She was amazing to watch, always calm—warm and pleasant to her customers, helpful and efficient with her staff, never sitting or not busy—she worked as hard as anyone, if not harder.
I had forgotten how much I liked simply being around her. Listening to her voice and laughter, being able to touch her hand or steal the occasional kiss. Observe her with other people and the way they reacted to her genuine warmth. This was her element, and I loved seeing her in it.
“I know, Sunny-girl,” I deadpanned. “I’m an awesome coffee guy. I was thinking of applying for a part-time gig here.” I winked, leaning over the counter. “I’m dating this woman, and I want to be able to wine and dine her in the finest establishments. Impress her, you know? I bet with my tips alone, I can win her over.”
She met me halfway, her dark eyes dancing in the bright sunlight that filled the bakery. “Save your pennies, big spender. You already have.”
Unable to resist, I wrapped my hand around her neck and pulled her in for a fast, hard, and surprisingly satisfying kiss. Her cheeks were flushed as she pulled back amidst the claps and whoops my action caused.
“Enough of your lip.” She smirked, the sexy pull of her full mouth making me smile. “Wash your hands and get back to work.”
I grinned, doing as she instructed, then returning to the small line that was waiting patiently. I worked steadily for a few moments, pausing to wipe my hands between orders.
“What can I get you?” I asked, looking up and freezing at the cold gaze that met mine.
“Quite the show,” Mrs. Tremont uttered. “Not exactly family friendly.”
I rolled my eyes. “Affection between loving partners is hardly something to be ashamed of, Martha.” I stressed her name, knowing it would piss her off.
“Not the place for it.” She sniffed.
I couldn’t resist the dig. “You prefer dark hotel rooms, I suppose?”
Her eyes narrowed, her glare becoming frostier. I swore I felt the temperature around us drop. Her voice became icier. “Not hygienic either.”
“Don’t worry,” I assured her. “I won’t lick your cup.”
“I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want anything.”
I bit back my retort. This was Sunny’s business, and I was out of line. Instead, I offered her a smile, using my most conciliatory tone.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend. I was simply caught up in the moment. Allow me to make you a coffee—on the house.” I wasn’t surprised when she accepted it. Snobs like her could never resist something free.
“A latte. With sweetener. Two.”
“Coming right up.”
A moment later, I handed her the cup with another fake smile. “Enjoy.”
She swept out of the bakery without another word. I bowed my head, pretending to be absorbed in wiping off the nozzle, when, in fact, I was trying not to laugh. I hoped she enjoyed the weak, tepid brew I made. And the real sugar—I’d even added extra. Maybe it would help her disposition—at least it would startle her taste buds.
Sunny stepped up beside me. “You okay?”
“Fine. Definitely not my biggest fan.”
“I saw what you did. Making it with used grounds, and the sugar. She hates sugar. Calls it the white death.”
“Oh, ah…”
She nudged me in the ribs. “I could fire you for that. Messing with a customer. Shame on you.”
I faced her fully. “But you won’t. In fact, you’re going to reward me.”
“Is that a fact?”
I leaned over, dropping my voice. I gripped her waist, pulling her a little closer. “Meet me in the storeroom in five minutes, and I’ll remind you.”
She giggled, slapping away my hands. “Stop teasing. It’s too busy for that.”
I looked around the shop. It was packed. People coming and going. Tables full. Staff filling the trays as fast as possible. The sample kid was run off his feet, but Sunny was correct. Once they tasted her cookies, they joined the line to purchase them.
“We’ll be lucky if we last the day without running out of everything,” she whispered triumphantly. “I have to go and start baking for tomorrow. Sales are even better than I hoped.” She met my proud gaze. “I might be here all night, baking.”
I planned on being there to help her. I knew Abby did as well. I also knew Sunny would be exhausted on Monday.
I took advantage of not having a line. “I want you to come with me on Tuesday.”
“Where?”
“Toronto. I have a meeting in the morning, then I want to spend the rest of the day with you. We’ll come back on Wednesday.”
I let her take that in.
“We’d stay overnight?”
I nodded, my hand tightening on her waist. “At my place. Just us.”
Her pupils dilated, making her dark eyes almost black. Her voice was breathless when she replied, “Us?”
“Us,” I confirmed. “Alone.”
“The shop—”
I shook my head, interrupting her. “I spoke with your staff. You can leave them their orders, and they’ll take care of it. Abby is going to stay and help.”