally orgasm-worthy belong in the trash. Knowing he had one more waiting on his counter had him wiping his mouth to make sure he wasn’t drooling.