Now, as they toured her apartment above the bakery, he could see a glimmer of hope in her eyes. It was much better than the downstairs, as the fire hadn’t reached this floor. Still, the heavy odor of smoke clung to everything. When Pepper went to pack some clothes, her nose curled up. Still, she kept grabbing things as though she worried she’d never see any of it again—photos, binders and some kitchen items.
He carried her things out to the car and placed them in the trunk. He’d never seen such a look of utter despair on a person’s face. His heart ached for her. If it was within his power to rectify this nightmare, he would in a heartbeat. But this was a project that was going to take time to make right.
Certain Pepper had had more than enough for one day, he coaxed her out of the building. She walked ahead while he secured the building. He turned to find she’d made her way down the walk. He rushed to catch up to her.
When she passed by his car, he didn’t say anything. After the lingering scent of smoke, the fresh air was a welcome relief. As they continued walking, he noticed the snow had lightened up. Getting through the city would be slow going but it was still doable.
It wasn’t until they were at the end of the next block that Pepper stopped. She turned to him. “Where’s the car?”
He poin
ted over his shoulder.
“Oh. Sorry. I was lost in my thoughts.”
“No problem.”
“But you have to get to the office.”
“The office can wait.”
She arched a fine brow at him as though she was trying to figure out if he was being serious. “We better go.”
When he didn’t move, she made her way past him. Tracking through the inch of new snow, she led the way back to the car. He followed her, knowing he needed to say something encouraging. Yet he struggled to find the right words.
At the car, he opened her door. She paused in front of him. She lifted her wounded gaze to meet his. “Thank you for being so understanding.”
“I wish I could make this all better for you.”
“I know.” Her voice cracked with emotion.
He stepped toward her and pulled her into his embrace. He didn’t have any other words to offer her. He only had his shoulder to offer. Her whole body leaned into him. They fitted together as though they’d been made for each other. Her gentle breath fanned over his neck and warmed his blood.
He turned his head just slightly and inhaled her lavender scent. He would never smell lavender again without thinking of her. He pressed a kiss to her head.
When she pulled back, his gaze moved to her rosy lips. He wanted to kiss her again. He wanted to wash away her worries and sweep her up in a moment of passion.
He hesitated. She’d been through so much, inspecting the damaged bakery. He wasn’t sure she would welcome his advance. And he wouldn’t do anything to make this day more stressful for her. Kissing her would have to wait for another time.
With great reluctance, he stepped back. She climbed in the car and then he closed the door. He crossed in front of the car and then climbed in. Once the engine was started and the heat turned up, he paused.
He hadn’t been planning to have this conversation with Pepper just yet, but after seeing her turmoil today, maybe now was best. It wasn’t like him to rush into anything. He liked to take a slow and cautious approach. But what he was about to propose he knew was the right thing—for both of them.
“Simon, what’s wrong? Is it the snow?” Concern rang out in her voice.
He leaned back in his seat. His gaze caught hers. “It’s not the weather. I want to talk to you.”
“About what?”
“There is something that I’ve given a lot of thought. I wasn’t planning to bring it up just yet, but there’s an urgency to it. I have a proposal for you—”
“No, Simon. We already talked about this. A marriage for the baby’s sake would never work—”
“Whoa. Slow down. My apologies for giving you the wrong impression. My proposal isn’t one of marriage. It’s a business proposal.”
Her perfectly plucked brows drew together. “Business proposal? But I don’t have a business—at least, not right now.”
He drew in a deep breath, figuring out the best way to explain his vision. “Do you remember when I visited you at the shelter?” When she nodded, he continued. “That’s when I got the beginning of an idea. Remember those snacks you baked for the animals?” When she nodded, he continued. “Well, I’d like to buy the rights to the recipes.”