FREE AUDIOBOOK! Small-town Romcom Series. (Weddings, Lace, and Cake in the Face) #freeaudiobooks

weddings lace and cake in the face good girls don't come last written by Jennifer Youngblood narrated by Lori West chapter 1 one of the things I love most about baking is how if you follow the recipe with exactness you can pretty much count on the loaf of bread coming out dang near perfect every time if only my life were that simple I wish somebody would have told me when I was a kid that the fateful day I decided to play Truth or Dare would ultimately lead to my recipe for disaster you might be asking how did this come about I'll tell you right now that it all boils down to statistics for example do you know how many dogs get killed by cars each year here I read an article online that puts the number somewhere in the neighborhood of 1 million yikes that's a lot of dead dogs and sad owners the article had a number of suggestions for how to avoid the heartache of losing your dog I know a Surefire way that you can avoid any grief don't get a dog I avoid a slew of pesky Problems by analyzing the situation and taking every precaution to keep myself out of a bad spot for example the one thing I can't say no to is a fresh out of the oven gooey chocolate chip cookie so what do I do I clog afterward to burn up the calories if an average cookie has anywhere between 80 to 100 calories and if I can burn 400 calories for an hour's worth of clogging that means that 25 minutes should do the trick by following this regimen I can eat a cookie a day without worrying that what goes in my lips will end up on my hips as you've probably already guessed this really isn't about cookies or weight gain or even owning a dog Jasper tells me that my fixation on what could go wrong keeps me from living a full productive life a few weeks ago I would have argued to the death that he was wrong now however well I'm not so sure I'm having to rethink everything because no matter how hard I've tried to avoid disaster it's staring me in the face I'm on the brink of losing the two things I want most in this world and no amount of pre-planning on my part seems to have made a difference back to the truth or dare thing you want to know how a simple child's game led to my demise well I'm about to tell you chapter 2 I've needed this I murmur as I sink my achy body deeper into the hot soapy water I inhale deeply savoring the delicate scent of lavender hopefully the combination of the bath bomb and bubble bath liquid will do the trick of easing the tightness of my muscles I run a hand over the frothy layer of velvety bubbles before scooping up a handful into my palm and blowing them back into the water it has been pandamonium at the bakery with us trying to get ready for the Cutie Pie dance an annual event that takes place at the Town Hall it's held on Valentine's Day and the bakery is providing all of the baked goods Valentine's Day is still 2 weeks away and already I'm exhausted we've baked dozens of on dozens of sugar cookies and stored them in the freezer we'll take them out a couple of days before the holiday and let them thaw so they'll be ready to frost I guess I should be grateful that business is ballooning I frown is that right ballooning I run the phrase through my head business is ballooning meaning that business is growing larger and expanding like a giant hot air balloon I don't know if that's the proper phrase but but it works if my cousin Presley were here she'd set me straight in no uncertain terms Presley is always accusing me of mixing up my words I roll my eyes thinking that there are worse offenses so I mix up my words whoop he do D day anyway back to the bakery not only are we taking care of the CutiePie dance but orders for giant Valentine's heart cookies are already flowing in from the High School it would seem that teenagers enjoy giving their crushes and significant others cookies in lie of flowers I can't say that I blame them it's certainly cheaper and tastier in addition to the planned events we have droves of customers coming in on a daily basis and placing their orders for Valentine's Day and we have our regular customers who expect to get their usuals fresh and on time I've had to hire two ex ra workers and we still can't keep up I should probably be working today instead of taking the day off however I felt like if I didn't take some time to recoup my head would explode my mom and dad have been riding my cage or riding my case about working too hard on a business that isn't mine I keep reminding them that Abigail the owner gave me her word that she would give me a year to earn the down payment money so I can purchase the bakery from her a couple years ago Abigail retired and moved to Florida to be with her daughter and grandkids I'm squirreling away money as fast as I can I've been taking on catering jobs to help earn money faster if all goes according to plan I should have enough for the down payment on the bank loan by the end of the year my cell phone buzzes I grab it from the lip of the tub where it's resting wondering if I dare to answer it it's probably someone from the bakery I put Ellie in charge during my absence Ellie started out as a bit of a stress case when she first came to work at the bakery but she's really coming into her own she can be a bit bossy at times but at least I know that she'll make everyone tow the line while I'm absent looking at the screen I see it's not Ellie Callin but Blakeley one of my closest friends hello I chime into the phone I looked down using my index finger to trace a pattern through the bubbles they're so light and fluffy reminding me of mering skate Blakeley begins in a breathy Voice have you heard the news I frown what news are you sitting down sort of I chuckle Colette and Wade are no longer engaged Blakeley announces in a glib tone my heart skips a beat as I sit up taller what I exclaim unable to contain the ginormous grin that topples over my lips what what happened I begin blinking fast my brain whirling this is Stellar news the best news ever right after Christmas when I heard that Wade and Colette were engaged my world came crashing down down then I had to remind myself that I have no claim on Wade sure I've had a thing for him for years but it's been all one-sided I could paint myself purple and do cartwheels in front of Wade and he still wouldn't notice me Blakeley laughs are you ready for this I read about it in Nelly keny's blog evidently Colette and doy were at some cake tasting place in Mobile all roll my eyes that was their first mistake going all the way to mobile instead of coming to me I'm not one to brag but baking is my thing I'd put my cakes up against anyone on this side of the Mississippi River and I don't take kindly to doy and Colette going around me who are you kidding Blakeley counters you wouldn't have taken Colette's job if she had come to you you got that right I punched Shout with a Vengeance that leaves a sour taste in my mouth Colette Williams is a yellow belly lizard I think you mean yellow belly snake likeley Giggles that too I narrow my eyes even if Colette weren't with Wade Clayborn I would still despise her on account of my undying loyalty to Albany my mama always says that if a girl can find one or two true friends in a lifetime then she should count herself Lucky in that regard I'm the luckiest girl on the planet Albany Penelope and Blakeley are the closest thing to sisters that I've ever had we've been besties since junior high I suppose while I'm counting besties I have to add my cousin Presley into the mix by the way it was my allegiance to Presley that kept me from going after Wade Clayborn in high school he and Presley were an him back then so I backed off Presley's happy as a clown or is it a clam anyway she's happy giddy even to be with Bo things are looking up for Presley not only did she capture one of the most eligible bachelors in Comfort but she just signed a lucrative record deal with a new label that country music star heartley Reigns established here's hoping that some of Presley's good luck will rub off on me my thoughts turned back to Colette Williams who's turning out to be a thorn in my side while Albany was away in New York struggling to make it in the Fashion World Colette tried to get her paws or claws into Gavin when that didn't work she turned her sights to Wade of course Wade's mom doy was thrilled she's a hoyy toyy diva like Colette tell me what happened between Colette and doy I prompt eager for Blakeley to get to the part where Wade and Colette's engagement is off blakeley's voice zings with Amusement according to Nelly's blog Colette wanted red velvet cake and doy wanted double chocolate futch Colette lost her temper and shoved cake in Do's face laughter bubbles in my throat oh to be a cockroach on the wall I would have loved to see that you mean to be a fly on the wall Blake corrects I twirl my hand you know what I mean the engagement is off she Chuckles you know what they say nothing ruins a relationship faster than wedding lace and cake in the face I scrunch my nose trying but failing to connect the dots I don't get it all is well until the wedding Planet starts Blakeley explains then everything comes Crashing Down oh gotcha anticipation spritzes through me as a marvelous idea begins to take shape you know what this means Wade is officially off the market you mean he's back on the market that's what I said he's officially on the market you said he's officially off the market Blakeley counters did not Blakeley can be a bit of a knowit all did too whatever you know what I meant Wade is available I don't know what you seeing him Blakeley scoffs I tip my head ticking off the items let's see he's handsome successful has those adorable dimples should I go on disgust sits heavy in blakeley's voice he's a veterinarian and smells like a barnyard gidy laughter bubbles in my throat duh that's why they make cologne he'll need a whole bottle and then some Blakeley retorts Wade is available maybe the stars are finally lining up in my favor maybe I'll get the guy and the bakery I want to jump up and down and squeal you could do so much better than Wade Clayborn the guy has no backbone he's just laah irritation prickles down my spine how do you know Blakeley is a college professor of psychology she's smart but not as smart as she thinks she is any guy who would get engaged to Colette Williams is a doofus also look at doy and how controlling she is Wade can't help who his mother is I suppose you're right Blakeley sigh all I'm saying saying here is that you need a real man a guy Who's down to earth a guy who could eat Wade Clayborn for breakfast I know where Blakeley is going with this and I suppose you have someone in mind I asked dutifully the guy for you is right in front of your face disguised as your bestie Blakeley says in exasperation if only you could see it I take a deep breath as I Trail my hand through the remaining bubbles that haven't disintegrated Jass is a great guy I'll give you that the water is now lukewarm and my skin is starting to shrivel if I ever wondered what a 12 something lounds of raisins look like now I know exactly like my skin of course he's great Blakeley slings back you might be a little biased consider considering that he's your brother blakeley's voice goes practical even you have to admit that he's easy on the eyes and a firefighter to boot what more could a girl want it certainly worked out well for Presley Just because Presley is with Bo doesn't mean that I'm going to go Gaga over Jasper we're friends end of story are you telling me you don't think he's good-looking heat flushes over my face he's all right I answered casually it bothers me that I've had more than a few Renegade thoughts about Jasper donalson over the past few months it all started last summer when I stopped by his house and saw him washing his truck shirtless an image of his six-pack flashes through my mind causing my mouth to go drier than a pan of overbaked cookies I guess all that working out at the fire station has done him good wait I can't go there Jasper is my closest guy friend in the world not to mention the older brother of one of my best friends I can't get involved with him what happens if we do start dating and things don't work out then I lose a friend and things between us are forever awkward I don't even want to think about the almost kiss that would have happened last last week if we hadn't gotten interrupted by my nextdoor neighbor Laura Lee who bless her heart was beside herself because her cat Alice had gotten out of the house and was nowhere to be found I shake my head frustrated that I let Blakeley steer me off the topic of Wade Clayborn I gnaw the inside of my cheek my brain working a mile a minute I should probably act fast now that word of Wade and Colette and m is out the women will flock after him not if I get there first you should give Jasper a chance the last I heard Jasper was still Gaga over Renee Keith I fire back feeling a little pouty about the situation how many times have I had to listen to Jasper crying on my shoulder over Renee too many times to count that's for dang sure what is it with men in their failure to recognize a caddy woman Renee has had sharp claws since kindergarten sure she acts all sweet and proper around Jasper but the woman is Cutthroat that was eon's ago Jasper is foot loose and fancy free blankly Chimes looking for just the right girl to keep him straight uh-huh well that girl ain't going to be me I Grumble A peculiar tingle runs runs down my spine should I take another look at Jasper the two of us get along beautifully but that's because we're friends with zero expectations could we be something more the answer comes crashing down on me like a heavy fist heck no any attraction I have for Jasper needs to stay locked away in a sturdy metal box never to be let out I don't need that sort of complication besides it's Wade I'm interested in not Jasper I don't know why Blackley feels the need to play matchmaker Jasper isn't interested in me he views me as a friend and that's all wasn't Jasper going to your place today to work on your bathroom nope that's tomorrow my bathroom sink has a leak and Jasper offered to take a look at it for me on his day off further proof that he's a standup guy if only Jasper weren't my best guy friend and blakeley's brother then the two of us might have stood a chance if only I could have sworn Jasper was going over to your place today tomorrow I counter lightly not wanting to argue about it my house was built in 1947 and is a fixer upper I purchased it a couple of years ago and had Grand aspirations of repairing it all at once however it didn't take long for me to run out of energy and money my phone beeps I've got a call coming in I should probably let you go think about what I said about Jasper being a good fit for you have I ever steered you wrong do you really want me to answer that the time I got you sent to detention doesn't count blankly Chimes you and Jasper would be perfect together I roll my eyes good grief you're like a dog who won't let go of a bone Would You Let It Go please for now blankley chirps pleasantly goodbye I huff as I click over to the other call skate Ellie cries you won't believe what happened Henry roach came in and pitched a hissy fit in front of a room full of customers the air leaves my lungs why he said the keyme pie he picked up yesterday had a soggy crust and was too tart baloney I made that pie myself it was perfect her voice flutters with outrage he asked if we used dill pickles in the filling instead of limes startled laughter blips through my throat you know Henry he's always got his undies in a wad about something I don't think the man can get through the day without causing in some sort of ruckus I guess but Cynthia be was one of the customers she said that after hearing about Henry's experience she'd just as soon get her pies from the Piggly Wiggly figures I fume more power to her Cynthia B is always looking for something to be disgruntled about I tried calming Henry down I told him we'd replace the pie but he wouldn't have it he said The only person he'll talk to is you and then he stormed out I push out a heavy breath I'll take care of Henry he's been a bear since glattus passed the man is a monster Ellie raged did you hear what he told Mindy Patterson the other day no I answer knowing that Ellie's about to tell me she rushes on her voice coated with outrage Henry was buzzing around the grocery store in one of those electric wheelchair thing ofad Mindy happened to be standing in his way he told her to move her fat butt that it wasn't a cattle crossing I sputter out a strangled snigger it's not funny Ellie counters poor Mindy cried for days I'm sorry I'm not laughing at Mindy I'm laughing out of shock to Keep from Crying jeez Louise I really need to work on controlling my reaction actions it was tactless of me to laugh at that oh Ellie says somewhat mollified there's more Henry said that if you don't go and visit him today that he'll call Nelly Kinsey and get her to do an expose on the bakery is that so now I'm getting ticked I narrow my eyes we'll just have to see about that Nelly Kinsey has taken it upon her yourself to write a blog about the people and town of comfort basically it's a gossip rag I'm sure she'd love to dig up some dirt on the bakery youd better go and see him don't worry I assure her I will I grit my teeth Henry and I are going to have a nice little talk if the talk happens to involve you giving that orary goat a knuckle sandwich you won't get any complaints from me I grin at the fire under Ellie's belt I'll be sure to give him the smackeroo how's everything else going fair to middling she sigh we're getting orders out the woo for Valentine's Day at the rate the folks a comforter ordering Cookies Cakes and Pastries Mindy Patterson won't be the only one Henry roach's taking pot shots at about weight I click my tongue don't be saying that too too loud we want people to order from us remember yeah I know she heaves out another long sigh sorry I'm just peeved at Henry roach the man is intolerable I hear a noise and look up as the door bursts open Jasper I Screech sinking deeper into the water and throwing my arm over my chest to cover myself what are you doing here Jasper hasn't come in today I hear Ellie say her voice washed in confusion Jasper goes buge eyed what are you doing here I live here seriously I mutter what kind of lame brain question is that sorry Ellie says I thought you were asking about Jasper a high-pitched giggle riddles my throat no sorry I shake my head my brain s in like a tornado Ellie I'm not talking to you Jasper is here in my bathroom Ellie's voice goes high in your bathroom why got to let you go I end the call and place my phone on the lip of the tub I glanced down relieved to note that the bubbles although thinning are still covering everything Jasper folds his arms over his chest and leans against the door frame a grin tugs at his lips this is a mighty interesting situation he draws doing a darn good imitation of Jimmy Stewart It's a Wonderful Life is one of Jasper's favorite movies he's got Jimmy Stewart down to a te I'm mortified to be in this situation buck naked with Jasper here I don't even want to think about why my blood is running hotter and faster through my veins because that would mean that I'm attracted to the one guy who's off limits are you just going to stand there gawking why does he have to be so boyishly cute with his curly dark hair and hunky firefighter body I think Jasper is the fittest man I've ever seen he laughs easily maybe I would gawk if there was anything to see my cheeks glowed hot from the insult I narrow my eyes you barge into my bathroom and insult me Jasper doesn't think I have anything worth seeing that stinks his ex-girlfriend Renee is a tall lanky blonde I couldn't be any more different I guess I can't fault him for not thinking that a petite Curvy Girl is attractive he Chuckles holding up his hands I only meant that I can't see a thing a wicked glint fires his eyes now if you'd like to clear away a few of those bubbles my eyes nearly pop out of their sockets as a startled gaar Falls from my lips you really know how to eat my goat he laughs I think you mean get your goat whatever you're supposed to be here tomorrow I power he tips his head no ma'am it's today I clenched my jaw you said you were coming on Friday Amusement flashes over his chiseled features it's Friday all day long my mouth drops is not I protest it's Thursday my brain does a quick rewind I talk aloud to myself mumbling under my breath let's see Monday I worked late to get Margaret Bev's order out three specialty cakes and five dozen cupcakes for her husband Johnny's 50th birthday party Tuesday was a normal work day and then I went and helped Susie choreograph the TriCounty competition routine for the comfort cloggers Jasper interrupts I didn't realize you were still clogging I thought you quit the group last year I did but Susie needed my help with the routine the Comfort cloggers have a lot riding on this I'm sure Amusement zings in his deep chocolate eyes Jasper's eyes are the exact color of his hair and he has these thick dark lashes that make me Green With Envy don't laugh I throw him a reproving look it's a big deal you don't know how hard it was for me to quit the clogging team I do he acknowledges but I get the feeling that he's poking fun at me Jasper's like a brother razing each other is what we do I glance him over from head to toe his nose is slightly too large to consider him classically handsome he has an inch long hairline scar on his chin he got that war trophy in a bar fight defending Bo Primrose it really ate my goat or got my go go that Jasper would be the one to get injured because of B and his escapades with his numerous women of course Bo is a changed man now thanks to my cousin Presley the two are thick as molasses I still grin thinking about how their fake engagement became real to hear Jasper tell it b gets down in the mouth every time Presley has to leave Comfort to do a recording or a performance Jasper figures it won't won't be long before Bo and Presley get married I suppose Jasper would know he's tight with Bo I shake my head trying to focus my thoughts are flying all over the place today Focus ski I command myself I've always struggled to maintain Focus I suppose it comes from me being dyslexic school was a beast for me I've always wished that I had a brain like Blakeley who processes facts and figures as easily as breathing I guess everyone has their talents I shine in the kitchen cooking and baking for other people brings me a huge sense of satisfaction something comes over me when I get into the kitchen of the bakery it's my domain and I'm king or queen heard to ski Jasper prompts gently I jerk oh sorry it has been such a crazy week that my brain is scrambled he grins speaking of scrambled I was hoping that you might scare us up some breakfast ah I see how you are now I know the real reason why you high tailed it over here on your day off we share a smile that does strange things to my insights I remind myself for the eenth time that I cannot and will not not fall for Jasper no way no how it's no wonder that I'm struggling Jasper has something that goes beyond mere good looks he's a good guy one of the best his appeal is that he's so rugged and manly the guy next door meets gii Joe his slate gray thermal shirt fits him snugly enough for me to see The Rock Solid definition of his pecs and abs his powerful shoulders are impressively wide his waist tapers with such Precision that he could pass for one of those Boflex models my mouth starts moving at warp speed the way it always does when I get nervous about the clogging there simply wasn't enough time in the day for me to devote to it when I needed to focus on catering so that I can earn the down payment to buy the bakery God that was a mouthful I sound like come on a talk show and given a sound bite of my life how's that going slow but good I'm just glad that Abigail is willing to work with me I go back to listing the events of the week Wednesday I had dinner with my parents and Raul Raul is my younger brother who's named after my dad he's attending college at the University of Alabama so I don't see him that often Raul coming to town last week was a rare experience which is why we all had dinner together my dad is from Merida Mexico and my mom is from Comfort Ru got named after Dad and I got named after my grandfather sker we're definitely what people would call a hodge podge family my dad holds to his Latin roots and my mom is about as Southern as you can get our Christmas dinner consisted of cornbread dressing turkey ham theales refried beans rice and salsa my dad still speaks with an accent and lets the Spanish fly when he gets mad however my brother Raul and I hardly know any Spanish and talk like everyone else in Comfort I suppose I look a little Hispanic with my Olive toned skin and dark eyes but my hair is a mid-tone brown that goes blond on the ends in the summer I've been told that I look like the actress Sophia varara which I consider to be a huge compliment Jasper pipes in last night you went to dinner with alony Penelope and Blakeley a hot blanket of embarrassment covers me yikes I goofed it is Friday I throw him an apologetic grin sorry oh don't apologize I wouldn't have missed this for the world he makes a point of looking at me with a a smolder that tingles aliveness over my skin I force my tone to go pragmatic well if you want breakfast you're going to have to leave while I get out and get dressed the corners of his lips turned down as he exhales a long breath if I must I must I shake my head you're such a tease he raises an eyebrow I'm a tease I'm not the one naked as a jbird and frolicking in bubbles haha I say dry you know he Muses if I didn't know better I'd say that you got your days mixed up on purpose yeah right I roll my eyes why in the world would I do that his eyes deepen with something I can't quite discern to drive me mad he utters so soft soft L that I wonder if I heard him correctly to remind me of how tempting the forbidden fruit truly is my pulse begins to pound as I blink feeling like a bird trying to take flight only I can't because my wings are mired in sticky goo I swallow hard reminding myself of the need to keep a level head don't go there I warn there's too much at stake the insides of my throat turn to sandpaper as I swallow a second later my words rush out in a jumbled Heap aside from Albany pen Blakeley and Presley you're my best friend in the world I don't want to do anything to jeopardize that rich mellow laughter flows from his lips I'm just glad I made the list barely I harp we lock eyes as time slows to a screech and halt I become aware of subtle things like how the air moves in and out of my body how the bubbles are popping softly against my skin finally Jasper size I hear what you're clucking little chicken he says gently remember when I said that Jasper wasn't classically handsome well he's certainly stirring my heart right now I've never seen another guy who looks so fantastic regret knots my stomach am I making a huge mistake will I ever find another guy that I gel with like Jasper he actually sat through the Kiran nightly version of Pride and Prejudice granted he poked fun of it the entire time but at least he watched it with me I tried to get him to sit through the Colin F version but it's nearly twice as long as the one we watched Jasper argued that if he had to sit through that one he'd poke out his eyes with a toothpick my chest Rises and Falls like I'm riding backto back roller coasters and it's on the tip of my tongue to retract everything I just said before I can so much as utter a blip Jasper speaks don't worry you're not my type he gives me a reassuring smile that crinkles the edges of his eyes see you downstairs he straightens to his full height and turns on his heels closing the door behind him my face burns with a scald so hot that I swear I could peel the skin right off my bones not his type seriously just because I'm not a stick and 6 feet tall like Renee doesn't mean that I'm not desirable I see even as the words leave my mouth I snigger at my foolishness I should be elated that Jasper's not into me problem solved I can keep him safely parked in the friend zone never to open that ominous metal box I should be ecstatic that our relationship has shifted back to a comfortable position think of Wade Clayborn I order myself he's the man for me I know it with way there are no strings either he'll like me or he won't my spirits LIF and I'm grateful to have another Avenue in which to channel my attention I should be on top of the world right now I've had a crush on Wade for eons and he's now available Happy Days Are Here at last I push aside the dark clouds of Gloom squeezing me like a new pair of skinny jeans Wade is the ticket the man of my dreams as I live and breathe I won't let him slip through my fingers this time I picture Scarlet O'Hara when she was holding up that pathetic bunch of Limp carrots to the sky and vowing that she would never go hungry again I'm the captain of my feelings I'll squash this idiotic fascination with Jasper curse the day that I saw him washing his blasted truck the guy needs to learn to wear a freaking shirt women are required to wear shirts in public shouldn't the same hold true for men as I get out of the tub and reach for a towel a single thought runs through my mind if Wade is such a dream boat then why in the devil do I feel so ejected right now chapter 3 after getting dressed and taking a little extra time to fix my hair and makeup to show Jasper donalson exactly what he's missing I pad downstairs to the kitchen where I'm assaulted by the stench of burnt toast what are you doing I demand my hand going to my hip he turns giving me a sheepish grin attempting to make breakfast but I'm not having much look shaking my head I mve to his side my eyes widen when I see the eggs that he scrambling over the stove he stirred them so much that they've turned into small balls ew what did you do I made eggs he says with a touch of pride I wrinkle my nose those aren't eggs they're marbles hey he protests with a wounded expression I did the best I could he rolls his eyes a man could starve to death in the time it took you to get ready I use my elbow to push him away from the stove go sit down and I'll make you some real food you don't have to tell me twice he Chimes as he trots over over to the table pulls out a chair and plops down he wags his eyebrows so what's it going to be your blueberry pancakes or biscuits and sausage gravy I can't help but chuckle at his enthusiasm Jasper has a huge appetite he can eat everyone I know under the table which would you prefer he presses his lips together biscuits and gravy biscuits and gravy it is I point at the fridge grab the sausage would you his face Falls but I thought you didn't trust me in the kitchen my eyebrow slides up uhhuh just as I suspected you want me to think that you're helpless in the kitchen so you won't have to lift a finger Amusement colors his features is it working not a chance go I order his eyes twinkle in Amusement did anyone ever tell you that you're a tyrant a smile tugs at my lips all the time you should hear my employees now go yes ma'am he quips as he gets up to do my bidding I pull the flower baking powder salt and oil from the cabinet oh grab the buttermilk too I direct Jasper as I take the skillet of pellet eggs and dump them into the garbage hey I was going to eat those oh no you weren't I harumph not on my watch scrambled eggs should be light and fluffy not rocks what's on your agenda today I pull out measuring cups from the drawer grab a large bowl from the bottom cupboard and begin scooping out flour and dumping it into the bowl this is it Jasper places the sausage and buttermilk on the counter and goes and sits back down I'm all yours the air in the room takes on a charge as I turn to look at him huh he throws me a cheeky grin his eyes lighten with a devilish glint you heard me since I made your top five friend list I figure the least you can do is spend the day with me his gaze sweeps over me warming my skin I don't mind hanging with someone who cleans up so nicely did Jasper just give me a compliment is that appreciation I see in his expression I thought I wasn't your type I sass he doesn't skip a beat you're not he says lightly does that stick in your crawl I stifle a giggle my what your crawl it's an expression similar to you really get my goat his eyes dance or in your case eat my goat I grab a wooden spoon from a nearby container and wave it at him I'll show you eat my goat his eyes hold mine I'd love to see that I have no idea what what Jasper means by that Sly comment but something in his tone rustles heat through my stomach being here with Jasper is so comfortable so right like we were meant to be together don't go there I warned myself the rational side of my brain reminds me that I need to steer the conversation to Safe territory I lift my chin truthfully it's a relief that I'm not your type why is that he asks wearily because you and I would never work he tips his head in Amusement why is that for starters you leave the toilet seat up every time you're here ouch he rocks back that's hidden below the belt you do I chuckle he eyes me in a challenge what else I shrug well I'm not a 100t tall like Renee and I'd venture to say that even with my 5' 3 in of height I outweigh her by a good 20bs he makes a face who said anything about Renee I wave the spoon you were over the moon for Renee remember all those nights you spent crying on my should ER was is the operative word here I've long since moved on his voice holds a clear tone of Repro and if I remember correctly I wasn't the only one crying over a breakup oh please don't even try and act like my brief infatuation with Spencer Irwin was anything compared to your whining over Renee I went out with Spencer a few times but nothing ever came of it when he ghosted me I felt more relieved than anything the only reason I harped about it was because Jasper kept going on and on about Renee and it got on my nerves he pushes his hands through his hair moving on what are the other reasons why you and I would never work I chew the inside of my cheek sensing that the conversation is getting serious maybe it's good that we're clearing the air you're blakeley's brother so let's say we do get involved and things go backwards laughter rumbles from his throat you mean sideways yeah sideways what happens then he looks thoughtful I suppose we go back to being friends wrong I ding like he's on a game show it's could get painfully awkward between us before he can argue I Rush on think about our Kiss My Face Flames as I speak the words Jasper was my first kiss it didn't end well you were 12 and I was 14 he throws up his hands it was Truth or Dare Let It Go all the old angst comes flooding back you just had to take the Dare didn't you I goofed exasperation flits over his features do we have to revisit that yes I nearly shout think about how awkward that was we tiptoed around each other avoiding having a conversation for over a year I'm unprepared for the emotion that rises in my throat I swallow it down willing myself to get a grip like I said you're one of my closest friends I don't want to lose us I wrap my hands around the spoon squeezing it like there's no tomorrow what if we're better together than we ever could be aart he utters his expression achingly serious he searches my face as if to uncover some valuable secret my voice voice trembles what if we're a colossal disaster Blakeley said something earlier that makes a lot of sense he raises an eyebrow are you really bringing my sister into this I hold up the spoon waving it back and forth hear me out Blakeley said that nothing ruins a relationship like weding lace and cake in the face his eyes go round who said anything about a wedding H I'm digging myself in deep here the point is that a relationship can be going great and then when you start bringing all of the pressure into it Things Fall Apart we lock eyes I feel so conflicted so vulnerable so stupid I hate having this wretched conversation with Jasper I don't like that things have gotten confusing between us an easy smile stretches over Jasper's lips where's this coming from are you jolted because I saw you in the bathtub ha scalds me no I stutter never mind I turn away from him to face the counter as I place the spoon down I busy myself with making the biscuits in hurried jerky movements I've just got the last biscuit placed on the sheet when Jasper comes up from behind tingles circle around my spine as he Trails his fingers over my arm even through the thin fabric of my shirt his touch ignites my cells hey he murmurs softly turning me around to face him my hands are covered in biscuit dough I hold them stiff so that I won't get the dough on Jasper he searches my face I would never hurt you you know that right I know you would never intentionally do anything to hurt me I counter forcing a smile things are good why do we have to mess it up my voice sounds screechy in my ears a corner of his mouth tugs up in a lopsided grin who said anything about about messing things up his eyes Rove over my face as he pushes a lock of hair from my face awareness ripples through me soft as silk and Powerful as a jet engine my throat goes drier than a creek bed in a drought as I swallow seeing the nade in his eyes Stokes something hot and Powerful inside of me and then I panic Wade and Colette broke up I blurt surprise flashes through his eyes before the corners of his mouth go hard he steps back his arms falling to his side is that what this is about Wade Clayborn please don't tell me that you're still carrying a torch for that cre puff he's not a cream puff I shoot back just because he's not a man's man like Jasper doesn't make him subpar Jasper shakes his head in disgust ski you're better than this Wade Clayborn is a shallow putts why don't you tell me how you really feel he Narrows his eyes trust me I will Wade's a respectable guy I counter he has a good career a hard Amusement cloaks his features is that what this is about money indignation flares over me how could you even suggest such a thing you know I'm not concerned about his money he gives me a doubtful look not even for the bakery especially not for the bakery I retort outrage Burns through me like wildfire Are you seriously suggesting that I would try to get with Wade in the hope that he would help me purchase the bakery what kind of person do you think I am Jasper's eyes spark hot as he arches an eyebrow then what his looks and charm actually yes is that so bad he's a pretty boy soft around the edges you can do so much better he States emphatically why are you getting so bent out of shape about it it's not like you care about me that way I'm not your type remember the words leave a sour taste in my mouth hurt flicks in his eyes you can't have it both ways ski you can't push me away with one hand and pull me to you with the other I blink I'm not pulling you to me equal parts of guilt and shame roll a tidal wave over me Jasper can see right through me he knows I'm attracted to him so what if I am big whoop that doesn't mean that the two of us stand a chance what I am mostly right now is petrified Jasper's friendship means the world to me why can't he just leave things be my voice goes shrill did you not hear a thing I just said the two of us won't work I got that loud and clear he takes in a breath shaking his head you know what I just realized there's someplace else I need to be my chest squeezes I don't want him to leave like this what about the Leaky sink I can come back next week and fix it when you're at work but I'm making these biscuits for you you stubborn frustrated a masks his features I can't do this with you ski do what I growl he throws up his hands in exasperation this one minute you're hot the next you're cold that's not true it is he pushes out a short breath look I get that you're scared I don't want to do anything to mess up our friendship either he paused paes but don't you think we've spent far too much time tiptoeing around the elephant in the room we either have to explore this thing between us or cut bait and move on alarm races through my veins are you giving me an ultimatum I can't imagine my life without Jasper truth be told he's probably my closest friend Wild Horses couldn't drag that admission from me I would never want to hurt Albany Penn or Blakeley however Jasper and I spend a lot of time together I'm just calling a spade a spade he answers wearily the anger explodes sending my words flying out how dare you I seee confusion clothes his features how dare I what I get up in his face how dare you act so Pious like you somehow know what's best for me he sniggers sending a jolt of outrage through me Are you seriously laughing at me laughter simmers in his eyes washing them in Gold I think the word you're looking for is pious not Pious you are pious I lash out I expect him to get even more I rate but instead his smile widens what i bark but my annoyance is waning mostly I'm relieved that he's still here and that things are mellowing between us he points to my cheek I'm sorry it's hard to take you seriously with that streak of biscuit dough on your face really he nods where automatically I touch my cheek lyrical laughter flows from his throat you made it worse oh yeah I guess it's not smart to try and wipe off dough with fingers that are covered in it I pin him with a saucy look well I'm not the only one with biscuit dough on the face Mr Smarty Pants Amusement crosses his features I don't have have biscuit dough on my face I swiped my hand across his jaw you do now I taunt his eyes widen you didn't just do that I did I smirk what are you going to do about it Jess he encircles my wrists and forces my hands to my face where he makes me touch myself smearing dough all over stop I giggle averting my sticky face as I spit out dough and flour the instant he releases my wrists I go on the attack and rub my hands over his face there I say with a dart of satisfaction as I take a look at my handy work his face is sufficiently smeared I even managed to get some in his hair now we're even no he laughs mopping a hand over his face we're just getting started with lightning speed that causes me to Yelp he lunges for the counter and grabs The Mixing Bowl containing the leftover flour he holds up the bowl and ceremoniously Scoops up a handful of flour that's mixed with Globes of dough I shrink back you wouldn't but I would he Chuckles as he throws the flower into my face it plumes over me tickling my nose and throat as I sputter out a few coughs you're a neanderthal I laugh as I Rush at him we scuffle around I can tell that Jasper is only exerting a tenth of his strength whereas I'm going on full Attack Mode Jasper drops the bowl where it makes a loud clang on the wooden floor but not before I managed to get a fish Fistful of flour I hold up my hand waving it like a trophy before tossing the flow into his face it's his turn to sputter and cough before I can bask in my victory he steps forward and manles my wrists holding them behind my back now what you going to do Shorty Jasper taunts I look up at him feeling dainty and feminine compared to his muscular frame desire whooshes through me like a flame as the moment slows my heart hammers against my rib cage instinctively my lips part as I move closer Jasper's eyes deepen turning them a polished Walnut as his gaze goes to my lips stop me at any time he murmurs I close my eyes as his lips Crush mine adrenaline pulses through my veins as I welcome the insistence of his mouth I'm no longer thinking about the goo the flower the mess all I can think about are the spirals of ecstasy circling my spine this is good even better than I'd imagined my mind tumbles and Soares as Jasper releases my wrists and slides his arms around my waist I've wanted this for so many months who would have guessed that my best friend was such an extraordinary kisser at the word friend ice encircles my heart causing my body to stiffen what the freaky Frankenstein am I doing ruining a beautiful friendship that's what I pull back Jasper I utter my chest heaving as I fight to catch my breath we can't he keeps his hold on my waist as a quirky grin tilts his lips looks like we just did heat blasts over my cheeks you know what I mean my eyes grow moist I've never had a relationship that lasted more than 4 months I say miserably I can't lose you I'm not going anywhere he promises his expression going Fierce of course he would say that now but what about four months from now after the honeymoon phase is over one of us has to keep a clear head here our friendship needs to come above all else you say that now my voice sounds small and insignificant in my ears the pounding at the front door causes me to jerk SK a woman yells help I recognize the voice instantly and so does Jasper Laura Lee he grumbles what does she want this time the woman has impeccable timing evidently I laugh Laura Lee must have us on some sort of a radar she interrupted our near kiss last month too bad she couldn't have knocked on the door a few minutes earlier I'm grateful for Laura Lee's Interruption I need some space from Jasper to collect myself being in his strong arms certainly isn't helping my resolve to keep him in the friend zone I extricate myself from his grasp I'd better go and see what she needs the air is charged with so much electricity that I have expect to get shocked to my core if I touch anything metal I don't know which freaks me out more the fact that Jasper and I kissed or the fact that I enjoyed it so much I feel his eyes on me and give him a questioning look he's grinning like a fat cat who just gulped down a canary I can almost see feathers dangling from his lips what you're going to the door like that my hand goes to my hair it's stringy from the flower I touch my grainy face strange I forgot all about the flower I look at Jasper's lips thinking of that kiss great how am I supposed to be around him now and not think about how his lips felt on mine talk about a rush of adrenaline my cheeks flush hot I hope Jasper won't notice the beating on the door continues giving me a much needed reality check skate Laura Lee whales moving myself to action I dust the flower off the front of my blouse and reach for a nearby kitchen towel quickly I rub my face before holding it up for Jasper's inspection did I get it all not even close he Chuckles it'll have to do I toss him the towel and Trail a hand through my hair your turn I sing G I need another bath his gaze locks with mine Bubbles and all my face is now roasting look at you blushing am not I snip as I glance around at the mess mostly so I can steer the conversation away from the bath now you have to stick around to help me clean up I must be a glutton for punishment what's going to happen between Jasper and me now will our friendship be totally wrecked I'm a stupid stupid woman there's more pounding on the door you know my motto I don't do dishes Jasper teases you'd better get out there before Laura Lee blows her cork I place a hand over my mouth to squelch a giggle at least he's still joking around with me maybe all is not lost after all it sounds like Laura Lee already has blown her cork he rolls his eyes I heard that be a deer and pop the biscuits into the oven would you you sure you trust me with that well seeing as I have no other choice we share another look before I Dash to the door chapter 4 coming I call walking briskly I open the door as Laura Lee practically falls into the foyer she's wearing a light blue house coat that has seen better days men's tube socks and Tennis Shoes Alice is stuck in a tree she cries flailing her arms and sending her steel gray hair flying all over the place at told John roer to keep his mongrels in his yard but they jumped the fence she clasps her hands together tears bubbling in her eyes I can only imagine what poor Alice is thinking I swallow the clip of laughter in my throat thinking Alice is a cat she's probably not thinking much or maybe I'm wrong what do cats think about mice a warm place to Sun themselves how to be more finicky than ever and make their owners work harder for their affection she has to be mortified Laura Lee continues and freezing she's not wearing her sweater this time I can't help but grin good thing she has a built-in furry coat Alice is portly with a thick coat of snow white fur I'm surprised she was able to make it up the tree when she splays across Laura Lee's ottoman she nearly takes up the whole thing I don't know what I would do if I lost Alice Laura Lee whimpers with her square glasses and Page boy haircut that has bangs cut straight across Laura Lee reminds me of an elderly Thelma from Scooby-Doo her lower lip trembles as she gives me a pleading look her eyes are etched in deep wrinkles and a network of faint spider veins are cross stitched over her flushed puffy cheeks I doubt very seriously if Laura Lee has ever put on a speck of makeup she probably wouldn't even know how compassion wells in my breast Laura Lee has never married her cat is her entire world I saw Jasper go into your house earlier she shifts from side to side ringing her hands as she looks past me into the house can he help me rescue Alice her chest heaves as she gulps in a breath I would call the fire department but Captain Hill said if I called one more time the city might have to start charging me she breaks into tears her shoulders shaking there was a time when Alice was calling the fire department on almost a weekly basis no wonder Captain Hill tried to put a stop St to it have you tried opening a can of tuna and putting it at the base of the tree I asked kindly yes she blurts that in a big bowl of milk a sob wrenches her throat nothing works what am I going to do if this were anyone else I'd point out that most likely Alice will climb down the tree if she gets hungry enough however it's l Laura Lee I'm talking to Alice is her baby can Jasper help she gives me a desperate look I bite down on my lower lip clasping my hands um I'm not sure I hedge I know something about Jasper that few others do he has a phobia about Heights there was a time when Jasper was Fearless however that changed a year and a half ago when he got trapped in a burning building his fellow firefighters rescued him and Mary Fremont whom he was attempting to save both were taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation Jasper does a good job of covering up his Jitters to my knowledge he hasn't confided his apprehension to b or any of the other firemen Jasper claims he doesn't want everyone to think he's a wuss however I'm sure his concern runs deeper he's probably worried that his job would be in Jeopardy after all it could get sticky for a fireman who's afraid of heights thankfully in Comfort most of Jasper's calls are related to car accidents and health issues rather than actual fires I've tried to get Jasper to see a counselor but he refuses he's a man's man who thinks he can handle it on his own Maybe maybe that's true at any rate I don't want to put him on the spot in front of Laura Lee if news of Jasper's fear got out it could do a lot of damage maybe we should call the fire department I suggest I don't know that Jasper could handle this on his own my voice dribbles off when I see Laura Lee looking at me like I've sprouted Wings he's the expert she protests why won't you just ask him she grabs my arms and pulls me out onto the front porch there she is she glances toward the massive magnolia tree in her front yard her voice tremulous as you can see we're running out of time Laura Lee's breath is coming fast and her chest is moving up and down like a Bellow I worry that she'll start hyperventilating Jasper might end up treating her before we even get to Alice I look over at the tree in question there are no leaves making it easy to spot Alice hunkered down on one of the upper branches her voluminous body bulging on each side of the skinny Branch from this distance she reminds me of a glob of glue oh dear the branch looks like it could break any second cats generally land on their feet but it would be a hard 30ft fall and Alice's massive weight will certainly not work in her favor I could try to coax Alice down I offer do you have a ladder no I don't relish climing up in that tree I'm not a fan of heights either but I'd rather me do it than Jasper Laura Lee gives me a disbelieving look you she shakes her head thanks but I need jper she points you have white stuff in your hair and on your face is that flow yeah I was making biscuits when you knocked oh she frowns you certainly got a lot of stuff on you did you get any in the bowl a ghost of a smile passes over her lips her comment isn't even worth responding to I take in a quick breath let me just go and get Jack asper so we can talk about what to do hang on a sec I whip around take a step forward and run smack dab into him it's like hitting a brick wall he's all muscle he catches my arms to steady me our eyes meet as a dart of warmth shoots through me hey I stutter I was just coming to get you I heard and thought I'd save you the trip he said says dry Jasper doesn't have a trace of flour or dough on him of course he had more time to clean himself up than I did and he probably went into the guest bath and looked in the mirror Laura Lee's Cat Alice is stuck up in the tree I explain she needs help getting her down Jasper nods his jaw tightening she's up there Laura Lee turns and points I can help with that he says resolutely but I can feel his angst as if it were my own I touch his arm I can do it he offers me a tight smile I'll need to borrow your lad from the garage sure I'll help you Laura Lee you stay here and keep an eye on Alice I want to talk to Jasper alone okay Laura Lee agrees please hurry she admonishes breathlessly I follow Jasper around to the garage he's walking so fast that I have to practically jog to keep up he goes in through the side door as I grab his arm and turn him I search his face hey you don't have to do this I'm afraid I do he says turly pressing his lips together in tight lines he removes his arm from my grasp and strides over to where where the ladder is hanging on the wall it used to be on the cement floor until Jasper installed the hooks and hung it for me he did it last summer when he organized my garage he claimed he couldn't handle seeing my piles anymore but I know he did it to help me out let me get Alice out of the tree I plead as he lifts the ladder off the hooks I don't mind at all before I'm even conscious of what I'm doing my gaze traces the outline of his strong wide shoulders going down to his tapered waist and long legs and sconed in faded jeans heat scalds my cheeks good grief I shouldn't be checking him out at a time like this what's the matter with me he turns to face me I appreciate it but I can't keep tiptoeing around the bear he squares his jaw eyes narrowing pretty soon you've got to face it head on might as well be today his expression is perturbed no that's the wrong word he looks like he's in agony like someone is hammering a nail through his foot I admire Jasper for his grittiness but some fears can be tough to overcome I wish I could read the thoughts running through his head is he thinking about the burning building it must have been terrifying for him to stare death in the face carrying the ladder he walks past me brushing my arm with his in the process awareness rustles through me a second later I Rouse my feet into action to catch up Jasper's strides are Swift and obstinate as he cuts across my yard to get to Alice he raises the ladder and props it against the tree Laura Lee trots over to join us nervous energy radiates off her as she looks up and calls to Alice hang on princess help is on the way the incredulous look on Jasper's face raises a giggle in my throat I place my hand over my mouth to stifle it I don't have to be a mind reader to know that he thinks Laura Lee is Looney I suppose she is a little touched then again no one can ever go wrong with loving and caring for someone or something else I've got my family the bakery my employees dear friends I can't exactly fault Laura Lee for having only Alice to look after my throat constricts when I see Jasper's tight expression as he looks up at Alice you sure you don't want me to go up a slight annoyance crosses his features I told you I I'll be fine Laura Lee gives me a funny look of course he'll be fine he's a fireman this is what he does he does a lot more than just rescue cats from trees I counter with more bite in my voice than is necessary Laura Lee blinks several times uh of course I meant no disrespect none taken Jasper says easily throwing me an appreciative grin my chest expands a little at the knowledge that Jasper noticed my effort to defend him hold the ladder for me he directs sure thing he glances around before bending down and picking up the can of tuna smart idea if he can get it close enough for Alice to smell it then she might come to him taking in a quick breath Jasper looks up the length of the ladder and squ wears his jaw I don't know that his demeanor would be any fiercer if he were about to scale Mount Everest for Jasper it might as well be scaling Mount Everest trembles run through my body good grief I'm a bundle of nerves my hands are even sweating I hold my breath as Jasper climbs up the first several rungs the second he moves over my head I slip into position and grip the ladder determined to not let it move so much as an inch Jasper's movements are smooth and controlled if I didn't know him so well I wouldn't realize how nervous he is my mind works through the configuration the ladder is about 3 ft shy of where Alice is perched meaning that unless Jasper can coax Alice to where he is his only other option will be to climb the tree A prayer goes through my mind please please let Alice come down so Jasper won't be forced to leave the ladder almost there I murmur when he reaches the top hey Alice Jasper begins in a sing song voice how about some tuna he holds it up Alice's ears flick with interest good that means she smells the tuna come on Kitty Jasper continues in the soft sweet tone that one often uses to talk to cats you got this Alice eyes the can of tuna with only a mild interest before looking away desperation seeps through me I don't see how this could possibly work if Jasper does venture onto the branch then there's a good chance that Alice will only climb higher up the tree to get away from him come on girl Jasper urged you know you want some he waves the can in the air I suspect that he's trying to get the scent to Alice she watches him with a new interest hope rises in my chest Laura Lee's hopeful eyes are glued to Alice come on baby get the tuna Alice watches Jasper with suspicion clearly she wants the tuna but isn't sure if she's willing to come near Jasper to get it Jasper must be getting the same impression because he places the can in the crook where the branch offshoots from the main body of the tree and then climbs down several rungs I wait with baited breath not daring to move a muscle then it happens ever so slowly Alice begins inching her way down the branch come on girl I silently urge for such a large cat she's surprisingly agile it Dawns on me that Alice is perfectly capable of holding her own in the tree as Nimble as a tight rope walk Walker she goes from one branch to another until she gets to the tuna and begins lapping it up with her tongue Jasper stealthily moves up the rungs when Alice realizes he's nearby she freezes it's okay Jasper Suits come here girl in a Flash he reaches out to grab her Alice lets out a screech and topples from the tree Laura Lee cries out in distress as Alice Falls just before she hits the ground Alice contorts her body and lands on her feet then scampers across the yard and up onto Laura Lee's porch my poor baby Laura Lee whimpers as she runs in the direction that Alice went I continue to hold the ladder as Jasper climbs down holding the can of tuna it's not until his feet touch the ground that I breathe a sigh of relief are you okay I asked noting that his face is pale he throws me a Ry grin I survived yes you did I sigh thank goodness I don't know who was more jolted by this experience erence me or Jasper he looks toward Laura Lee's porch regret pinging in his eyes I was so close to nabbing her I know I say remorsefully do you think she's okay Jasper's caveman tough on the outside but a softy on the inside I offer him a reassuring smile well the good news is that she landed on her feet and and thanks to you she only fell 20 ft instead of 30 or more I guess that's true a grim smile touches my lips I don't think it's Alice we need to worry about but Laura Lee AG greated let's go check on her and then I'll put the ladder away Jasper holds up the can of tuna his eyes playful hungry my eyes fly open wide the biscuits crap Jasper exclaims be right back I say as I Dart over to my house I run inside halfway expecting the smoke alarm to be going off however all seems to be okay that is until I open the oven door and smoke billows out quick like a flash I slam the door and then turn on the vent hood fan next I grab an oven mitt from a nearby drawer and slip it over my hand I turn off the oven throw open the door snatch the sheet of biscuits and quickly close the door the sting of smoke fills my nostrils as I drop the sheet onto the stove top sliding off the oven mitt I wave my hand back and forth trying to clear the smoke so the alarm won't go off the biscuits are charcoal briquettes a dry laugh riddles my throat well this is a first I don't ever remember burning biscuits or anything else to this degree I fan the smoke several more times when it seems to be adequately dissipating I go back outside to where Laura Lee and Jasper are talking on her front porch Laura Lee is cradling Alice In Her Arms how is she Laura Lee frowns I'm not sure she seems okay to me Jasper pipes in maybe a little scared but I think she's going to be okay I can tell from Laura Lee's glum expression that she's not convinced how were the biscuits Jasper asks charred he winces I was afraid of that how's my princess Laura Lee CS studying Alice in concern she seems lethargic Amusement flicks over Jasper's face you mean more so than normal we share a quick grin Alice is typically a slow moving cat she's not behaving much differently than usual however what do I know it's not like I'm an expert she landed on her feet I reminded Laura Lee that's a good thing yeah I guess her eyes are shrouded in worry I step closer and nuzzle Alice's head hey girl I began how are you Alice lets out a disgruntled Meow in response I think she's trying to tell us that she's hurt fear fills Laura Lee's eyes if only I didn't have to go into work at noon I could take her to the vet Laura Lee is the assistant to Clark Sanderson a semi-retired accountant which is probably why she goes into to work at noon is fate trying to tell me something here I'm being handed an excuse to go and see Wade Clayborn on a silver platter Jasper's not going to like it but it's best for both of us if we nip this attraction thing in the butt as amazing as that kiss was I won't risk losing him as a friend not just a friend but my best friend my heart picks up several beats as I fight to keep my tone casual I have the day off I could take Alice to the vet if you'd like that would be wonderful Laura Lee gushes tears springing to her eyes thank you I would feel so much better knowing that she's been checked she's looking at me with such adoration that I almost feel guilty Laura Lee stops giving me a probing look I tense fearing that she somehow knows that my intentions aren't purely altruistic are you sure it's no trouble I wave a hand laughing at myself for being so paranoid none at all you have a tote thing M jig for her right a carrier I do Laura Lee answers she rushes on I'll go and make an appointment right now she opens the door and ambles in the heat from Jasper's glare could melt metal what I harumph my hand going to my hip he smirks in disgust you just can't wait to Scurry over and see wait his derisive tone Pricks down my spine as my words come flying out in razor sharp tips first of all I don't Scurry anywhere second one of us has to be the adult here a hard Amusement Zips over his features as he gets up in my face is that what you call this he Narrows his eyes I call it running away I rock back my insides boiling I told you the two of us won't work I see we shared one kiss and already we're fighting I blink to clear the moisture from my eyes this is like Junior High all over again I cough to clear the frog in my throat you're scared I get that his eyes burn with a warrior like fierceness that cuts me to the quick we have to face this ski running from it won't work on some level I wonder if he's right no I can't open that box I stink at long-term relationships the edges of his eyes soften skate what are you so afraid of it's me remember you're my best friend don't you think I know that haven't you heard best friends make the best lovers he winces man that sounded cheesy strike that comment a smile tugs at his lips you know what I mean I've never had a relationship that has lasted longer than 4 months God I sound so pathetic a corner of his lips lifts up in Amusement that's because you never had a relationship with me the temptation to give in is so strong I can taste it even Jasper knows how close I am to caveen Triumph flashes in his eyes give us a chance I promise you won't be disappointed that's just it Jasper can't make that promise no one can predict the future my heart twists I can't I utter his eyes go dark and stormy you're making a mistake he utters I lift my chin on the contrary I'm saving our friendship I fire back with a conviction that stamps clear through to My Soul Skate you can't keep running from everything because you're afraid irritation fires through my blood you don't have a clue what you're talking about I fume don't I what about Trotter I rock back that's not fair I clench my hand my fingernails digging into my palm that's the problem with Jasper knowing me so well Trotter my first and only dog was a Scottish Terrier he ran into the road and got hit by a car I was devastated my parents tried to buy me another dog but I wouldn't have it I was too afraid that the next dog would get killed and I didn't think I could handle it emotionally you know I'm right he challenges you've let fear rule your life on so many levels that's why you haven't gotten another dog I grunt as if I have time for a dog Jasper's right I still have nightmares about Trotter getting hit even though it happened when I was 12 I have zero intention of getting another dog so what if I want to keep from getting hurt does that make me a terrible or flawed person his eyes cut into mine what about culinary school I glare back at him as he continues you had a chance to study in New York under one of the top chefs in the nation his voice is cated with exasperation and yet you turned it down because you were too afraid to leave Comfort ouch I don't like the picture Jasper is painting of me okay I'm a coward plain and simple I was afraid to leave home so what I grit my teeth the decisions I've made for my life are my business he gives me a superior look what about your clogging I Furrow my brow what about about my clogging you can't so much as eat a bite of something that's high calorie without trying to immediately Burn It Off by clogging sometimes you just need to eat a cookie and enjoy it without freaking out over the after effects I can't believe what I'm hearing my voice pitches high so now you're judging me over clogging unbelievable you're the one who's unbelievable eventually you have to face life instead of running from everything he shakes his head in disgust and I assume he'll walk away instead he encircles my waist with his arm and pulls me roughly to him I utter a soft gasp of surprise as his lips come down on mine angry and punishing even so fire licks through me circling down to my toes he ends the kiss as quickly as it began and he pulls back and releases my waist how's that for friendship he grunts as he stalks off the porch and goes to retrieve the ladder chapter five Jasper I punch the bag again and again ignoring the sweat stinging my eyes it feels good to vent my frustration two things are eating at me skate and my phobia of heights in that order I'm slowly getting a handle on the height Thing Once I made myself start up the ladder I was okay the situation with ski is an entirely different story easy Memphis cautions you're going to beat that thing to SMI the rains something's eating at him bold jeers must be a woman must be Memphis agrees women he exclaims grandly can't live with them and can't live without him amen Bo Chuckles heartily I scowl punching harder that's easy for those Yeehaw to say they have their women Memphis is happily married to Penelope and B is fast going in the same direction with Presley Madison then there's me mired in the dreaded friend zone after leaving SKS I went through a drive through and grabbed a sandwich I figured I'd go home and mope around the house maybe catch a basketball game or two however Bo called and asked me to hang out with him in Memphis I had hoped that their company would be a diversion from the dark thoughts looming inside me but then what do they want to talk about women after I've expended my energy I go over and collapse on the picnic bench beside Bo he makes a fist and gives me a soft shove in the arm you pack a mean punch remind me not to get on the receiving end of those hammers he reaches for his can of Coke drains it down down with a few swigs and crushes the can in his fist Memphis is sitting across from us we're at the outside home boxing gym located beside memphis's Airstream trailer where he lived when he first moved to comfort to hear Memphis tell it Penelope isn't happy about him keeping the Airstream parked beside the bed and breakfast because she thinks it's an ice or Penelope is going along with it for now because Memphis uses it for his office this summer Memphis plans to build a guest house on the lot that will double as his office I'm not really sure what Memphis does exactly for a living but I know it has something to do with online marketing for the past several months Memphis has been teaching Bo and me to box a skill that came in handy when Bo was chasing all the skirts I haven't been in a bar fight since he settled down with Presley the last fight Bo got me into landed me with a hairline fracture in my hand I guess I should be glad that B's a changed man but it's a stark reminder that my life is going nowhere fast whereas everybody else has things figured out the wind picks up raising Goosebumps over my damp skin when I was in a rage I was oblivious to the cold however having physically expended myself I'm getting chilled I left my sweatshirt resting over the back of one of the outdoor plastic chairs I get up to get it a second later I slided over my head grateful for the warmth the high today is supposed to be 61° but the sun has vanished behind a haze of clouds making it feel more like it's in the low 50s down here in lower Alabama the temperature stays moderate even during the winter well most of the time the snow storm we had right before Christmas was an anomaly it's certainly worked in B's favor he rescued Presley from a car accident that took place near the crosswater Creek Bridge all right spill it Memphis demands as I sit back down at the table what happened with skate what does Skate have to do with anything I mutter the look of a Amusement that passes between Bo and Memphis causes my spine to go ram rod straight do y'all have a problem down boy Bo laughs easily you going to take us both on he glances at Memphis if that's what it takes I assert eyeing them so that they know I mean business I know I'm acting out but I can't stand the thought of skate chasing after Wade Clayborn how could she not feel the same fire raging through her veins that I felt when we kissed He's Got It Bad Memphis Chuckles talking to Bo it was hard enough to get shot down by skate I don't need these morons having a few laughs at my expense Bo turns and places a hand on my shoulder take a deep breath and count to 10 he admonishes his eyes bright with laughter I shove his hand away from my shoulder just because you were finally able to snag a woman doesn't mean that you can sit there and act all Pious as soon as the word Pious leaves my lips I think of my conversation with ski where she called me Pious I know I Raz her about mixing up her words but her goodness and childlike naivity are two of the things I love most about her you do have it bad want to tell us what happened B pins me with a probing gaze I let out a long breath figuring I've got to tell someone my woes before I erupt skates afraid to take our relationship to the next level I tighten my jaw she's worried that if things go sideways between us then it'll wreck our friendship B Strokes his chin thoughtfully makes sense she's probably right my words come flying out so now you're taking her side I'm not taking anyone's side B counters and if I were to pick a side it would be yours you know I've got your back he says in all seriousness I relax my shoulders a fraction as I give him a Curt nod I know that about Bo he's like a brother to me that's probably why I don't think twice about taking out my frustrations on him the two of us have been through some tough times together we see things in our profession that no person should have to witness the comaraderie that we share with our fellow firefighters is what gets us through maybe ski just needs time Memphis offers y'all spend so much time together that she's bound to come around I'm not holding my breath on that one an invisible fist squeezes my gut did you and SK have a fallen out B asks of sorts no way am I going to tell these guys that I kissed SK SK there are some things that a man needs to keep to himself Memphis pedals his hand don't leave us hanging here Wade Clayborn and Colette Williams broke off their engagement I mutter what does that have to do with anything Memphis demands at the same time understanding registers in Bo's eyes oh man Bo begins that's rough what's rough Memphis asks dubiously skate has always had a thing for Wade Clayborn Bo explains a grin of amusement cross is memphis's lips should I ask how you know this skate and Penelope are tight Bo rolls his eyes if I had a nickel for every time I heard ski crushing on Wade I'd be a rich man he grimaces as if realizing what he just said sorry he says throwing me an apologetic look I wave a hand it cuts to hear B speak those words because everything he's saying is spot on I don't get it Memphis says why would ski be interested in a panty waste like Wade why does any woman like Wade I Grumble they can't see past his shiny exterior yeah right on so what if the old Ford is a bit Rusty a woman should be able to look past a few dings and see the strength of the engine B shoves me in the arm right Jess very funny I say dry all right B size I can tell this thing is eating you alive what can we do to help he looks at Memphis Yeah Memphis pipes in dutifully how can we help you can start by knocking Wade Clayborn into next week weak I growl B wrinkles his nose I would do that man but I promised Presley that I'd keep my nose clean his voice is coated with laughter as he motions at Memphis you could do it it wouldn't take much for you to wipe the floor with that pansy you could show him some of your fancy schmancy moves mempis tips his head like he's considering Bo's suggestion I could he wrinkles his brows no pen would hang me up by my toenails you know how your sister is he says to Bo cut it out I bark knowing that the two of them have no intention of doing a dang thing to wait Clayborn sorry man we're just teasing Bo counters a second later his voice goes practical look you knew you were taking Tak a risk when you became best buds with ski once you get put in the friend zone it takes an act of Congress to get you out I wasn't pretending to be sk's friend I heave back everything I feel for her is painfully real I shouldn't have brought up Trotter or culinary school the last thing I want to do is to hurt ski I just want her to give us a chance Bo holds up a hand his voice calm and reasonable I know you care about her you always have I haven't always felt this way I argue this only came up a couple years ago B's eyes ping with Amusement this is me you're talking to remember you've had a thing for ski ever since y'all kissed in junior high that's why you gave her the cold shoulder because you didn't didn't know how to deal with your attraction Mo's voice reeks with such an all knowing confidence that it strips me clean to the Bone sometimes I hate that he knows me so well why do you think it didn't work out with Renee Bo continues okay he's going too far you know why I huff Renee wanted to get serious and I wasn't ready exactly B flings back with a hint of exasperation you weren't ready because she wasn't the one this is ridiculous I mutter you don't have a clue about women your relationship with Presley was blind luck you keep telling yourself that b quips in Amusement enough of this crap if I wanted to get chomped down to the sze of an ant hill I could have spent the day with ski I Rise to leave hold it Bo insists don't rush off I just might have a solution for you a mild interest prickles through me I'm listening part of the reason why Ski's giving you the cold shoulder is because you've made it too easy for her that's absurd I shoot back reflexively before my mind can fully process what B even said Memphis tips his head you may be right Bo sticks out his chest of course I am he brags I smirk yep you're always the smartest person in the room yeah yeah B flashes a taunting grin it's just good to hear you say it brother according to you I add b rolls his eyes as I was saying you've made it way too easy on ski his voice goes soft and whiny to mimic a woman Jasper come and fix my sink change the light bulbs organize my garage alphabetize my spices Jasper come over and hang out so we can watch a chick flick a geyser of heat spews up my neck as I pop bow in the arm ouch he yows was that really necessary you got off easy I warn and for the record I did not alphabetize ski spice rack well you did everything else B counters I can't refute that so what if I help ski out on occasion is that a crime Memphis Hoots the want need to separate y'all his eyes flick with Adventure or better yet yall could box it out I'm ready when you are I growl throwing B A heated glare hold your horses B laughs I'll fight you but first you need to hear me out I clamp my arms over my chest every time SK so much as flicks her finger you come running he shakes his head that's poor form man you want her to respect you not true I mumble his words digging into me is it so terrible that I'm a loyal friend to ski B makes me sound pathetic you need to take the bull by the horns here Bo insists show ski who's boss a hard Amusement simmers in my chest like you do to Presley the look on Bo's face is priceless he knows I've got him B's a sucker for Presley she's got him wrapped around her little finger he has been counting the days until she gets back from her tour with heartly Reigns Bo holds out a hand all I'm saying here is that you need to make ski work for your affection I have have to admit that I'm semi intrigued by that idea continue as long as ski thinks you're pining away for her she'll never recognize your value you need to make her jealous by flaunting another woman in front of her disappointment sinks like lead in my gut that's your big idea I should know better than to listen to Bo's advice on women yeah Bo fires back like he's stating a well-known fact women want what they can't have why am I wasting my time listening to this nonsense I know bo means well and I appreciate that he cares however this is rotten advice a wave of weariness settles over me as my words come out flat your assuming ski will care that I'm with someone else she certainly didn't seemed to mind that I was with Renee in fact she was always giving me advice on ways to improve my relationship a knowing grin slides over Bo's face oh she'll care ski cares about you more than she would ever admit maybe even more than she realizes you just have to paint a picture for her hope Kindles in my chest is B right does ski care do I I dare take advice from Bo about women to Bo's credit he did have a lot of skirts chasing him maybe there is some Merit to his words once ski realizes that she could lose you she'll come around I guar darn it Bo's Voice rings with conviction I look at Memphis what's your take on the situation he blinks like he's surprised that I'm getting his input well I think Bo has a point people do normally want what they can't have uncertainty stabs through me what if I go along with this plan and skat's not even remotely jealous that would mean that she really doesn't care am I prepared to accept that I don't know I hedge look at it this way Memphis points out at least you'll know how skate feels about you that's true I concede the biggest problem with B's little plan is that I've always prided myself on being a straight shooter one who has no patience for silly games especially when it comes to the opposite sex I don't want to toy with sk's affections I want to cut to the Chase and have a Bonafide relationship with her you should ask Renee to go to the town Valentine's dance with you Bo suggests a Checkmate grin curves his lips when ski sees you with your ex it'll drive her crazy and jerk my eyes flying open wide no way I made it clear to Renee that the two of us are through I don't want to confuse things Renee would jump at the chance to go to the dance with me which is why I have no intention of asking her it wouldn't be fair to lead Renee on I think is a good idea Memphis interjects my jaw hardens well I don't Bo gives me a speculative look let me ask you a question I'm listening I say weariness seeping through me do you want skate or not irritation crawls down my spine you know the answer to that okay then you need to step up to the plate now that Wade clayborn's in the picture the stakes are bound to get high I hate the words coming out of Bo's mouth he's right of course why does everything have to be so dang complicated shouldn't the fact that ski and I are already so close give me the the upper hand the way I see it you've got two choices you can sit around and do nothing hope that the thing with Wade and ski will fizzle out or I never said ski was going after Wade I say hotly B gives me a pointed look ignoring my Outburst or you can take the bull by the horns and give yourself a fighting chance to win skate your decision I glance at Memphis and can tell that he wholeheartedly agrees I'm caught between a rock in a hard place the sinking feeling in my gut tells me that ska and Wade will become an itam I know it as well as I know that the sun will set this evening how could any guy resist skate I rub a hand over my forehead leading Renee on doesn't sit well I'm not not going to be one of those weasels who uses women I get that Bo acknowledges you don't have to lead her on Memphis chimes in I look across the table waiting for him to expound just tell Renee you want to go to the dance as friends Memphis continues a large grin fills Bo's face yeah that's the ticket play that friend card this time it'll work for your benefit I roll the notion around in my head I guess I could do that Renee and I are on friendly terms if I make it clear that we're going as friends then there won't be any misunder understanding Memphis slaps me on the back good it's all settled it's not settled not by a long shot so I'm just supposed to take Renee to the dance and then somehow things will magically work out with skate that seems like a stretch yeah I see where you're coming from B drums his fingers on the table his jaw working a few seconds later he slaps the table I'm a genius a pleased as punch chuckle rumbles in his throat Jess you're going to thank me for this one my eyebrow slides up I've got the plan of all plans he pumps his eyebrows you ready for this just spit it out I Grumble tired of him keeping me on the hook B heaves his legs over the bench where we're sitting and Springs to his feet he hops lightly from foot to foot holding up his fists let's box around or two first while I roll the plan around a few times in my head I Rise to my feet a smirk pulling at my lips the only thing that's going to be rolling around in your head are cuckoo birds when I punch your lights out Bose eyes gleam with anticipation you got fire crackling in you I like that hate taunts I've got plenty of fire raging through me like a river if Wade Clayborn were here I'd knock him into next week seeing as that's wishful thinking B will have to do chapter six my thoughts are still boiling over the things Jasper said to me as I pull up to Henry roach's house and park along the curb it was utterly unfair of Jas to equate my reluctance to get involved with him romantically to my fear of getting another dog or me passing up the opportunity to go to culinary school a I'm living proof that a person can do just fine without a dog B not going to culinary school is one of my biggest regrets however I've done okay once I earn enough money to purchase the bakery I'll be a business owner that's nothing to sneer at the clogging thing was the last straw the nerve of Jasper judging me about how I choose to burn calories I'll clog a sock in his miserable throat the next time he tries to pick me apart enough brooding over Jasper I need to think about my plans for the rest of the day I refuse to let Jasper put a damper on my day off and after I talk some reason into Henry I'm heading back home to grab Alice and take her to the vet excitement spritzes through my veins at the thought of seeing Wade Clayborn an unbidden image of Jasper flashes before my eyes the memory of his lips on mine rustles heat through my body okay I order myself stop thinking about the kiss you have to be sens you did the right thing by putting the kabash on any buding relationship with Jasper one of us has to be the adult also I don't want to be with a man who's a moronic idiot I'll bet Wade Clayborn wouldn't judge me he doesn't care if I clog or if I didn't go to culinary school that's why I need a romantic relationship with a man who doesn't know all of my flaws a fresh start is what I need taking in a deep breath I turn my focus to Henry roach he lives on the edge of the historical part of town even though his house is only a couple of streets over from Penelope's bed and breakfast the area is vastly different Henry Street marks the dividing point between the affluence section and the lower income District made up mostly of government subsidized housing Henry roach's background is a bit of a history all anyone knows is that Henry moved to comfort a decade ago to be with Gladis who was a native of comfort Henry and glattus met through an online dating site while they seemed content with one another I've always wondered how they managed to get together the two of them were Polar Opposites glattus always wore a big radiant smile and looked for ways to help people Henry is C tanker and has no patience with anyone or anything with his Perpetual scowl that's deeply carved into his jws his long solemn face and sad eyes he reminds me of a Basset Hound I know that Henry loved glattus because his grief over her death has made him even more difficult to deal with glattus was a fanatic about Valentine 's day she would go all out decorating her front door porch and yard with various sizes of pink and red Valentine's and Cupids some of the town's folk considered her fetish tacky but others enjoyed bringing their significant others to take pictures in front of the home glattus would box up her signature Walnut fudge and package it in pink boxes and matching ribbons to give his gifts to all who came to take pictures it occurs to me that it was Gladis who first started the town tradition of holding the Cutie Pie dance on Valentine's Day no wonder Henry is acting out sympathy wells in my chest crowding out my frustration over having to come here on my day off the house looks Barren without the Valentine's as if it's also morning the loss of glattus this year here there will be no happy couples snapping pictures no boxes of fudge and no warm welcome from glattus she left a gaping hole in the heart of comfort that is especially noticeable now during her favorite holiday as I open the car door and get out shrieks split the air made sounds like Alley Cats trying to claw their way out of a washing machine on the spin cycle my stomach lurches someone's in trouble I hear the high-pitched squeaks of what sounds to be kids followed by the low gurgle of a man my heart leaps into my throat as I hurry around to the side of the house I halt in my tracks unable to believe what I'm seeing Henry is spraying three boys in their early teens with a water hose as they attempt to run away one boy slips and Falls planting his face into the grass determination creases Henry's brow as he aims the hose at the Fallen boy dousing him with water the boy tries to get up but the force of the water knocks him back down that'll teach you Henry cackles with feverish Glee has the ornery old goat completely lost it the sight of the helpless boy being soaked with water causes something inside me to snap stop I scream darting over to Henry I reach for the water hose and attempt to pry it from his hands he's surprisingly strong we wrestle sending the water shooting High into the air like a slithering snake the boy takes the opportunity to scramble to his feet and then Sprints to catch up with his buddies let go Henry growls exerting all all his strength to wrench the sprayer from my hands then the unthinkable happens his foot slips on the wet grass the whites of his eyes pop as he falls back taking me down with him I sit up dazed my first thought is to make sure Henry's okay he's sitting upright and appears to be fine from what I can tell well other than the fact that he's madder than a trapped hornet are you okay I stammer rubbing my elbow it's smarting from taking the brunt of the Fall before Henry can answer Jer and laughter Cuts him off short I look across the vacant field that runs alongside Henry's Home the boys are standing at the other side serves you right old fart one of the boys yells recognition dings through my brain the boy speaking is Lance Wallace I know his mother she works as a server at the restaurant on Main Street the boy on Lance's right raises his hand and shoots Henry a bird Lance and the boy on his left call Henry a few unsavory names stay away from my house Henry yells the veins in his neck turn into ropes as he shakes his fist or next time you'll get worse the boys laugh and Scamper away as Henry turns his Venom on me this is your fault he Bellows my eyes fly open wide my fault I'm not the one who was dousing the kid with the hose serves him right I've told them time and time again to stay off the swing Henry's voice is normally grally however it's scratchy with so much outrage that I can almost believe his throat is coated with sandpaper I look at the wooden swing in question sure it looks nice with the canopy I'll bet it cost a pretty penny still all that for a silly swing this man is unbelievable I throw him a glare as I Rise to my feet my muscles are already stiff letting me know that I'll probably be sore tomorrow Henry's face darkens it's not silly I had that swing special ordered for glattus it's teak ah I'm starting to see the full picture this is about Henry's grief I bend over and extend a hand here let me help he pushes my hand away with a grunt it's crazy how fast anger scalds through me suit yourself I quip with a considerable amount of effort Henry manages to get back up on his feet then he loses his balance and topples sideways luckily I managed to catch him before he falls again whoa I caution easy does it I hate those pesky kids Henry seeds somebody ought to teach them a lesson they have filthy mouths yes I concede someone needs to give them a good talking to amen Henry Thunders the world would be better off without that Riff Raff hold it I interject in an ironclad tone Henry blinks in surprise I look him in the eye punching out my words that's easy for you to say when you have a nice home and all the comforts you could ever want my voice rises in both pitch and volume outrage burns like gasoline through my veins fueling my boldness do you know anything about the kid you were assaulting with the h i get up in Henry's face do you Henry's eyes go round as I rush on it just so happens that Lance Wallace's dad left before he was even born his mom lazette works at the restaurant on Main Street waiting tables she also cleans houses on the weekends to make ends meet that still doesn't excuse the kids bad behavior Henry protests but his voice has lost its ferocity he glances at the swing his veil of Fury slips enough to reveal a sliver of naked grief my anger immediately EV evaporates I let out a long breath the only way that kids like Lance will ever have a Fighting Chance as if good upstanding citizens I make air quotes Tak an interest in them I lock eyes with Henry he may be cantankerous but I'm not backing down from this one you sound like glattus his words are spoken as a compliment and Henry offers me the tiniest of smiles he's not wearing his dentures and his lips seem to dissolve into his face like a sinkhole it strikes me that Henry is frail his mustard yellow sweater gives his skin a sickly palor or maybe the color of the sweater has nothing to do with it I've heard rumors that Henry's Health was poor but every other time I've been around him he seemed so strong and determined that I figured he was perfectly fine Henry roach is way too mean to die anytime soon I need to put the hose away his voice is deflated his shoulders sagging I'll do it I offer relieved when he nods his consent I make short work of winding the hose around the middle hang attached to the siden of his house then I give the knob on the faucet a hard twist to make sure the water is off his head hanging low Henry shuffles around to the back of the house I follow behind him grasping the handrail he trudges up the steps leading to his back door he looks back over his shoulder don't just stay there like a knot on a log come in I was hesitating at the bottom Step At His devil tongue prodding I bound up the steps and then have to slow back down so that I'm not crowding him Henry crosses the floor in labored movements and then collapses in one of the kitchen chairs his entire body seems to quiver in relief at being able to sit down concern threads a tight cord through my insights are you okay he nods swiping a hand across Ross his forehead the chair directly across from him goes scraping back giving me a start it runs through my brain that Henry must have shoved the legs with his foot have a seat He commands he takes in a labored breath his shoulders heaving in the process my feet remain rooted to the floor as I moisten my lips is there anyone I should call to get you help sit he croaks so much for feeling sympathy for him fine I Grumble as I March over and sit down the vinyl on the chair crinkles in protest as I shift to find a comfortable spot the metal table and chairs look like they came straight out of the 1950s glattus is love for collecting antiques is evident throughout the kitchen I feel like I'm in a Cracker Barrel restaurant vintage metal cans line a shelf that runs along the top of one wall wooden knickknacks are crowded into every nook and cranny my eye catches on a rolling pin resting on the island I can't imagine Henry using it for cooking maybe he's keeping it handy in the event that he gets the chance to bludgeon some poor unsuspecting Soul who happens to cross his path like me EK okay I'm being overly dramatic Henry's not going to bludgeon me with the rolling pin at least I hope not he looks pretty spent the sunken skin around his eyes resembles an overripe banana dark age spots Mar his face I should be more worried about Henry needing Emergency Care rather than him hurting me I glan at the kettle on the stove can I make you a cup of tea or coffee something hot the back of my jeans is damp from the wet grass I'm sure Henry's clothes are all damp I don't want him to get chilled and catch a cold yeah Henry's a grouch but that doesn't mean I should just turn my back on him it's plain as the nose on my face that he's having a hard time without glattus he flicks a hand in annoyance before settling back in his seat no te your coffee tell me more about the boy his words are spoken by one who's used to being in complete control of his surroundings I wonder what Henry did for a living before coming to comfort and marrying glattus you want to know about Lance he nods wow I'm surprised that Henry cares enough to ask I run my tongue over my lower lip composing my thoughts it's good that Henry has taking an interest in someone else maybe he's turning a corner I know that his mother lazette worries about him he arches a bushy eyebrow how do you know that his tone is sharp confrontational she told me I answer simply last month when she came in to order Lance's birthday cake he was turning 13 Henry grunts he acts like he's 10 a dry chuckle rumbles in my throat I can't argue with you there Lance and his buddies made spectacles of themselves no question about that even so I don't condone Henry spraying Lance down especially after the poor kid fell to the ground talk about stripping away a person's dignity Henry's behavior is inexcusable I picked back up on my narrative Lizette struck up a conversation telling me that she's concerned about Lance growing up without a father lazette works so much that she doesn't feel like she spends enough time with Lance he rolls his eyes obviously his reaction grats on my nerves I lean forward looking him in the eye did you ask me to tell you about Lance so that you could take Hot Shots at him and his mother I'm learning very quickly that the best way to deal with Henry is full on holding nothing back Henry blinks in Surprise nope he says in such a forthright manner that I believe him you care about the boy Henry asserts I suppose I do you need to give Lizette some slack she would spend more time with Lance if she could think are never as shut and dry as they seem he wrinkles his nose shut and dry was that supposed to mean Heat fans my face as my words tumble out I meant cut and dry oh cut and dry he repeats a smile breaks over his lips revealing his toothless gums seeing Henry without his Dentures gives me the Willie glattus cared about people too yes she did glattus was a good woman his eyes glisten as he clears his throat the best he says gruffly I know you miss her I say softly his jaw works as he looks away I can tell from the stiffening of his shoulders and the slight quiver of his chin that Henry's trying to get his emotions under under control a couple seconds later he wins the battle and shifts his Focus back to me his transformation is astounding had I not witnessed it firsthand I would have never realized how close he came to losing it what would you do to help the boy his voice is No Nonsense his question startles me um I'm not sure I hedge guilt wraps me in a tight blanket I've been so consumed with the bakery that I haven't had much time to think of anyone else I'm sure there are lots of kids in Comfort who need some type of help I figure that most of the residents of comfort are like me we feel for underprivileged kids but there's only so much of us to go around Henry looks disappointed my brain races to come up with a solution or at least a plausible suggestion for starters I blurt I'd make a place for kids like Lance to go while their parents are at work some sort of outreach program yes that would work Henry dips his head and thought you mean like a daycare center I knit my brows no not necessarily more like an activity center a place where kids would want to go and hang out they could do things such as bowling and Hiking but with mentors to guide them I add an outreach program costs money yeah I shrug it was just an idea I say defensively after all Henry did ask oh and While We're Dreaming I'd build a park interest Kindles in his watery eyes what kind of Park this time my answer is immediate one with a playground for the kids and walking trails for the grown-ups maybe an ultimate frisbee course he studies me with a scrutiny that makes me squirm unable to take the discomfort anymore I rais my eyebrow what one second goes by two you remind me a lot of glattus he finally says he looks past me staring into the distance she was always making her fudge and giving it away a reminiscent smile overtakes his lips she'd put those ridiculous Valentine's all over the place he balls a hand and places it over his mouth I used to tease glattus about cutting into the bakery's business during valent Val in's day he lowers his fist her fudge was the best it was I agree it's on the tip of my tongue to say something else in an attempt to soothe Henry's pain but I fear that it would backfire the man has never opened up before I should probably leave well enough alone he gives me a Steely look now about that gosh awful keyme pie you keep serving I feel my eyes bug and I'm ready to launch into a heated defense when I catch the wicked gleam in Henry's eye suddenly I know exactly what's going on here I remind Henry of glattus he was searching for an excuse to have me stop by and bashing my pie did the trick I sit back and fold my arms over my chest I guess I'll have to make you another one and have it delivered tomorrow afternoon a deep frown creases his face bringing the Basset Hound Out full force I can almost see the wheels turning in his head it's my company that Henry craves not in some weird way but more like I'm the daughter he never had of course what do I know Henry May well have a daughter or a son or I continue sitting up and pressing my index finger into the table you could stop by the bakery and pick up the pie we could chat over a cookie or two and for Jasper's information I'll refrain from clogging afterward I can handle 100 calories or so I think how many calories make up a pound go maybe Jasper's right I guess I do fear failure some nights I wake up in a panic thinking that I must be out of my mind to try and purchase the bakery am I cut out to own a business managing is one thing but at the end of the day if profits are down then Abigail has to handle it of course profits have been way up since I started managing but that's beside the point it's the what ifs that I have a problem with Henry cuts into my thoughts make it a chocolate iced Brownie and you've got a deal my eyebrow slides up under one condition Amusement flicks across his wrinkled face I'm listening I wag a finger there'll be no more threats about getting Nelly Kinsey to do an expose on the bakery he gives me a busted look before thick laughter bursts through his lips sounding like watery sludge trying to work its way through a drain pipe no promises first we'll have to wait and see how good that pie of yours is my phone rings startling me I had forgotten that I put it and my car key in my front pocket I sit back and slide my phone out of my pocket my eyes fly open wide it's Jasper quickly I pressed the button on the side to silence it don't not answer on my account Henry mumbles it's okay I can call him back later interest simmers in Henry's eyes he just a friend of mine I say casually but I can tell that Henry's not buying it who's the friend he wants to know Henry roach is the last person I would ever discuss my problems with I'm surprised that he's being so inquisitive I wrinkle my nose no that's not the word I'm looking for it's insensitive no intrusive the word clicked through my brain like a key fitting nicely into a lock intrusive that's it I scoot my chair back with a loud scrape the sound of metal scrap in the wood gives me an adverse chill the chair legs have rubber caps at the bottom but they must be worn out Henry frowns what's your hurry I thought you were going to make us a pot of tea you said you didn't want tea I argue he thrusts out his chin can't a fell change his mind yeah I guess I have a couple of hours before I'm due to take Alice to the vet still I don't want to spend two hours talking to Henry that sounds bad I really should be more compassionate the poor man lost his wife and is all alone that's why he's lashing out at everyone it's a plea for help I offer a silent prayer asking for patience no maybe I shouldn't pray for patience after all I don't want heaven to Heap trials on me so that I can learn to be patient is it too late to retract my prayer I can make some tea I hear myself say as I stand to retrieve the kettle so that I can fill it with water my phone dings this time instead of ringing I look down realizing I'm still holding it in my hand it's Jasper again this time he sends me a text we need to talk I shov the phone back into my pocket Jasper Works 24 hours on and 48 hours off today is the second leg of his time off he reports back to the station early tomorrow morning if I can evade him for the rest of the day that and I won't have to deal with this until Sunday I need time to sort through my feelings yeah the kiss was spectacular heat wafts through me remembering the fierceness in his eyes when he grabbed me and kissed me the second time so help me I liked the forcefulness of his lips and how they licked fire through my blood I didn't dare fan my face earlier when Jasper saw me in the tub but I can certainly do so now my hand goes up Fanning vigorously I've got to get over my attraction to Jasper it's in both of our interests to move past this and resume our friendship if you're hot we can turn down the heat Henry says in his garbled voice no I'm good I grasp the wooden handle of the kettle and take it over to the sink where I fill it up where do you keep your tea I ask as I carry the kettle back to the stove and place it on the front burner the cupboard to the left of the sink Henry directs once the tea is made I carry both cups back to the table and place one in front of Henry I sit back down in my seat cing my hands around the mug the warmth feels good on my skin I'm not really sure how to go about making polite conversation with Henry I guess I could ask about his background rather than raising his cup to his lips Henry lowers his mouth to the rim and slurps the liquid noisily a giggle blips through my throat luckily I managed to swallow it down before it escapes Henry reminds me of a kid in many ways maybe that's why he didn't think twice about ass salt and Lance with the water hose so you and glattus met online we did where are you from California he croaks the Bay Area I love San Francisco I went there when I was a teenager the Golden Gate Bridge is so magnificent what type of work did you do professionally a little of this and a little of that Henry says offhandedly okay okay it's obvious he doesn't want to talk about himself my phone dings again I pull it out with a heavy sigh it's from Jasper this time his text says ignoring me won't fix the problem Henry motions to the phone with his gnarly hand is that your friend his voice drips with so much sarcasm that I can't help but laugh yes it's my friend I shake my head things are complicated between us right now ah complicated meaning you like him of course I like him I snip he's my friend the wide smile that stretches over Henry's lips makes him look like a wise turtle or Yoda gladus and I started out as friends too really for a second I forget about my own troubles he nods and slumps against the back of his seat yep his expression brightens paling a decade from his face gladus was hesitant for us to get involved but I pursued her I can be very persuasive he finishes with a note of Pride I have to bite back my smile persuasive would not be a word I would use to describe Henry roach maybe you should give your friend a chance it's not like that with Jasper and me I blurt ah Jasper he Taps his fingers on his mug would that be Jasper Donaldson the fire the walls crowd in around me as I gulp I've said too much I don't want Henry knowing my business Jasper and I are just friends my face is hot enough to ignite into a fiery ball of flames his eyes sparkle with humor you might want to F your face again a high pitched giggle rises in my throat this time I can't hold it back okay I admit things between Jasper and me are a little strange right now or strained I wrinkle my nose they're both strange and strained how so I let out a long sigh I'd rather not get into this if you don't mind I understand he nods some things are hard to talk about I shift in my seat chewing on my inner cheek it's not that I just don't know how I feel about the two of us I don't want to ruin our friendship a low chuckle rolls from his throat that's what glattus said really I guess glattus and I were more alike than I realized I know we both love to bake glattus is buttermilk pound was legendary how did you and glattus make the transition from Friendship to something more he shrugs like anyone else does I guess one breath at a time a perceptive light flicks in his eyes maybe you should give Jasper a chance he seems like a decent fellow a smile tugs at my lips he's the best all right there you have it he looks thoughtful hey I'll be happy to put in a good work for you with Jasper no I nearly shout and then regret my Outburst the second I see Henry's startled expression no I say in a softer tone offering an apologetic smile I need to work through this on my own Henry frowns there's no shame in accepting help I know I assure him I appreciate your offer I really do I sift through the contents of my mind trying to articulate a halfway decent explanation that will hopefully suffice Henry it's just that I'm not sure that I want to be with Jasper that way there's someone else in the picture his eyes widen another girl no another guy sheesh why do I feel like such a louse for admitting that it's not like Jasper and I are a couple I'm working through my feelings I don't want to hurt Jasper I just want to be honest with him or yourself I jerk frustration firing through me why would I be upset with myself I retort giving Henry a hard look he shrugs his shoulders I don't know but that's how you seem well I'm not frustrated with myself I snipp if anything I'm frustrated with Jasper for pushing the envelope why am I having this conversation with Henry his opinion of Jasper and me has no relevance I've known Henry since he moved to comfort and this is the first in depth conversation I've had with him before today I didn't think Henry was capable of having a meaningful conversation he nods in some secret understanding that cuts to the center of my soul just remember he admonishes one breath at a time moisture blurs my vision as I blink throwing Henry a tight smile well seeing is how I can't quit breathing I guess I'll just keep on doing it and hope that things will eventually work themselves out I add to myself chapter 7 Jiminy Cricket I'm so nervous that I could barf let's go Alice I coup as I remove the cat carrier from the back seat my heart is hammering a mile a minute I take in a breath trying to get a grip I force my feet to move across the parking lot into the entrance of the Veterinary Clinic all the while I keep reminding myself that as far as Wade Clayborn is concerned I'm here to have him look at Alice Alice is hunkered down on the bottom of the carrier her eyes darting around nervously from what I can tell Alice appears to be perfectly fine after her tree Escapade however getting the vet's seal of approval will do wonders to ease Laura Lee's nerves when Tina the middle-aged receptionist sees me a broad grin stretches over her face hi SK Laura Lee called and said that you'd be bringing Alice in no need to fill out any paperwork we have Laura Lee's information on file have a seat and someone will call you back shortly I go over and find a seat smiling and nodding at the people in the waiting area most of the pets are in carriers however Mr Paulson's Labrador Retriever is sitting by his feet There's A peculiar smell at a vet's office it's a mixture of chemicals and animals it darts through my mind that Blakeley might have had a point about Wade smelling I laugh inwardly I'm sure Wade doesn't smell he's a dream boat everything about him is impeccable I sit for 35 minutes watching other people get called back until finally it's my turn my heart picks up its Pace as I follow behind the dark-haired girl in her early 20s who's wearing Green scrubs she ushers me into a room I sit down balancing the carrier in my lap what seems to be the problem she asks in a perky tone as she goes over to the computer I don't recognize the girl and I wonder if she's new to comfort or maybe she's from one of the surrounding areas I give her the short version of what happened she nods pecking on the keyboard after she's done she turns her attention to Alice and says in a gushy tone you've had quite a scare but it'll be okay Dr Clayborn will be in shortly Alice's ear flicks in response I could almost believe that she understood the girl or more likely she was just responding to the girl's intonations Dr Clayborn is finishing up a procedure but we be in shortly she informs me as she leaves the room I touch my hair and smooth a hand over my blouse calm down I order myself but my words do little good I feel like my heart is trying to punch through my rib cage what should I say to wait should I mention his breakup with Colette no that would be bad form I could simply ask how he's doing suggest that we grab a coffee or go for a walk no a walk would be dumb it's not super cold in Comfort right now but it's still wintertime by the time the door opens I've worked myself up into such a frenzy that I'm sweating like a horse it's a good thing I wore a dark colored blouse otherwise the sweat Rings beneath my arms would be visible Wade steps into the room and blinks in Surprise hey ski I saw Alice's name on the chart and was expecting Laura Lee for a second I sit Tongue Tied Wade's dark blonde hair is perfectly styled I swear his features have been chiseled from stone with the those high cheekbones and his aristocratic nose I guess Jasper was right Wade is a pretty boy in fact he's so pretty that I could hang him on my wall and salivate over him he's light blue eyes seem to hold a Perpetual Sparkle he's wearing scrubs and a lab coat the coat makes him look distinguished Wade goes over to the stool and sits down he gives me a funny look are you okay I'm great I squeak a goofy grin wobbling over my lips he motions to the carrier so you brought Alice in for Laura Le reality chick this is a vet appointment Wade's a doctor of sorts and here I am drooling over him like I'm some Lovick groupy my cheeks go scalding hot he probably thinks I'm the biggest doofus on the planet I force my tongue into action my words coming out fast all in one big chunk Alice got scared and ran up a tree then she fell out of it lur Le was worried about her but had to go to work so I volunteered to bring her in the air has completely left my lungs leaving me no alternative other than to suck in an audible breath glad you got that out Wade says humor flickering over his features let's get Alice out so I can take a look at her he and I both bend down to the carrier at the same time and butt heads I'm so sorry I laugh mortified no worries Wade says easily I've got it I straighten back up in my seat meanwhile Wade opens the carrier and Scoops out out cradling her in his arms she lets out an irritated meow it's okay girl he soothes stroking her head heat stirs warm ribbons through my stomach as I look at his long fingers moving over Alice's white fur with such finesse I wish he'd stroke my head like that Alice Nestles into his arms and begins purring loudly she likes you I guess all females be they feline or human are immune to your charms God did I really just say that now he'll think I'm throwing myself at him he looks puzzled if Alice were immune to my charms she wouldn't be purring huh he shakes his head never mind he carries Alice over and deposits her on the examining table she stands up and arches her back as he rubs it Alice takes in her surroundings with curious eyes she seems to be fine Wade surmises how far did she fall about 20 ft that's not too bad I think she's okay Laura Lee will be relieved Wade continues to stroke Alice she rubs her head against his hand and purring like a motor it was nice of you to bring Alice in for Laura Lee it was no biggie I say offhandedly I was glad to help how were things at the bakery nuts with Valentine's Day and the CutiePie Dance I'm tempted to ask if he wants to go with me to the dance but he'd probably bulk how are you doing I asked instead winsing inwardly at the unnatural high-pitched Edge in my voice I can't complain he says neutrally and then turns his attention back to Alice okay girl time to go back in the carrier he Scoops Alice into his arms and places her back inside the carrier Alice lets out a few wounded meow like she's been betrayed the visit is drawn to a close I need to make a move Pronto before my time runs out my pulse thrashes against my ears as I search for something to say I'm sorry about your mixup with Colette he dips his head frowning I beg your pardon I rewind what I just said I I mean your breakup I stammer I'm sorry about your breakup with Colette a shadow passes over over his features thanks he says turly I can't just let it go at that my Palms are swimming in icky perspiration I moisten my lips if you need someone to talk to I'm here ew that sounded lame brain he flashes me an appreciative grin thanks I'll keep that in mind he's so dreamy with his even features and sexy Scruff for an instant I'm caught in his spell like a fly mired in sticky syrup and have to Blink myself out of it my mouth disconnects from my brain and starts flapping a mile a minute would you like to go out sometime I mean not on a date but maybe as friends I taking a quick breath as nervous laughter skitters from my throat we don't have to it was just an idea if you prefer not to I'll understand he tips his head sure why not it takes a second for my brain to register what he just said wonderful I exclaim how about tomorrow night we could grab a pizza or something sounds good my heart Soares as we exchange numbers he agrees to pick me up up at my house at 6 see you then he says giving me a parting Smile as he goes out the door Victory I want to laugh hysterically or squeal at the top of my lungs I pick up the carrier and hold it up to my eye level did you hear that Alice I asked exuberantly I've got a date with density Destiny tomorrow night Alice lets out an irritated meow before plopping down and tucking her paws beneath her voluminous body she's looking at me as if to say you're such a fraud I know the real reason why you brought me to the vet hush your mouth Alice I sass no one likes a smarty pants Alice belts out another short meow and looks away the next day I'm up to my elbows in cookie dough and fantasizing about my upcoming date with Wade when Ellie bursts Through The Swinging Doors leading to the kitchen guess who's here before I can respond she rushes on Mr Grump himself her expression goes sour he's asking for you Henry she grunts Henry Roach I'd like to squash him like a roach she mutters that man doesn't have a kind word to say about anyone fire shoots from her eyes do you know what the old gezer said to me I'm almost afraid to ask I say dryly she draws herself up to her full height I told him that he should try one of our bear claws because they're to die for and I just can't get enough of them Henry came back with I can certainly tell maybe you should lay off them and then he makes a point of looking me up and down with this snotty expression that says you're a lump of Lord what is it with Henry and wait I can't for the life of me understand why Henry feels the need to be so mean and hateful I always wondered what gladus could possibly see in the man and then yesterday I caught a glimpse of The Man Behind the Mask it's too bad that Henry won't let more people see the real him I don't know but that man can't weigh a 100b she Wags a finger her head moving saucily in Rhythm as she speaks that twig had better watch his mouth before somebody gives him a hard thump I'll have you know I lost 23 lbs since Christmas thank you you very much you look great Ellie I say in all truthfulness I place the mound of cookie dough into a large freezer bag and begin cleaning up the area tell Henry that I'll be out shortly I really wish Henry would give the grumpy old man Persona a rest it might have worked well for Walter mathow and Jack Lemon on film but not so much in real life this town is way too small to go around offending everyone if Henry keeps up the town's folk will be ready to ride him out on a rail oh no Ellie counters shaking her head I'm not saying another word to that man you don't pay me enough for that I'll finish tidying up and you can handle Henry sounds good thank you I untie my apron and remove my hair net as I walk to the front I comb my fingers through my hair and fluff up my curls I find Henry sitting at one of the tables glaring at a group of Chatty moms and their rambunctious kids who are sitting nearby what is it with Henry roach and his distaste for anyone or anything that breeds happiness sure the toddlers are a little Rowdy but I've gone to Great Lengths to create an environment where people want to congregate when Henry sees me he grunts about time it took you so long to get out here that I can feel my fingernails growing I halt in my tracks my spine going stiff this is going to stop right here right now I refuse to be Henry's doormat if it's a problem I can always go back trust me when I say that I've got plenty of work to do I IE him in a challenge his jaw goes slack causing the loose skin on his jws to jiggle no it's all good he grumbles I pin him with a glare let's hope so I pull out a chair and plop down now that I've made my position clear on his sour attitude my angst toward him es how are you today Henry I asked Bri ly tolerable for an old man laughter bubbles in my chest this is about as agreeable as Henry roach is going to get I guess I should count myself lucky that he's being civil are you ready for that brownie he smacks his lips as he nods let me get it for you he frowns don't you have help that can do that he looks past me and SC at Tori who's working the counter girl he demands we need some help over here an incredulous laugh hiccups in my throat did he really just call Tori girl Tori Gets a deer in the headlight expression as she looks from Henry to me fresh out of high school Tori is bubbly and good with customers however she's still in training I certain certainly don't want to subject her to the likes of Henry pipe down I say to Henry as I get up and go over to the counter Tori I began sweetly would you please get me a walnut fudge brownie and a pint of milk her eyes round as baseballs she nods I lean forward and Whisper don't mind Henry I flash her an appreciative smile you're doing a great job thanks she grins as she jumps into action eager to please the boss a few seconds later she hands me the plate containing the Brownie and milk thanks I'd also like a chocolate chip cookie I couldn't live off of chocolate chip cookies they're my guilty pleasure speaking of guilty pleasures my senses rehash those electric kisses with Jasper stop it I command myself I've spent way too much time daydreaming about how forcibly his lips took mine or how it felt to be in his powerful Embrace Jasper might not have the Finesse of Wade but he certainly makes up for it in his commanding presence and it doesn't hurt that he's so fit with those chiseled muscles I force my brain back to the cookie just despite Jasper I'll refrain from clogging off the additional calories after I eat it I wonder how Jasper will react if he gets wind of me going out with Wade a thick dread coats my throat as I swallow I don't want to hurt him and yet I suppose it would be a good thing maybe it'll help put this thing between Jasper and me to rest once and for all I place Henry's brownie milk and a napkin in front of him and then sit down he looks down at it a horseshoe frown carving into his face no Fork I cluck my tongue Henry you are something his bushy brows Dart together what nothing I sigh as I get up to retrieve the fork all I can think right now is that glattus must have been a saint to put up with him I consider myself a relatively patient person however I'm not sure how much more of Henry's rotten attitude I can take before biting his head off here you go I say as I hand Henry the fork I sit back down and break off a piece of the cookie I place it in my mouth savoring the chewi of the T tender Dome mixed with the satisfying sharpness of the semisweet chips I can tell from Henry's rapturous expression that he's enjoying every morsel of the brownie it's nice to see that the man can get some sense of enjoyment out of life we eat in silence until the food is gone at which point Henry wipes his mouth vigorously with the napkin wads it up and then places it on the plate he gives me a spec cative look so what's it going to take to get you and Jasper together I about jerk out of my skin not just because of what Henry asked but also because of how he asked it his voice is several volumes too loud I can feel the moms at the table beside us eyeing me with interest sh I hiss as I lean forward I don't want the whole world to hear my business I've got enough trouble as it is with Jasper I certainly don't want to pile on an extra layer of town gossip Amusement simmers in Henry's watery eyes you like him he taunts I begin blinking fast as my rebuttal comes out in angry Whispers of course I like him Jasper's my best friend but that doesn't mean I want to date him I make a face why do you even care I watch Henry for a reaction and am surprised to see the regret that flashes over his features glad is put up with a lot from me I bark out a clipped laugh I can only imagine I compress my lips when I see his distraught expression I'm sorry that was uncalled for just because Henry is a pill doesn't give me an excuse to be caddy he waves a hand you speak the truth he grimaces I'm no bed of roses the corners of my lips twitch I wouldn't be so sure about that you certainly have the Thorns down pat Henry actually laughs at that he points a bent finger see that's why I like you you don't have any quals about sitting me straight I certainly don't mind beating down trees and shaking down doors when the situation warrants I quip he looks confused for a second before hearty laughter rasps from his throat I think you mean shaking down trees and beating down doors a giggle rises in my throat yeah that's what I meant I certainly don't want to be be accused of beating down trees no you don't he agrees that might leave you in a tough spot with the tree huggers out there my brain connects the dots I get it leave Tree Huggers Henry has attempted to make a joke we share a smile Henry looks much younger with his dentures in I go back to my earlier question why do you care about Jasper and me I asked quietly glancing at the women at the next table to my relief they're engrossed in conversation no longer paying any attention to Henry and me Henry takes a breath grief Shadows his eyes before she died glattus made me promise that I'd do something altruistic he drums his fingers on the table I figure getting two young lovers together fits the bill startled laughter bursts through my lips no offense Henry but you're barking up the wrong tree I lower my voice how many times do I have to tell you that Jasper and I are just friends irritation flashes in his eyes stop trying to deny it I have a gut feeling about the two of you his voice rings with a stubborn certainty and one thing I know is that my gut never lies I knew I needed to buy stock in IBM back in the day just as I knew when to sell it he ticks through the list as he touches his fingers then there was Amazon Netflix and dominoes he lifts an eyebrow need I continue I wave a hand okay so you have a keen sense for business that's not the same as knowing what's best for people he grins I knew that gladus was the one for me he boasts sticking out his chest I roll my eyes yeah because it involved you don't presume that you know what's best for me he squares his jaw you'll see that I'm right it occurs to me that it's a waste of time to argue with Henry so he's misguided about Jasper and me I suppose there's no harm in letting him entertain the notion so long as he doesn't blast it to the world you know if you really want to be altruistic then you'd help those who need it kids like Lance Wallace nah I'll leave that for you to handle that's a copout I argue he just laughs the sound is wet and Wheezy making me wish he'd clear his throat I sweep my hand around to Encompass the room I've got too much on my plate as it is as much as I'd like to help Lance and kids like him I don't have the time nor the resources to do so an enigmatic smile PS at his lips not now but you will something about the smug way he speaks the words puts me on edge what do you mean by that I'm coming to learn that when it comes to Henry I'm only seeing part of the picture a very small part he scoots his chair back and pushes himself to his feet seeing the effort it took for him to stand raises my sympathies well I guess I'd better get to it Henry says no one lives forever he says drolly concern tugs at my stomach are you okay Henry is so frail and he has those dark circles around his eyes I'm fine he answers in a tone that says his health is not up for discussion well time for me to beat down those trees and shake down some doors he went winks and then laughs to himself with that he turns and hobbles across the room and out the door each step seems to be a great effort and yet his steps are determined he's definitely a man on a mission what in the world is that man up to there's no telling my mind answers I replay the odd conversation it's absurd that Henry feels it it's his duty to get Jasper and me together talk about a misguided sense of benevolence well I utter under my breath I guess Henry will have to get used to disappointment because I've got a hot date with the man of my dreams in a few short hours it's not until I get back to the kitchen that I realized that I forgot to give Henry the key lime pie great that means that I'll have to drop it off to him otherwise he'll start squalling to my employees I guess I can leave work a little early and stop by before I head home to get ready for the date chapter 8 by the time I spot Wade strolling up the walk to my house my heart is beating so profusely that I feel like I'm about to have an outof body experience I lean back against the wall and place a hand over my chest willing myself to calm down the doorbell rings a prayer for help races through my mind I rub a moist hand over the bodice of my dress and then realizing that I can't stand here forever with him waiting outside I plaster a smile over my face and open the door hey I squeak hey Wade shoves a hand into the front pocket of his jeans and shuffles his feet like he's nervous I step back come on in he does so glancing around the foyer nice place thanks it's a bit of a fixer upper I wish I had more time to do everything that I want but the bakery keeps me so busy I stopped my myself realizing that I'm rambling an awkward silence passes before Wade offers a polite smile you ready sure disappointment ripples through me I spent over an hour getting ready but Wade is oblivious to my appearance I get the feeling that I could be wearing a paper sack and he still wouldn't notice I'm not sure how I expected him to react maybe uh little more like Jasper who photographs me with his intense deep brown eyes A peculiar longing shoots through me taking me completely off guard I wish it was Jasper here with me instead of Wade there would be no awkward silences or wooden Smiles maybe I'm jumping the gun here after the date gets going things are bound to settle down right I'll just grab my I say as I leave Wade in the foyer and hurry to the kitchen to retrieve it I come back with a renewed sense of purpose determined to make the date a success after all I've been crushing on Wade for years we go out to get in his car his silver BMW is a subtle reminder of not only how successful he must be in his career but also of the affluence of his family his mother doy throws a lavish Christmas party every year at the Country Club this past Christmas she hired me to cater it of course it wasn't just my skills in catering that doy was after her condition was that she'd hire me if I could get Presley to perform Presley reluctantly agreed she was a big hit just as I knew she would be however it wasn't all smooth saling her former manager and boyfriend showed up and tried to wreck her relationship with Bo the manager almost succeeded but thankfully all was eventually resolved and Presley and Bo got there happily ever after my thoughts moved to Dy if everything does go well for Wade and me do I really want a woman like that as my mother-in-law I saw the pain turmoil that Penelope went through with her former mother-in-law Viola Norwood I have to laugh at myself when I realize the direction my thoughts are taking Wade and I are on our first date and here I am marrying us off I expect him to get my door and feel let down when he doesn't I open the passenger door and get in the smell of new leather permeates my senses I fasten my seat belt and shift to face Wade new car sort of I ordered a black one but it hasn't come in yet I'm driving this one in the meantime oh well it's nice thanks an awkward silence stretches between us as he starts the engine and pulls away from the curb normally I'm decent at making conversation but my brain is scrambling for something to say I don't want to get nervous and mix up my words Wade will think I'm an idiot so are we getting a pizza yeah that sounds good to me awesome I moisten my lips think ski what would a man like Wade Clayborn like to talk about I glan at his profile Wade is certainly not one for conversation that was of you to work Alice into your schedule yesterday no problem how's she doing great I chuckle I don't think there was a thing wrong with her Wade nods drifting off to silence this is so dang awkward how was your day he looks thoughtful normal what about you super busy we're getting ready for Valentine's Day and the cuti pie dance my pulse ratchets up several notches speaking of the dance are you going I hold my breath waiting for his answer my hands are clasped tightly in my lap it seems to take forever for him to answer I haven't given it much thought you should go he glances at me you think so yeah we could could go together I blurt okay he says neutrally I guess I should feel happier that he said yes maybe I would be if he would show the slightest trace of enthusiasm wait is with me in body but I get the feeling that his mind is somewhere else my chest squeezes maybe he's thinking about Colette he was engaged to her do you care if I turn on the radio Wade asks no not at all I'm relieved to have something to fill the silence as he turns the knob I sit back in my seat and give up on trying to make polite conversation by the time Wade polishes off his third slice of sausage and pepperoni pizza his tongue begins to loosen the conversation drifts to our growing up years as we compare notes about our mutual acquaintances Wade graduated a year ahead of me how's prisley doing Wade asks casually as he reaches for his Coke and takes a long drink my shoulder's tense she's good does Wade have lingering feelings for Presley he broke up with her still that doesn't mean anything Presley is gorgeous with her man of curly red hair also she's a rising star I'm not sure if Wade is the type of guy who would be enamored with pressle stardom his mother is certainly impressed by it I guess I don't know Wade Clayborn all that well I've mostly admired him from afar even now when we're on our date I feel like there's some invisible barrier between us why did Wade even agree to go out with me because he did didn't want to be rude or maybe he had nothing better to do do you think Presley will end up with b i study his handsome face and notice that a muscle in his jaw is flicking he is beautiful to look at no wonder I was so Gaga over him during my growing years yes I do I say with conviction he nods I figured his expression is too guarded for me to detect any disappointment I want to bring up the subject of Colette Williams and the broken engagement but I don't dare so you have a clinic in Mobile I asked in an attempt to open up a conversation about his work I found that if you can get people talking about themselves the ice is bound to thaw yes I'm sure you stay busy driving back and forth between there and your office and comfort it does keep me busy but you enjoy it right he shrugs yeah most of the time a job is a job do you have any pets nope really I'm surprised I would have thought a vet would have a pet I cringe inwardly realizing that my words rhyme I had a dog once but it got hit by a car I guess I haven't gotten around to getting another pet I blink excitement coating my voice the same thing happened to me my dog Trotter got killed and I haven't been able to talk myself into getting another dog maybe Wade and I do have something in common there may be hope for us yet he shrugs I would get another dog but I don't have time to take care of it oh so I was wrong we don't have that in common Jasper's face flashes before my mind I guess I've been wrong about a lot of things lately a few beats pass dang that awkward silence he picks up another piece of pizza I select a small slice and begin nibbling on the tip this is my third piece the crust is thick I'm sure I've eaten enough carbs to last me a week I ate the cookie earlier and now this and I can't even clog off the calories I grin inwardly take that Jasper Donaldson I'm living dangerously what's so funny I startle my cheeks growing warm huh you were grinning at something putting down the slice of pizza I fumble for something to say I was just thinking how awkward first dates are he Chuckles lighting up his entire face they are awkward he takes another bite of pizza and then tosses it onto his plate like he's done with it he pushes the plate away wincing I'm sorry you're probably regretting going out with me I'm not much fun to be around tonight no you're great I lie hey gives me a doubtful look okay I amend it has been interesting a smile curves my lips we share a look of understanding that restores my faith in weight my heart does a little dance maybe things will be okay after all he lets out a long sigh Colette called right before I picked you up we had a big argument oh oh wow I'm sorry I say automatically his pained expression lets me know that he still has feelings for Colette an acute disappointment hammers through me then again what did I expect of course Wade would still have feelings for Colette the two recently broke up sympathy wells in my chest do you want to talk about it a Ry grin tugs at his lips not really his smile widens I'm ready to move on to greener pastures he gives me a hopeful look that turns my heart over in response then he does something totally unexpected he reaches across the table and takes hold of my hand his touch is warm his expression Earnest as he searches my face give me another chance sure I stammer thinking that this is the culmination of all my high school fantasies about Wade Clayborn well except for the part where some sort of Sparks or something should be flying between us I'm curiously unaffected by Wade's touch I mean it's nice but no fireworks maybe I need to lower my expectations the poor guy is still still reeling from his breakup yes that must be it a whisper of relief goes through me the Sparks will come in good time I feel eyes on me and glance around the restaurant I pick out the faces I know Judy and her husband Frank Tammy Cynthia B and Mrs rutage my high school chemistry teacher I offer them a strained smile some respond with smiles and nods but Cynthia be just glares at me she's tied with Colette I'm sure tongues will be wagging all over Comfort tonight it occurs to me that Wade is still holding my hand do I pull away from his grasp no that would come off as rude thankfully he releases my hand waade asks me about the bakery we talk about surface things until the server brings the check the conversation is taxing mostly because I'm trying so hard to keep the words flowing to avoid those awkward silences I probably shouldn't fear silence so much but it makes me terribly uncomfortable Wade pays the bill and then we finally leave is it bad that I just want this date to be over when we get back to my house I shift in my seat toward Wade my voice sounds too upbeat in my own ears as I say well that was fun thanks we'll have to do it again sometime I say evasively he looked surprised yes at the CutiePie dance a high pitched giggle climbs up my throat of course the Cutie Pie dance why did I ask way to the dance why the thought of trying to make conversation for several long hours knots my insights I know I'm not making any sense didn't I tell myself at the restaurant that I needed to give Wade time to recover from his breakup for so long I've wanted Wade to pay attention to me and now he's semi-in interested maybe that's the problem Wade is lukewarm about everything sure he's willing to go out with me but what I have ever come up on his radar had I not pursued him if i' had not gone to the clinic and asked him out we wouldn't be together tonight it's ironic that Jasper's intensity often gets on my nerves now however I'm wishing that Wade had some Zeal or passion about something I don't want to be the someone that he settles for I want to be pursued to be loved completely my eyes grow moist as I blink that's the problem I'm not sure what I want I reach for the car handle thanks for everything I say again I'll walk you to the door my heart lurches okay I say casually I get out of the car and go around to his side he gets out Meanwhile my pulse bumps up several notches surely Wade won't try to kiss me good night do I want to kiss Wade before tonight the answer would have been a resounding yes however I'm still reeling from Jasper's kisses let me State loud and clear that I'm not the type who goes around kissing everyone the thought of kissing two different guys in the spin of a few days freaks me out when we reach my front door I get a good look at Wade's tight expression he looks as nervous as I feel he turns to face me peering into my eyes oh no he's going for it he leans in his lips brushing against mine then his arm goes around my waist as he pulls me close his lips are warm and soft the kiss is not unpleasant in fact Wade obviously ly knows what he's doing I let him take the lead patiently waiting for the kiss to be over he pulls back grinning I guess the evening turned out okay after all yeah I guess so he reaches for my hand and squeezes it remind me to thank Laura Lee for sending you into the clinic with Alice I'll call you so we can make plans for the dance sounds good no this is not good I'm a hot mess he releases my hand before turning to leave I watch with curious Detachment as he strides across the porch and then down the steps with a confident gate when he gets to his car he smiles and throws me a part and wave I force a smile and wave back when I get inside the house emotion bubbles inside me filling my eyes with tears I just went out with the man I've been dreaming about since junior high what should have been a magical evening was lackluster and the worst part he seems to be warming up to me I rub a hand over my forehead a geyser of frustration spewing up inside me burning my throat with acid Jasper Donaldson then this is all your fault I mutter what have you done to me chapter nine my besties and I have a standing appointment on the last Sunday of each month we get together for what we've dubbed Sundays on Sunday it's a hallowed time when Albany Penelope Blakeley and I gather to catch up on our lives while gorging ourselves on ice cream that's swimming in decadent chocolate fudge syrup and toppins I watch in half Fascination and half awe as Albany takes the last bite of her third bowl of ice cream she places the empty bowl down on the coffee table and then scoots back into the couch with a contented sigh she cradles her stomach in a protective grasp like many pregnant women do Albany has always been beautiful with her dark eyes and glossy black hair but she has a motherly glow that makes her downright radiant that was so good Albany draws even the little man liked it pan is sitting in the chair next to me we share a grin what Albany demands seems like you're settling quite nicely into married life and everything that goes with it Blakeley makes a point of looking at albany's basketball-sized stomach so what if I am Albany says dreamily then the corners of her lips dip in a frown of course it's not all Wine and Roses when the little Ty starts kicking me at night everyone laughs when's the due date pen asks April 29th ALB says decisively is Gavin excited about having a boy I ask Albany Chuckles he's over the moon mom and dad are ecstatic too they'll finally get their boy Albany is an only child I can only imagine how thrilled Alban's parents Sable and Dallas are to be getting a grandson I take the last bite of my ice cream and place the bowl on the coffee table pen does the same Blakeley is sitting on the couch beside Albany she removes the pillow from behind her back and looks at it is this new yeah I figured new pillows would help Spruce the place up a bit was Jasper able to fix your leaky sink blakele asks not yet I answered nonchalantly I can tell from the way that Blakeley is eyeing me that her asking about the sink is a way to open up the conversation about Jasper I don't want to talk about it and yet I do these are my closest friends if I can't talk about it with them I'll go nuts I suppose I could talk about it with my mom no that's not a good idea mom thinks that Jasper hung the moon if I mention one word about our kisses or the disturbing attraction that I feel for him mom will shout out for joy and plan my wedding before Blakeley can make her move I look at pen and ask the one thing that's sure to redirect the conversation away from me when are you going to have a baby my voice is sing song a little taunting Pen's face goes Crimson as she Chuckles not anytime soon the only baby I want to take care of right now is the B&B Blakeley positions the pillow in her lap and then tucks her leg underneath her the bed and breakfast seems to be going well it is Pen's face glows with pride we're already booked through the summer it has been great to have memphis's help with the website and advertising it's wonderful to see Penn doing so well it was rough on her to deal with Tim Norwood's infidelity and then the divorce I'm grateful that Penn found Memphis still I can't help but feel a twinge of Envy Albany and Penn are entering a new phase in their lives with their husbands I glance at Blakeley wondering if she's like me and starting to feel like we're The Leftovers how's it going at the bakery pen asks super busy with Valentine's Day and the dance coming up my gaze pinged to each of them are y'all going to the dance you know it Albany Chuckles I'm going to make Gavin Dance with me until my ankles swell up like balloons Blakeley makes a face H that sounds so unromantic Albany turns to Blakeley what about you she sasses are you going nah not this year she Trails a ham through her poker straight chestnut hair and then adjusts her glasses for a while there a romance was brewing between Blakeley and one of the English professors at the junior college the guy was divorced with two kids he ended up getting back together with his ex-wife Blakeley was devastated although she's too prideful to let on alls the Practical one Blakeley refuses to let her head overrule her heart she told me that she couldn't exactly fault Reed for choosing his kids over her while that may be true it still had to hurt Blakeley has suppressed her feelings for so long that she's bound to come undone eventually then again who am I to judge my love life is a complete disaster do you and Memphis want to go to the dance with Gavin and me Albany asks pen we can make it a double date make that a triple date pen corrects Bo and Presley Jean are also going Alban's dark eyes sparkle within uendo B has it bad for prle she taunts yes he does pen laughs I always knew he'd eventually meet his match Presley is as good as they come I interject I have to put in a good word for my first cousin All Eyes turned to me Blakeley arches an eyebrow well well what I asked innocently I assume you're going to the dance pen begins yep a faint irritation flicks over blakeley's features don't keep us in suspense who are you going with I moisten my lips here it comes comes I'm standing on the edge of a pool about to dive in wait Clayborn pen and Alban's eyes go round as Blakeley Narrows hers what Albany Giggles when did this happen wasn't it just yesterday that Wade was engaged to Colette Blakeley is giving me the stink eye I can feel her disappointment slithering around me like an anaconda that about to squeeze me breathless do tell all pen chimes in yes Blakeley says icily I for one want to hear how it feels to play second fiddle to Colette the hair on the back of my neck Rises as I lock gazes with Blakeley that was uncalled for blly Harts and looks away pen wrinkles her nose what's going on on here I'm not done with Blakeley the two of us have had tension between us for a while now time to get everything out in the open I keep my gaze lasered in on her while you may not agree with my decision it's still no reason to castrate me Albany and Penn burst out laughing at the same time Blakeley does a giggle snort thing Alban shoulders Shake as tears roll down her eyes that's hilarious she clutches her stomach ouch the baby is tightening up I shouldn't be laughing so much but I can't help it that's just too funny pen is still sniggering her face is bright red what I growl not appreciating that everyone is having a laugh at my expense even behind her glasses I can see that blakeley's eyes are shimmering with laughter I glare at my friends somebody had better start talking Blakeley takes in a deep breath in an attempt to compose herself okay she sigh a second later Albany Giggles shaking her head skate you are hilarious I don't think you have the right equipment for anyone here to castrate you my brows bunch I don't get it Blakeley holds up a finger as she slips into Professor mode actually the definition of castration is to remove the testies or ovaries of an individual another definition is to render someone impotent heat blasts my face and then a hysterical giggle circles my my throat a second later I can no longer contain myself and laughter is peeling out of me this causes everyone else to start laughing again finally we dab our eyes okay I admit you got me there Blakeley gives me a superior look I think the word you were looking for is castigate meaning to criticize you're right smarty pants that's what I meant I stick my tongue out at Blakeley as she returns the gesture what's going on between you two Albany wants to know blakeley's eyes Flash in an open challenge do you want to tell or should I I'll tell I might as well get my side of the story in while I can blakeley's upset because I won't entertain the idea of a relationship with Jasper I expect Albany and Penn to be surprised by this Revelation but then I see the exchange that passes between them what I growl maybe you and Jasper should give it a try pen suggests I throw my hands into the air not you two I look at Albany what are your feelings on the subject never one to mince words Albany comes right back with he likes you you like him I say go for it my jaw hits the floor I never said I liked Jasper you didn't have to Blakeley fires back I feel like I'm running to catch a bus that's already in motion i ball my hands my nails digging into my Palms what if it doesn't work with Jasper I could lose him as a friend sympathy crosses Pen's features as she touches my arm oh honey you can't keep harping on that same tune tears rush to my eyes I blink furiously to stay them I hate it when I cry I feel like such an idiot to have my fears paraded around in front of my friends then again I do want to talk about it with them you've got to stop being so afraid of everything Blakeley says I'm not I seee Albany swats blakeley's arm quit hounding her I'm not Blakeley counters yes you are I assert Blakeley takes in a breath her voice takes on a practical tone as she holds out her hands I just want you to understand what's going on in your head a hard laugh rises in my throat so now you presume to tell me what I'm thinking I don't mean it like that Blakely says evenly I'm only suggesting that the best way to overcome your fears is to face them straight on I grit my teeth is it really going to hurt some Cosmic plan if I go out a few times with Wade Clayborn if it puts Colette Williams in her place then probably not Albany pipes in Blakeley throws her an exasperated look this isn't about you and your Vendetta with Colette this is about skate and what's best for her you're right Albany agrees skate should be with Jasper why is everyone so insistent that I should be with Jasper has the whole world gone Stark Raven mad hello I'm right here and can hear everything y'all are saying I spout Blakeley gives me a reproving look hearing and listening are two very different things pen holds out a hand okay guys stop with the fighting she turns her attention to to me what is it that you're so afraid of emotion clogs my throat I put a hand to my mouth to stifle it I swallow hard and fight for composure as I continue do y'all remember when Jasper and I kissed in junior high Albany wrinkles her nose are you talking about that time we played truth or dare I nod okay alany looks at me like I'm a little touched we were kids my chest squeezes Jasper ignored me for months my voice cracks as I swallow and forge on other than y'all he's my best friend I can't risk losing him what makes you so sure that you'd lose him pen asks I feel like an imbecile trying to articulate my fears especially when everyone has given me the third degree you know my track record I've never had a relationship that lasted longer than 4 months just because you've chomped on a few mey apples doesn't mean that you should never eat apples again hen says wisely amen blakele booms that's what I've been trying to tell her I roll my eyes no you've been telling me to Chomp on one apple in particular the very one that's the forbidden fruit Alban's eyes sparkle with Mischief the forbidden fruit is always the best unfortunately I mutter Albany homes in on that she scoots forward in her seat her voice is husky with EXC excitement did you sample the forbidden fruit I don't answer but the truth must be written all over my face because a wicked giggle trills from Alban's lips as she puts her hands together you did she exclaims when Blakeley shoots me a look of Triumph my anger sails through the roof I point a finger don't sit there grinning like a Chessy hatat your little comment about wedding's lace and cake in the face hasn't helped matters blakeley's eyes go wider than silver dollars first of all it's Cheshire Cat she corrects and then flicks her hand in irritation and second are you talking about how I said that all it takes are weddings lace and cake in the face to ruin a relationship yep I snip Albany tips her head kind of catchy I like it she frowns what does it mean exactly Blakeley rolls her eyes I was talking about Wade and Colette and how that when the wedding planning starts everything goes to the dogs Albany giggles well it certainly did in Colette and dod's case oh to have been a fly on the wall when their Tiff over the cakes went down how in the heck does my quote possibly relate to you Blakeley wants to know directing her question to me you don't want to even date Jasper much less marry him I blow out a long breath everything was good between Jasper and me and then he had to go and ruin it with that kiss I guess I can see how that connects Blakeley muses her voice picks up its Pace wait a minute forget the Blasted quote are you telling us that you and Jess were kissed tell us pan prompts giving me a nudge in the arm I take in a breath okay Jasper and I kissed how was it Albany demands good I say neutrally they all just give me a look that says you're not fooling than anyone okay it was great too good I mutter knowing that I might as well spill the rest while I'm at it the kisses with Jasper were so good that they spoiled my kiss with weight the room goes dead silent before Albany erupts and Giggles her stomach shaking like jello you kissed Jasper and Wade she asks her tone incred ous wow SK you don't waste any time I clasp my hands together in my lap wishing I could make myself small enough to disappear yes I admit feeling like a Floy do tell Albany Chimes first I tell them about my kiss with Jasper leaving out the parts about how his lips and touch lit me on fire also I leave out the part about how he seemed to Brand me his on our second kiss then I tell them about Alice and how I took her to the vet I finish with Wade kissing me good night at the door when I'm done everyone just sits there speechless say something I demand pen is the first to speak the way I see it the most important question question is which kiss left the most impact on you she already answered that Albany interjects I blinked several times I did if I'd said that I'm pretty sure I would remember I clip yeah you said your kisses she holds up a finger as she looks at Blakely in pen note she said kisses meaning plural I got that part already Blakeley says with a trace of impatience clearly she's ready for Albany to get to the point Albany continues looking me in the eye you said that your kisses with Jasper spoiled the one with Wade which leads me to conclude that the kisses with Jasper were so good that the one with Wade paled in comparison it's true I groan aha Albany snaps I knew it yes I'm attracted to Jasper and yes it's killing me I growl I think you're making too much of this Blakeley says look Jasper's my big brother her voice gathers intensity I'm telling you point blank that he cares about you what more could you want I don't oh no my voice trembles I admit that I'm a hot mess tears slip from the corners of my eyes I have no idea what to do about this situation my voice breaks I know it sounds silly that I'm so afraid not necessarily pen suits rubbing my arm we're all afraid of something really I sniff what are you afraid of I need reassurance that I'm not the only one with hangups hen looks thoughtful well at one time I was afraid that if I didn't keep striving to live up to the perfect image that I'd crafted for myself that my world would fall apart a corners of her mouth Harden look where that got me married to the wrong man and saddled with the Mother-in-law from Hades but you had the courage to rebuild your life Albany counter I did pen agrees a glowing smile fills her face and I couldn't be happier I look at Albany what are you afraid of Albany is the most Fearless person I know owning a shop with my mother she says dryly as everyone laughs even though Albany and her mother frequently go at it the two are a dynamic duo the Boutique on Main Street is a smashing success people come from all over to shop at it and the online sales are through the roof Alban's own dress designs are picking up steam she has a long list of customers waiting to have their custom dresses made seriously I I add letting her know that I'm not letting her off the hook Albany Squints her eyes thinking well as much as I love y'all she throws an uncertain glance around the room I never pictured myself settling down in Comfort she laughs to herself I was going to go to New York and conquer the world she shrugs her shoulders and yet here I am happy as a clam with the one man you couldn't live without Blakeley adds Albany nods that's for dang sure a triumphant smile curls her lips oh and it gave me a mountain of pleasure to steal him away from Colette H frowns not that it was any competition Gavin has always been into you why yes he has Albany says in a coquettish voice she bats her eyes as she flicks the ends of her hair I turned my gaze to Blakeley your turn what are you afraid of not being the smartest person in the room I couldn't resist getting in that jab ouch she quips the claws are coming out she gives me a wounded look before person her lip I don't know what I'm afraid of her expression goes somber enough for me to clue in that blakele knows exactly what she's afraid of she's just trying to decide if she wants to share it with us she nibbles on her lower lip as she touches her stylish glasses maybe of never finding the right one of spending my life alone she finishes quietly a gloomy silence descends over us like a thundercloud waiting to spill I feel guilty for being so Snappy with Blakeley she's still hurting over her breakup with Professor Reed is that why she's pressing so hard for me to get together with Jasper maybe in some strange way she's trying to write Injustice in the universe the right one will come along Albany assures her Blakeley nods but I can feel her doubt squeezing my chest as if it were my own what am I saying it is my own isn't that the core of my issue I don't want to lose Jasper as a friend I can't stand the thought of him not being in my life I'm willing to foro The Delectable cookie and settle for the crumbs Blakeley forces a smile this is not about about me but about ski her eyes lock with mine you can't be so afraid of failing that you forget how to live Take a Chance on Love tears glisten in her eyes you don't know what a gift you've been given she utters hoarsely if I had someone who cares about me the way Jasper cares about you her words dribble off as she shakes her head and looks away ALB scoots over and slides an arm around blakeley's shoulders tears prick my eyes do you think I like being afraid I know I sound like a heel wallowing in my own misery I took a chance on the bakery that was huge for me a person can only take so many chances before crumbling on the inside I think about what Jasper said about me being afraid to leave comfort to go to culinary school or me being afraid to get another dog me thinking I have to clog like crazy every time I eat a morsel of a cookie or other dessert I know I'm a wimp planning for every contingency is how I deal with life's stresses pen cuts into my thoughts at the end of the day it doesn't matter what we say or even what we think the question that you have to ask yourself is what do you want I jerk huh what do you want Albany repeats her tone more forceful the answer comes so fast that it spills out of my lips before I even realize what's happening Jasper I want Jasper the words are a revelation to me I do want want him I don't want some guy who's indifferent about his career and life even if he does look perfect on the outside I want someone with fire and passion someone who's not afraid to challenge me someone who's Rough Around the Edges someone who often knows me better than I know myself Hallelujah Blakeley shouts raising her hands and looking at the ceiling my heart starts beating fast what am I supposed to do once I cross the Great Divide there'll be no turning back pen reaches for my hand and squeezes it tell him how you feel I take in a breath trying to sift through the dizziness that's overtaken me I don't know I shake my head what if it backfires I could lose Jasper as a friend I know I sound like a broken record but my fears are very real I hate to break it to you Albany chimes in but your friendship with Jasper is not going to stay like it is my stomach clenches what do you mean well either you'll eventually find someone else or he will and then that person will take Center Stage Blake peers over her glasses do you think for one minute that Renee has given up on Jasper no I'm sure she's spinning her web and trying everything she can think of to get him back are you just going to sit back and let her or some other woman sweep in and take your man I thought you said Jasper was over Renee I repeat the words from our phone conversation that took place the day I was in the tub and Jasper barged into the bathroom according to you Jasper is foot loose and fancy free looking for just the right girl to keep him straight I make air quotes with my fingers he is for now blankley responds giving me a meaningful look Albany tips her head blakeley's right a man like Jasper is not going to wait around forever another woman woman most likely Renee will swoop in if you keep putting him off I guess you're right that's a terrifying thought why have I never thought about it before I've been assuming that things would remain at status quo but that's not how life is change is the only constant in life my lungs contract making it hard to get a good breath the best chance you have at keep and Jasper is to let nature take its course pen adds and that means letting your relationship evolve I roll their advice around and around in my head okay I hear myself say I'll tell Jasper how I feel about him Albany and Blakeley cheer as pen claps I smile at them like all is well but on the inside I'm downright petrified chapter 10 I glan at the clock on the microwave 7:15 p.m. all day long I've been waiting on pins and needles for Jasper to either stop by the bakery or call I haven't heard a peep from him I guess I need to face the fact that I'm not going to hear from him tonight the knowledge settles like a brick in my stomach no doubt Jasper has heard about my date with Wade the entire town of comfort knows several ladies mentioned it with koi smiles when they came into the bakery around lunchtime Colette waled in Ellie was working the counter at the time kette asked to speak to me she'd ordered Valentine's Day cookies for her co-workers at the bank and claimed that she wanted to check with me to make sure that her order would be delivered first thing next Monday morning on Valentine's Day as scheduled all the while Colette spoke malice glittered in her eyes then just before our conversation ended Colette said that she'd heard through the grape vine at the bank that Matt Hower was helping me with a commercial loan there are so many facets to those types of loans Colette said in a sugary tone it would be a shame if anything went wrong of course it sounds like you're nowhere close to Gathering the required down payment so my words of advice probably won't even apply with that she flashed a mean smile and sash AED off her shiny blond hair bouncing on her shoulders as she went I freaked out worrying about the loan falling apart so I called Matt to make sure everything was okay he assured me that all was well and that he couldn't really do anything until I had the down payment money I was tempted to ask Matt if he'd been wagging his tongue to Colette but I refrained I'm sure that Colette would love nothing more than to put me on the outs with Matt then I'd be sunk for sure Colette Williams is a piece of work I don't understand what any man could see in her sure she's glamorously beautiful but she's so dang conniving no wonder Albany detests her maybe Wade and Colette are a match made in heaven if Wade doesn't have strong opinions about life then he wouldn't mind letting a woman like Colette lead him around by the nose I'm sure Wade is used to women like that ruling his life after all his mother is Doty what to do about Wade he called me earlier today but didn't leave a message I suspect he wants to talk about us going to the CutiePie dance I need to let Wade down easily there's still time the dance is a week away right now I need to focus on getting things settled between Jasper and me my stomach roils with apprehension as I glance at the clock again I guess I could try and track Jasper down tomorrow but I sure would like to get things resolved between us tonight I didn't sleep a wink last night but tossed and turned replaying my conversation with the girls if I don't talk to Jasper this evening I doubt I'll get any sleep tonight it has taken a superhuman effort for me to summon the courage to tell Jasper how I feel I'm still not convinced that I'm doing the right thing however I don't want to lose Jasper to Renee Keith or any other woman so I need to make a move another thought occurs to me shaking my confidence Jasper said I wasn't his type what if he was telling the truth I ball my fists no that can't be right Jasper was upset because I wouldn't agree to take our relationship to the next level he cares about me the same way I care about him I just know it my pulse hammers in my ears as I swallow reaching a decision I'm calling Jasper right now and asking him to come over he still needs to fix my leaky sink if I have to I'll beat the pipes to create an emergency situation so that Jasper will have to come over no I won't do that I can't afford to pay for the damage also I'm not that Brazen that sounds like something Albany would do but not me I reach for my phone my hands are shaky as I dial Jasper's number a part of me hopes he won't answer my heart is beating wildly in my chest making me dizzy he answers on the third ring with a casual hey hey Jess I squeak how are you good are you okay you sound strange laughter hiccups from my throat I'm good I swallow trying to get a grip hey I was wondering if you'd mind coming over to look at that leak it seems to be getting worse long pause hello did I lose you I'm still here he says flatly desperation claws at the base of my skull would you mind coming over I can order us some Chinese no pizza I close my eyes scrunching my nose he knows I went to the pizza place with Wade and is ticked about it we can do pizza if you'd like should I get your usual Jasper likes Canadian bacon and pineapple it's not my favorite by any stretch of the imagination I don't like mixing sweet with Savory Amusement coats his voice you're being awfully accommodating what can I say I'm in the mood to be nice that's a first he fires back hey I protest I'm always nice that's debatable my spine straightens and it's all I can do to bite back an angry retort I know what's happening here Jasper's baiting me to force an argument well I'm not going to let him maybe this is a good sign if Jasper didn't care he wouldn't be mad about the date what time should I have the pizza delivered I ask sweetly I'll be there in 30 minutes he responds curtly sounds great see you then I'm about to end the call when Jasper adds Chinese is fine order that instead before I can respond he ends the call jerk I growl as a grin slips over my lips I certainly don't have to worry about things getting boring between Jasper and me after ordering Chinese I go to my bedroom and rumage through my closet to find an outfit I select a camel colored sweater that forms to my figure in a pair of snug jeans I freshen up my makeup and fluff my hair I would put on some perfume but I don't want to come across as trying too hard I look in the mirror noting the heightened excitement in my golden brown eyes tonight's the night where Everything Changes I say to myself anticipation fires through my veins thinking about the kisses that are sure to follow when Jasper realizes how I feel about him laughter gurgles through my throat I guess Jasper was right friends do make the best lovers I trapes back down the steps and reach the bottom when the doorbell rings my heart leaps into my throat wondering if it's Jasper or the Chinese food delivery taking in a calmon breath I smooth a hand over my sweater and go to the door making sure to hold in my stomach and keep my shoulders erect I open the door to find Jasper an electric charge blitzes through me when our eyes connect he looks terrific in a navy blue sweater that showcases his broad shoulders a lock of dark brown hair flops over one eye as he pushes it back with an unconscious gesture hey he begins his gaze flickering over me he frowns why are you so dressed up are you going somewhere no I looked down at my outfit wishing that I hadn't put on boots then I wouldn't look so dressed up I steep Back In Motion come on in awareness stirs through me when he steps closer longing rises in me like a fire demanding to be released I want to throw my arms around his neck and press my lips to his his brow creases what's wrong I jerk what do you mean you're looking at me funny heat scorches my cheeks am not did you order the food sure did he he goes into the living room as I follow behind him he goes over to the couch and sits down briefly I wonder if I should sit in one of the chairs across from him but I decide to sit beside him instead but not too close I don't want to come across as desperate Jasper's certainly not making things easy on me irritation crawls down my spine I don't know why he has to act so cool and standoffish I clasp my hands in my lap thanks for coming over I've been worried about the leak no problem my gaze takes in the stubborn set of his jaw I trace the faint line of the scar on his chin the air in the room sizzles and cracks with Jasper's presence I'm so aware of him that I can hardly breathe I knew this would happen that once I opened that sturdy metal box there would be no container in my feelings how was work good a few beats of Silence passed between us with Wade it was awkward however with Jasper it's entirely something else frustration bubbles inside me stop it I demand giving him a shove surprise flicks over his rugged features stop what this you're being so tense or tur a hint of a smile tugs at his lips he's so boyishly handsome My Kind of Perfect I like that his nose is slightly crooked and that he has a scar he looks tough and real the kind of guy I can depend on I guess I'm guilty of being both tense and tur why this is me you're talking to remember remember I search his face marveling at the intensity and depth in his chocolate brown eyes he pushes out a heavy breath things have been so tense between us lately I touch his arm I know my throat closes as I cough to clear it he gives me a funny look are you okay I'm good I clip ready to spill my gut to him so I can get it over with the suspense of it all is killing me about our kisses my face heats up 10° just speaking the words I look at his lips ah I'm a wreck what I would give for another kiss right now regret simmers in his dark eyes I had no right to grab you like that and force a kiss I'm sorry he he utters it was a mistake I start blinking so fast that it's a wonder that my eyelashes don't fly right off my eyes my heart twists a mistake I squeak what what do you mean the doorbell rings I ball my hand stupid doorbell of all the times to interrupt it's our food I announce unne necessarily I move to get up but Jasper touches my hand rustling a tingling sensation through my skin I'll get it he says easily as he rises to his feet I watch as he goes to the door with light steps a second later Jasper opens the door and talks amiably with the delivery guy Jasper has The Gift of Gab and can make conversation with nearly every everyone I grin a little thinking that I'd like to see him try to navigate Henry roach Henry stopped by the bakery today he had his Brownie and I had my cookie no clogging afterward thank you very much Henry looked so thin and his complexion was sow at one point a coffin fit overtook him I'm concerned about Henry's health I asked if he was okay but he dismissed my question with an Irate flick of his hand all he wanted to talk about was Jasper and me even Henry had somehow heard about my date with Wade his lips had vanished into tight lines as he shook his head telling me that if I didn't have enough sense in my peab brained skull to realize that Jasper was the real deal I didn't deserve him Henry went on for 10 minutes castigating me never again will I mix up castigate with castrate I learned my lesson on that one finally when I could get a word in edgewise I told Henry that I plan to set things straight with Jasper telling him how I really feel the relief that swelled over Henry's face was perplexing and then he nodded saying that he could finally rest knowing that he'd Done Right by glattus as he got up to leave he stumbled but then caught himself on the table I tried to help but Henry wouldn't have it he shoved my hand with a force that was surprising watching him hobble out of the bakery was a painful and heartwrenching experience Henry still drives himself around however I'm not sure how much longer he can continue to do so I worry about him having a wreck and injuring himself and other people should I go to the Sheriff's Office and raise a concern I hate to blow the whistle on Henry normally I could discuss my concerns with a person's family however Henry has no family that I'm aware of it would be sad to be so alone I'm glad that I can be a friend to him Jasper returns carrying a white bag he motions with his head should we eat in the kitchen sure I get to my feet as we go in that direction Jasper places the bag on the kitchen table and begins removing the contents it occurs to me that I'll have to psych myself up again to tell Jasper how I feel about him but wait he said kissing me was a mistake did he mean that he shouldn't have forced a kiss or that kissing me in general was a mistake the scent of the food turns my stomach how am I supposed to eat at a time like this I force my feet into action as I retrieve the silverware serving spoons plates and napkins Jasper goes to the cupboard and grabs two glasses he takes them to the fridge and uses the dispenser to fill them with ice and water I've always appreciated how comfortable Jasper feels in my home being with him is a breath of fresh air compared to how a award I felt around Wade we sit down at the table and begin filling our plates I place a fork full of broccoli and beef into my mouth and I'm about to chew when Jasper asks how was your date with weade the food goes down the wrong pipe as I cough to clear it luckily it comes out as fast as it went down chewing with a Vengeance I grabbed my water and chug down several swallows to help the food go down easier Amusement lights Jasper's eyes I thought I was going to have to do CPR for a minute there I'm okay I cough again touching my chest the date went that well he says dry it's time to get everything out in the open for better or worse I put down my Fork Jasper about what happened between us he holds up a hand his jaw hardening don't say it but but you don't understand I'm trying to tell you he talks over me I'm taking Renee to the Cutie Pie dance the words come at me like a hard slap nearly stealing my breath what I know you're not overly fond of Renee but she has her good qualities he grins want me to name them for you no I blurt he Chuckles fine I'll keep them to myself this is a nightmare I struggle to hold back the wall of Tears pressing against my eyes Jasper continues I'm sorry that I put you in a bad position he takes in a Resolute breath I've given a lot of thought to what you said about us not doing anything to Jeff ize our friendship and I think you're absolutely right you do I croak he nods I was out of line and it won't happen again the corners of his lips turned down in concern are you okay you're not acting like yourself it's all I can do to force a smile I'm fine Jasper offers me a good-natured grin that stretches from ear to ear friends we are and friends we shall stay he shrugs who knows maybe Renee and I can rekindle the old flame his words are nails being driven into the coffin of my heart I take it you're going to the dance with weight I am I assert he looks thoughtful hey maybe we could go together a double date that's a terrible idea I scoff his face Falls why two besties on a date with their significant others what could be wrong with that picture come on Jasper urges you owe me for fixing the Leaky sink he wags his eyebrows you haven't fixed it yet I snap he laughs down girl I'll fix it as soon as I eat he makes a face what's eating you you must be working too hard to get ready for Valentine's Day his voice lifts hey I hate to throw one more thing on you but would you mind teaching me a few dance steps for a second I can hardly believe my ears you hate dancing I protest yeah it's not my favorite he continues eating but Renee loves it I'd like to embrace her with a few fancy schmancy moves and the way I see it you're the perfect person to teach me I'm sorry but I don't see how I can possibly fit it in no way am I going to teach Jasper any moves that will impress Renee Keith oh come on now I've got to work tomorrow but surely you've got some time on Wednesday I'll come over right after you get off work it won't take long he gives me a puppy dog look yeah he's cute and too persuasive for his own good fine I bark a large smile fills his face that's my girl he draws his eyes holding mine I want to ball how did I get myself into such an awful mess it sickens me to think of Jasper with Renee I don't know how I'll stand it seeing him dancing with her he motions to my plate better dig in before it gets cold I pick up my fork and go through the mechanics of eating several minutes later my phone rings I welcome the interruption I get up to retrieve it from the kitchen island it's Abigail the owner of the bakery I slide my finger across the screen and then place the phone to my ear hello SK Abigail says breathlessly I'm so sorry to call you this late no worries I assure her wondering what's wrong Abigail's husband Paul's Health has been tenuous the past few months I hope he's okay I brace myself as I wait for her to continue there's no easy way to say this my heart drops as I tighten my hold on the phone what's going on I feel Jasper's eyes on me he can tell that something is wrong Heather and Steve have been renting a condo Heather is Abigail's daughter and Steve is her son-in-law they've been renting their place on a month-to-month basis their landlord wants to sell they will have to move out by the end of the month they need need to get into a house so the kids can have more space in a yard things have gotten so expensive in this area that they can't afford to buy a house on their own Paul and I will need to help them to do so we'll need to sell the bakery right away my breath hitches oh no this can't be happening I don't know what I'll do if I lose the bakery it's what I've been working for dreaming about I'm so sorry Abigail laments I had hoped to be able to give you ample time to get the down payment money together I have a couple of other buyers who are interested I can give you until the end of the month to get your loan in the works she pauses if you can't make it work then I'll have no other alternative but to sell to one of the other buyers her voice trembles with emotion I really am am sorry I know how much the bakery means to you but I have to help my daughter and grandkids on a positive note if you can't purchase the bakery then you may be able to stay on as the manager working for the new owner the room begins to spin as my throat closes tears pull in my eyes as I sway Darkness crowds the edges of my mind I catch myself by bracing my wait on the counter the phone slips from my hands and falls to the floor the next thing I know Jasper is by my side he touches my arm before bending down to pick up the phone Abigail hello well this is Jasper sk's okay just a little jolted I understand yeah that's tough about Heather and the condo Jasper looks at me he speaks I'll tell her thanks bye tears stream down my cheeks I can't believe this I say mostly to myself first Jasper and now the bakery in the short span of a few minutes my entire life is imploding right before my very eyes Jasper rubs my arms I allow him to lead me back to the table where I Collapse into a chair Jasper pulls up a chair and sits so that his knees are touching mine take a deep breath he orders I try to get a good breath but my chest is too tight I can't I pant Panic racing through me you can he encourages reaching for my hands skate he says gently it's okay breathe in through your nose I do as he instructs good he coaches now push it out through your mouth he talks me through the breathing exercises until finally my lungs expand with blessed air my head clears a smidgen at least I know I won't pass out the knowledge that I'll lose the bakery sits like a box of bricks on my heart Jasper's tender expression Cuts Like a Knife reminding me that I'll lose him too I should have never pushed Jasper away or gone out with weight I might not be able to help what's happening with the bakery but losing Jasper was my own stupid fault my hands are unfolded in Jasper's his hands are large and callous I peer into his eyes trying to absorb some of his strength what am I going to do my voice sounds small and insignificant in my own ears the bakery is the only thing I've ever taken a chance on and it's backfiring royally I've gone Way Beyond the Call of Duty as a manager I put my heart and soul into the bakery knowing that it would one day be mine I should have realized that me being a business owner with too good to be true Jasper swallows his Adams Apple zipping up and down in his throat I don't know he answers honestly but I can promise you that everything will be okay I nod appreciating his kind words however I know that while Jasper means well he's dead wrong nothing will be okay ever again chapter 11 the next day passes in a blur on Wednesday I go through the motions of doing my daily work but I'm finding it hard to focus the fear of losing the bakery lumps in with my fear of losing Jasper they roll together until they become a big ball of barbed wire in my gut I'm on the verge of tears several times I've been tempted to lock myself in my office and ball my eyes out at 300 p.m. when Ellie comes into the kitchen and announces that Henry is here to see me I groan today I don't know if I can handle it Ellie doesn't skip a beat very well I'll tell him that you're too busy to see him an image of Henry taking each labored Twisted step flashes through my mind if he can drag himself to the bakery then the least I can do is spend a few minutes with him no don't do that I'll go and talk to him maybe I'll drown my sorrows in cookies allow myself to have two or three instead of one a dull headache pushes against the bridge of my nose as I remove my apron and hairnet pray for me I tell Ellie I'm going to need patience lots of it her hand goes to her hip I hear you honey you're a saint for putting up with that fart knocker what what I chortle the corners of her lips twitch preacher Dawson's always delivering those sermons about how we need to turn the other cheek and love our neighbors unconditionally she Harps I'm sure the good preacher would change his tunee if he spent any time around that ornery old goat I give in to the laughter that tickles my throat it ripples through my stomach before traveling back up and shaking my shoulders thanks Ellie I needed that today Ellie gives me an astute look honey are you okay you look a little pale I'm fine just tired she lets out a sigh you've been working yourself to the Bone I know you'll be glad when Valentine's Day is over Barbara called me last night you talk to Mom Ellie and Mom are close friends in fact mom was the one who recommended that I hire Ellie yep she asked me to keep an eye out to make sure that you don't overdo it tender emotion wells in my chest my mom is a gem my dad's pretty great to when he's not trying to tell me how to run my life or the bakery he's still miffed that I won't serve churos and TR Lees his favorite Mexican dessert her expression brightens and least you have the dance to look forward to you and Wade will make a fine looking couple she cackles out a deviant chuckle I'll bet Colette is eating her heart out she's eating something I Grumble or maybe not the woman is toothpick skinny as is Renee I can't believe my rotten luck I finally get up the nerve to take the plunge with Jasper only to find out that the water has been drained from the pool I'm going to have to go to the dance with Wade he called again today this time he left a message asking me to call call him so we can make plans Ellie shakes her head I stand by what I said you're a saint for putting up with Henry roach no the saint was glattus you're right about that she agrees heartily her expression turns somber I miss glattus she was a good woman that's the reminder I needed glattus was a good woman one of the best I owe it to her to be kind to her husband I take in a deep breath as a prayer asking for patience flits through my mind I do need patience and I shouldn't be afraid to ask for it I don't want to lash out at Henry I'm just so spent not just physically tired but weary to the Bone right through to my soul I guess I should figure out what I'm going to do with my life after to the bakery is sold to someone else the idea of staying on as manager doesn't sit well but maybe I'll get used to the idea I guess it depends on who the new owner is the person may not want me as the manager then where will I be I go out to where Henry is sitting hello I say Plastering a smile over my face Henry grunts in response my temperature shoots through the roof patience I remind myself as I pull out a chair and fold into it Henry knits his brows what's wrong with you he says it like he's offended that I'm not my usual chipper self dark clouds are crowding in on the horizon I don't know how long I can keep my doomsday mood at Bay what do you mean he motions with his hand as he studies me critically like I'm a monkey on exhibit at the zoo something's off about you I'm floored that Henry is astute enough to notice I'm fine just tired I rub a hand over my forehead it's been hectic would you like your usual brownie he nods I get up to get it but stop when I see Ellie hurrying toward me carrying two plates one contains a brownie for Henry and the other a chocolate chip cookie for me she places the plates in front of us my Fork Henry grumbles Ellie gives me a knowing look that says always the jerk then she smiles sweetly at Henry and says in a gushing voice coming right up would you like anything else milk he croaks for a second I half expect Ellie to lash out instead she nods and says smoothly milk it is before turning away she leans close and Whispers low in my ear take that preacher Dawson how's that for patience see I can be civil to the fart knocker a snigger slurps through my throat as Ellie sachet away looking quite proud of herself for her snide remark mark what was that about Henry demands nothing I say casually he studies me something is wrong with you I can feel it in my gut your gut huh how many times do we have to keep having the same conversation he gives me a challenging look my gut never lies of course it doesn't I grumble I don't have it in me to argue with Henry especially about something as inconsequential as the predictions of his gut I sit back in my seat pick up the cookie and take a generous bite that's good it would be even better with a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream maybe I should follow Alban's lead and Gorge myself on ice cream I need an escape from my life and I need it badly I assume Henry will start eating but he just sits there staring at me with those beady eyes what I ask shifting in my seat tell me what's wrong he orders you are an exasperating man I blust her immediately regretting my explosive reaction he gives me a Vindicated look I told you something was wrong great just what Henry wanted to get a rise out of me if it's cander he wants then it's cander he'll get up close and personal fine you want to know what's wrong I plunk down my cookie as I lean forward hurling my words through clenched teeth I'll tell you for starters Jasper and I aren't going to work I curse myself for allowing my voice to to quiver as I swallow determined to hold back the emotion Henry's cheeks droop low why not he's getting back together with his ex-girlfriend I harumph that's why Henry shakes his head back and forth no that can't be right what do you mean I can't believe I'm letting myself get drawn into Henry's delusions maybe it's because I wish to the depth of my soul that there could be something to Henry's assertion about Jasper and me He blinks nothing I wag a finger oh no I want to know what you meant by that here I go doing exactly what I said I wouldn't getting sucked down the rabbit hole it's like I told you my guts never wrong you and Jasper are destined to be together hope Kindles in my breast but I snuff it out with a brittle laugh it's time for me to face the hard truth Jasper and I are friends he'll float off into the sunset with Renee and I'll be stuck with picture perfect Wade or some other guy who leaves me Hollow on the inside destined huh speaking of gut you haven't touched your brownie dutifully he picks up his fork and takes a bite happy now he taunts as he thrusts out his chin and plops the fork back down with a ping I can't help but chuckle Ellie's right Henry's an ornery old goat always ready to fight I have to admit he's kind of growing on me there's something endearing about his grittiness what else is bothering you is that a note of concern that I detect in his raspy voice I do believe it is Jeepers Creepers the man does have a heart I push out a heavy breath I've been working like a mad woman to earn the down payment money so that I can get a loan to purchase the bakery do you remember Abigail the owner of the bakery he nods she went to Florida yep to be with her daughter and grandkids Abigail called me last night she needs to sell the bakery right away so she can help her daughter buy a house she has a couple of interested buyers I have until the end of the month to gather the money the words cut Like a Knife coming from my lips I still can't believe I'm losing the bakery and Jasper all at the same time a wave of desperation rises in my chest and I Tamp it down I refuse to fall apart Henry looks thoughtful at least you have a little time to figure things out yeah at least I don't have a prayer of amassing the down payment money in that short amount of time but there's no sense in diving into the details with Henry the only reason I've told him is much as I have is because he hounded me into it fire flashes in Henry's eyes back to Jasper you need to fight for him a high-pitched giggle bubbles from my lips I seriously can't believe I'm having this conversation with Henry I hold out a hand look I can appreciate what you're doing it's a notable sentiment to one who honor glattus memory by doing a good deed but your efforts are misguided he smirks you mean Noble huh it's a noble sentiment he repeats like I'm hard of hearing I blink in annoyance that's what I said good grief maybe Henry's the one who's going de I enunciate every word it's a no sentiment I smash the next words together they come out waving like a Battle Flag but you're way off base he charges back with a surly I don't think so I lift my chin drawing a Line in the Sand I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree he shakes his head in admiration that's exactly what glattus used to to say no wonder I chuckle you pestered her to death the minute the word death leaves my lips I realize what I said I certainly meant no disrespect to glattus thankfully Henry doesn't seem to be the least bit offended on the contrary his eyes sparkle like they've captured fragments of a disco ball she could hold her own just like you it Dawns on me that Henry enjoys sparring with me he seems to draw energy from it he scoots back his chair time for me to have a word with Jasper Panic flutters in my stomach don't you dare I HS I mean it Henry I reach across the table and catch hold of his papery hand it's cold as ice if you you want to continue our friendship then you'll keep your mouth shut he gives me a crafty look you care about him that much there's no winning with Henry his hand is so fragile that I feel like I could crush it with the slightest bit of pressure I release my hold hoping that I haven't injured him promise me that you won't say a word he looks me in the eye only if you promise to work things out with Jasper sure thing I Rush on at this point I'd promise him the moon anything to keep his mouth shut Jasper's coming to my house tonight I don't dare add the part about how I'm teaching him to dance so he can impress Renee I should have never listen to the girls Blakeley Penn and Albany got my hopes up about Jasper making me believe that I could open my heart to him thatat chance of that ever happening hello a cheery voice says from behind I turn to see none other than Renee Keith standing before me I heard the intermittent chime of the door indicating that customers have been going in and out while Henry and I have been talking but I didn't pay any attention to which people were coming and going I narrow my eyes wondering what Renee wants she's one of those women who gush Goodwill but she'll hand you a casserole with one hand and stab you in the ribs with the other I don't understand how Jasper can be so gullible where she's concerned a friendly smile spreads over Renee's Flawless face I wanted to talk to you about Jasper my heart nearly stopped what about him Renee is a looker I'm sure that's why Jasper's drawn to her who am I to cast judgment isn't that why I set my sights on weight because he's so terrific looking Renee tucks a lock of shimmery dark hair behind her ear I just want to make sure there are no hard feelings between you and me Renee is wearing black y GA pants and a lightweight black jacket suggesting that she might have just come from the gym even in workout clothes she looks terrific of course it helps that she's tall and lean not an ounce of flab on her I really shouldn't be gorging myself on cookies or any other sugary confection my spine goes poker straight why would there be any hard feelings a delicate laugh issues from her throat I know the two of y'all are close and all I just hope you're not upset that he asked me to the Cutie Pie dance instead of you her dark blue eyes glimmer with Triumph my blood begins to boil how dare this woman trapes into my bakery and go me about Jasper actually it's not my bakery and it never will be but that's beside the point Renee came in here looking for a fight as my brain races to figure out an appropriate comeback Henry speaks up Renee got me so discombobulated that I forgot Henry was here how's the weather up there Renee blinks I beg your pardon she looks at Henry as if just now realizing that he's sitting at the table the weather up there Henry croaks I figure as tall as you are you'd make a pretty good Weather Vein hysterical laughter surges up my throat thankfully I managed to gulp it back down Renee's eyes Blaze wrath you're a menace old man I heard what you did to Lance Wallace Jared Crocker and Chris Applegate you ought to be ashamed of yourself Henry's rebuttal is so immediate that I can't help but be impressed and you ought to try one of Ski's Walnut fudge brownies it might help to put a little meat on those raggedy bones Renee's eyes bulge as her face turns purple I'll have you know that there are plenty of women who would kill for my figure she throws me a smug look that suggests I'm one of those women you keep telling yourself that Henry counters but I happen to know from experience that men prefer women with a little meat on their bones he makes a point of looking at me before turning his gaze back to Renee if you're so secure in your knowledge about how Jasper feels about you then you wouldn't be in here torturing SK he flicks a wrist Now do do us all a favor and Scatter Renee's face turns Crimson as she aims her devil Fork at me you might think you're Superior because you've got Mr Rogers fighting your battles but honey you don't stand a chance against me she snubs her nose in the air turns on her heel and marches out of the bakery Henry laughs Mr Rock Rogers he looks down at his buttonup sweater I suppose I've been called worse I turn and give him an appraising look you are something I chuckle shaking my head a Weather Vein that's the best you could come up with a Sly grin tugs at his lips it did the trick I suppose it did he gives me a wise look you know you liked seeing that bag of bones get put in her place a giggle rises in my throat I have to admit that was satisfying Henry makes a face are you really going to let that horrible woman steal your man he's not my man I say quietly as I look down at the plate and partially eaten cookie Renee has already won and shean knows it there's one thing that you failed to realize here my head snaps up what's that you hold all the cards he gives me a penetrating look the question is what are you willing to do in order to win the game bracing his hands on the table Henry Rises to his feet anger streaks through me game this isn't some game this is my life he gives me a shrewd look even more reason for you to fight I motioned to his plate you only ate one bite of your brownie is Henry losing his appetite again I think of his health every time I see him he looks skinnier and more fragile now that Renee has left and the fight has gone out of him the sess of his complexion has returned full force apprehension tugs at me I don't want anything to happen to Henry in a strange turn of events I'm starting to care a great deal about him it really was beautiful watching Henry battle wits with Renee Henry is one tough coder he gives me a fatherly smile I know you've had a lot thrown at you just remember take it one breath at a time you'll see it'll all work out without warning tears spring to my eyes as I repeat the words I said when he told me this before well seeing is how I can't quit breathing I guess I'll just keep on doing it that a girl he encourages as he Shuffles across the room and out the door chapter 12 the one question that keeps running through my mind as I wait for Jasper to arrive is should I tell him about the runin with Renee she probably already told him and I'm sure she portrayed herself as the Martyr that was prayed upon by the town Grump Jasper knows that I don't care for Renee he thinks that Blakeley pen Albany and I have always treated her unfairly the truth is that we women see Renee for the two-faced twitch she is whereas Jasper is too blinded by her beauty to see the person within Renee and Colette are good friends more proof that birds of a feather flocked together maybe I won't breathe a word about it to Jasper if he mentions it to me I'll just play it down saying that Renee is being overly sensitive people expect Henry to speak his mind the doorbell rings and I hurry to answer it emotion charges through me when my eyes connect with Jasper hey I begin I grin inwardly at how wrinkled his shirt is his knuckles are red and there's a red mark running along his cheekbone I raise an eyebrow now you and Bo in boxing again yep over at memphis's Place ah you were at eda's the silver jalapeno that's what Memphis has named his Airstream trailer he and Pen are always going rounds about it mostly in just but I can tell that Penn will be glad when Memphis builds his office and gets rid of the trailer she worries that having a trailer next door to the bed and breakfast will be bad for business he steps inside and comes close enough to me that my cells swirl I look at his lips my throat going dry are you hungry a crooked grin lifts a corner of his lips always I figured i' chuckle Jasper's always hungry it smells good Jasper says as we go into the kitchen what did you make something simple barbecue chicken sweet potatoes and Country green beans his eyes sparkle in Amusement ah something simple for The Gourmet Chef the compliment warms my insides as a smile curves my lips that is simple uhhuh he draws it sounds delicious sit down and I'll make you a plate he lifts an eyebrow what did I do to deserve the Roy oil treatment normally you make me fix my own plate do I need to be worried he teases just sit down I shoe him over to the table I guess I am being extra nice to him Henry said I hold all the cards but I certainly don't see how every time I'm with Jasper it carves out my heart because all I can think is that I'm going to lose him to Renee as he takes his seat I go over to grab a plate from the cupboard you ready to do some dancing I asked casually ready as I'll ever be I reckon I pop Jasper's plate into the microwave when it's done I grab a fork and napkin and carry the items over to him he's sitting with his long legs stretched underneath the table his sweater is pushed up at the sleeves revealing his masculine forearms him being here with me feels so right I wish I hadn't been such a scaredy cat before I should have taken my chance with Jasper when he was open to the idea then again it only took him a second to lose interest in me and turn his sights on Renee he flat out said that us kissing was a mistake I need to get that cemented in my brain once and for all I put his plate in front of him and then go to retrieve him a glass of water after play placing it down I sit across from him he looks down at his plate his boyish expression filled with eagerness twists my heart this looks fantastic the corners of his lips turned down aren't you eating with me I wave a hand I just finished right before you came go ahead I prompt he digs into his food with a relish that makes me grin how's the sink he asks in between bites any more leaks nope you fixed it good he sigh do you still need me to look at your garbage disposal it seems like it's doing okay it was acting funny a couple weeks ago but it seems to be working like normal again so what did you do on your day off I asked has Renee told him about our running he's certainly not acting like it I slept in which was nice then I went over to memphis's place and came here I'm relieved that he didn't go and see Renee he takes a large bite of his potato after swallowing he asks what about you how was your day good I say casually busy he nods as he turns his attention back to his food a few minutes later after clearing his plate of everything except for the potato peel he sits back thank you that hit the spot I grin I'm glad you enjoyed it concern touches his features as his perceptive eyes roam over my face how are you really doing fine I clip but I'm unable to stop moisture from rising in my eyes I blink furiously frustrated at myself or getting choked up he reaches for my hand sending a charge of Attraction through me hey he begins it'll be okay the irony of the situation isn't lost on me the very person telling me that everything will be okay is a large part of my distress I take in a quick breath as a tear slips from the corner of my eye and rolls down my cheek Jasper releases my hand and wipes away the tear with his thumb his touch sprits his energy through me he lowers his hand have you heard anything else about the bakery or the loan no I haven't called Matt I guess I should do that soon I offer a weak smile there's no use in postponing the inevitable calling Matt will make everything painfully real I'd wait until the deadline there's no sense in rushing Abigail gave you till the end of the month I scrunched my nose what am I waiting for I blurt I'm sorry I amend none of this is your fault I'm just frustrated you have a right to be it's a lot to take in I think of Henry's advice I guess I'll just have to keep breathing in and out I say with a touch of irony that does seem to help Jasper responds with a Ry grin my voice goes practical I guess we should get to the dancing he grimaces do we have to I chuckle no we don't but I thought that's what you wanted our eyes lock all I can think is that I want him so desperately that it aches through my entire body sever emotions I can't discern flick through his eyes he swallows his Adam's Apple moving up and down and then he seems to reach a decision you should teach me a few moves pink grins otherwise I'll make a complete idiot out of myself at the dance we can't have that happening I retort what would Renee think God that sounded sulky Jasper frowns where's that coming from never mind I mutter his jaw tenses no I want to know I blow out a hard breath you know how I feel about Renee Keith I snap I do he says evenly you've made your feelings Crystal Clear anger runs a hot Trail through my veins what's that supposed to mean he shakes his head I didn't come here to argue with you about Renee no you came so I could teach you some moves to impress her Amusement circles his eyes skate he draws with a low chuckle are you jealous I rock back my cheeks flaming not in the slightest he arches an eyebrow are you sure my hands go into the air look just because I'm trying to protect you from the likes of Renee Keith does not mean that I'm jealous okay he says easily I hear you the smirk on his handsome face tells me that he doesn't buy it he tips his head in thought the best way for you to make sure that I'm protected from Renee is for us to double date not that again I Thunder why not it's the best way for you to watch out for me and for me to watch out for you you are still going to the dance with Wade you bet you I fire back feeling a twinge of satisfaction when Jasper's jaw hardens it's settled he says in a tone that leaves no room for argument we're double dating a high pitched choral nearly cuts off my breath that's the worst idea I've ever heard His Eyes Blaze with a ferocity that's both a inspiring and infuriating no one can get my feathers ruffled faster than Jasper we're doing it he utters I blow out a long breath fine this will be disastrous if Renee hasn't yet told Jasper about the incident at the bakery I'm sure she will probably when we're all together also Jasper will witness firsthand how awkward and stale things between Wade and me truly are a hard smile stretches over his lips shall we dance my traitorous body sizzles with anticipation just thinking about being close to Jasper fine I bark Jasper picks up his plate takes it to the garbage and scrapes off the peel before placing it into the sink and running water over it I grab his silverware and glass and put the items into the sink our hands brush tracing ribbons of heat through my stomach this idiotic attraction to Jasper is maddening we go into the living room I steal my shoulders as I mentally prepare myself for the T ask the idea is to keep my feelings in check on top of everything else I'm going through I certainly don't need the added humiliation of Jasper thinking I'm pining away for him I step into the center of the room let's do this I Grumble with a cheeky grin he comes in my direction with fluid steps wow he's fit men like Jasper Donaldson are the reason people call Firefighters hunky no wonder he's in such great shape when he's working his 24-hour shift he spends the bulk of his free time working out at the state-of-the-art gym at the firehouse and then on his days off he boxes with bow and Memphis no music he asks a wicked glint in his chocolate eyes a curl slips down on his forehead giving him a boyish look my my fingers itch to run through his messy curls I don't have a music player but I guess I could find us something on my phone well yeah he spouts back who wants to dance without music I'm already going to look like a yard chicken pecking his way through the grass I at least need some music as a distraction he flaps his arms and starts walking like a chicken I can't help but laugh Jasper knows just how to pull my strings okay I'll get my phone for a second I forget about the bakery or Jasper taking Renee to the dance the weight on my heart lightens considerably as I hurry in the kitchen to get my phone I go back into the living room and scroll through my music most of the songs are fast for clogging finally I find a playlist by the band Chicago the Mellow tune of hard habit to break fills the room my heart beats faster as I step up to him I can't deny that he exudes a power that draws me to him like a magnet without my heels my head comes to Jasper's shoulders I feel petite and dainty in comparison to his powerful body I look up at him as his compelling gaze holds mine my voice sounds too cheerful in my ear ear as I begin the instruction I place my left hand on your shoulder I place my hand on him trying not to notice The Ridges of his muscles we clasp hands he takes my hand in a firm grip evoking a string of shivers down my spine the warmth from his skin flows into me like a heater I swallow willing myself to get a grip put your other hand on my waist he does as I instruct but then frowns nah that's not working for me my jaw goes slack huh he encircles my waist pulling me to him with such force that I grunt in Surprise soft laughter rolls from his throat much better now what for a split second all thoughts Fly Right Out of My Head then I managed to collect myself we move to the beat of the music the guy leads a cocky grin tips his lips I'm all for that he begins Wheeling me around in a circle our joined hands moving up and down Slow Down Speed Racer I giggle we're not rowing a boat he gives me a sheepish grin as he backs off a little you direct me with the flex of your hand on the center of my lower back he puts pressure on my back to go a certain direction like so yep that's it Jasper has always been a quick study I have no doubt that he'll Master dancing just as surely as he has mastered everything else he practices moving me around in various directions good good now twirl me his eyes widen huh I chuckle at the surprise on his face release the pressure on my hand and hold up your arm as he does so I Dart underneath now pull me back into your arms you don't have to ask twice he murmurs his eyes deepen with an intensity that Quivers anticipation through me the next song is is You're the Inspiration we sway in Silence the energy in the room is crackling and sizzling building like an electrical storm I don't know how much more of this I can take without giving in and pressing my lips to his what next he asks softly hm with a slight jump I break myself out of the spell he's asking which dance step is next we can do the cuddle step his eyes sparkle if you wanted to cuddle all you had to do would say the word right on Q my cheeks go warm I roll my eyes don't get too excited it's a dance move you take your left arm and then turn me to the left pivoting my hand in his I position myself so that my back is resting against his stomach his Embrace is powerful thrilling my breath hitches when he leans into my ear his warm breath tickles and teases my skin as he murmurs how's that good I croak he smells so good so wonderfully fresh and masculine okay I have to think here to get me out lift your left arm again and I step out I turned to face him his eyes light with mirth I like that move let's try it again I don't know how much more of this my heart can take without shattering to Pieces once more I say tonelessly as he lifts his arm and turns me into another Embrace he steps closer to me as we sway okay now turn me out I instruct not yet we're still cuddling laughter ripples from my throat I never pictured you as a cuddler you never pictured me as a lot of things he utters his voice going husky his touch is so wonderful and yet so agonizing the words spill from my lips what's happening here you tell me my phone rings cutting off the music can breaking the spell I extricate myself from his arms I better get that I say but Jasper is faster I'll get it he goes over and picks up the phone when he sees the screen the edges of his eyes tighten it's Wade Clayborn he smirks hand it over I hold out my hand to get the phone but then I see Defiance Flash in Jasper's eyes in the snap of a finger he answers the call with a hearty hello what are you doing I H give me the phone hey no you don't have the wrong number this is skat's phone she's right here with me I dive at Jasper to grab the phone but he's faster he turns himself around and holds the phone so that I can't get to it I try to hop around him but he Fields me off with such ease that I realize my attempts are feudal this is Jasper he says pleasantly how you doing oh why am I here skat's showing me the cuddle hug my eyes nearly bug out of my head it's the cuddle step you idiot I can only imagine what Wade must be thinking at this rate he'll refuse to go to the dance and I'll be out of a date is that Jasper's big plan put me on the outs with Wade while he gets cozy with Renee anger ignites like a blowtorch through my insides Jasper lets out a throaty chuckle my bad it's the cuddle step we're practicing for the dance hey would you and skate be up for double dating with me in my date I'm going with Renee Keith we'd love to have y'all join us he voice lils great how about this we'll all meet at Ski's House at 6 it'll be a party I can't believe Jasper's audacity give me the phone I demand slapping his back oh you want to talk to SK he contorts himself around to look at me his mouth is set in a smile but his expression is intense sorry he says easily she can't get to the phone right now but I'll be sure and have her call you back okay bye now what was that I rage as he ends the call his jaw goes razor sharp you have concerns about Renee and I have concerns about weight I get up in his face you have no right to butt into my business he doesn't back down an inch I have every right right that's what friends are for ha with friends like you who needs enemies a taunting smile lifts his lips I could say the same about you weariness wraps my stomach what do you mean Renee told me what you said to her at the bakery my face Falls as I plant a hand on my hip my voice escalates to a fever pitch what I said surprise flicks through Jasper's Eyes Are you seriously trying to deny it You're darn tootin I am I didn't say anything out of line to Renee from Jasper's bewildered look I gather that Renee has been feeding him all sorts of malarkey what did she tell you I said that you made Wise Cracks about her height and weight saying that she was a Weather Vein and a bag of bones disappointment clouds his eyes that was low ski you know that Renee has a hang up about her height for an instant I can't believe my ears wow Renee really did a hackup job on the truth then again what did I expect it's Renee Keith of course she did I cackle out a short laugh this is why I keep telling you that you can't trust a word Renee says I knew she was trouble from the minute she and Stephanie pace streaked through town naked as crows his eyes popped to saucers before a choral bursts from his throat it's naked as jbirds he corrects I throw up my hands who's to say a jbird is any more naked than any other type of bird my voice goes hard besides I'd much rather think of Renee as a crow than a jbird that's harsh he says but the amusement zinging in his eyes douses my anger a fraction you know the story Renee and Stephanie Streed through town when they were 12 on a dare I lift my chin so what it happened yes it did he agrees something flashes in his eyes the same way our first kiss happened Let It Go he encourages gently it's time to move on I don't have to look in the mirror to know that my cheeks are blazing why did he have to bring up that wretched kiss that planted the seed of fear in me if only Jasper hadn't acted so weird about the kiss then I might not have such a fob about the two of us okay it's not fair for me to blame Jasper for my Hang-Ups it occurs to me that Jasper said it was time to move on the knowledge Mires my heart in glue Jasper's moving on with Renee I guess it's time for me to move on too not wanting to dwell on my sad State I shift gears you shouldn't believe everything Renee says the woman lies like a dog I never said those things to her Henry roach did he gives me a doubtful look why would Henry roach want to insult Renee E I realized too late that I've backed myself into a corner I can't very well tell Jasper why Henry said those things without admitting that I have feelings for Jasper I guess I could harp on Henry being misguided in his attempt to get Jasper and me together however I'm afraid if I go down that road my true feelings will shine through I shrug my shoulders adop in a disinterested tone you know Henry he's always dissing on someone I happened to be talking to Henry at the bakery when Renee waltzed in and rubbed my nose in the fact that you're taking her to the CutiePie dance instead of me a dart of pleasure Zips through his dark eyes as a grin curves his lips SK are you jealous he taunts softly he takes a step closer revving up the molecules in my cells his eyes take on a wicked glint you know he draws if we practice kissing it might help you get over your fear desire whooshes through me like the Flames of a furnace then my brain gives me a much needed reality check this isn't some Twisted game this is my heart we're talking about I force a light chuckle no thanks if there's any kissing to be done I'm sure that Wade can do the trick his features Harden you need to watch yourself around that one he smirks I wouldn't put it past him to use you to get it Colette the comment comes at me like a punch in the gut are you suggesting that the only reason why Wade is going out with me is to make Colette jealous the nerve he lifts an eyebrow well considering the timeing it does make one Wonder Blood starts pounding my temples as I go blistering hot so someone like Wade couldn't simply like me for me take it easy he cautions I'm just looking out for you I grunt looking away ski he implores look at me I do so and am surprised to see the agony in his eyes what do you want from me a lump forms in my throat I want you to feel the same way about me as I do about you my mind shouts I want you to tell me that the two of us can have something more than just a friendship I want to guarantee that our relationship will work that I won't get my heart ground to bits I guess that's the problem I'm looking for a guarantee that no one not even Jasper could ever give I don't want anything from you I say flatly he steps back running both hands through his curls a second later a tight smile forms over his lips all right then I think I'll leave on that note my heart thuds out a dull beat as I swallow but we haven't finished our dance he gives me a long hard look that shrink wrapped in disappointment I think we have tears burn my eyes as he turns on his heel and stalks across the room and to the front door that's it huh I yell after him when things get tense between us you just walk out desperation claws at me he turns shaking his head no ski you're the one who's walking out on us I'm just the one leaving his eyes lock with mine good night chapter 13 this is not what I ordered Samantha Camp insists her Fair complexion turning as red as her hair it has been a day from Hades this is the third order that has gotten messed up I'm so sorry for the mix up I begin the downside of being the manager is having to put out fire while keeping I rate customers from biting your head off Tori my newest employee boxed up these orders I thought she was ready to take on more responsibility but evidently not Samantha leans over the counter a crazed look in her eyes do you know what would have happened if Danny had eaten one of these cookies her voice goes shrill he has a peanut allergy it could have been disastrous I understand I soothe again I apologize I've spent half of my day running back and forth to the bakery I got home and was getting everything ready for Danny's birthday party when I realized that the cookies were all wrong we're standing off to the side of the bakery case however Samantha's loud voice easily carries throughout the entire room the eyes of the other customers are zeroing in on us I can see the headline of Nelly keny's blog now abil's Bakery is a flop the manager can't keep track of the orders or Worse cookie mixup causes a young boy to go into anaphylactic shock we'll fix the order right now I assure Samantha and the cost is on the house the stress lines around her eyes and mouth dissolve that would be good also I'll throw in two dozen double fudge cupcakes her expression brightens okay thank you relief rolls through me how about this I say in a cheerful tone I'll get you a complimentary cookie and milk you can sit and relax while we fix your order an appreciative smile touches her lips that would be good thank you she sigh I'm sorry I got so upset it's been a crazy day trying to get ready for Danny's party I got all the way home and realized that the cookies were wrong so I had to turn around and come back into town I totally understand I give her a warm smile it's no problem I'm just sorry that we added to the stress of your day so mantha lives way out in the country 20 minutes from town no wonder she's flustered I'm grateful that she's allowing me to fix the problem what type of cookie would you like she steps over to the middle of the counter and peers through the glass would it be okay if I have a brownie instead of a cookie you bet you I'll take one of those she points to the chocolate iced brownies I give her one and get the milk once I get her situated I turn to Tori who's working the front counter the poor girl looks like she might faint before you leave today we need to have a talk I say quietly she nods her ponytail bobbing up and down then she casts a furtive glance at Samantha before turning her attention to the next customer in line I hurry back to the kitchen where Ellie and a couple of other women Phyllis and Julie Beth are working we need to fix an order I announce Ellie's eyes widened his saucers another one I'm afraid so her hand goes to her hip as she curses under her breath Tori needs to learn how to put orders together she grumbles I know she's young and just out of high school but this is getting ridiculous it is I agree in The Firm tone of the one in charge I've got it under control I give quick instructions to the women on how to prepare Samantha's order I make sure to tell them to throw in the cupcakes I go back to dip in strawberries at 400 p.m. it occurs to me that Henry hasn't come into the bakery normally he comes in around three should I call and check on him no maybe not I don't want to get pulled into any more drama than I'm already in I'm so swamped with work that I really don't have time to spend with him today anyhow Henry will want to know if I talk to Jasper I still can't believe that Jasper walked out on me last night or that he insisted on us double dating to the dance the last thing I need is Henry pestering me in making the situation worse at a quarter till 5 Tori sticks her head in the kitchen you've got a visitor thanks I say as I remove my apron maybe Henry's running late I go out into the customer area to see a familiar head of glossy chestnut hair Blakeley is sitting at one of the tables hey what are you doing here I pull out a chair and sit down I do a quick mental calculation don't you have a class she flicks her hand I gave my students the day off so they can study for a test coming up at the end of the week her eyes Spark I figured I'd better get my behind over here and find out what in the heck is going on between you and my brother sh I hiss as I glance around I don't want everyone here in my business a deep crease forms between her brows what the heck happened she angry Whispers when Aly Penn and I left your house Sunday night you were all set to tell Jasper that you want to make a go of your relationship then Jasper informs me that he's going to the dance with Renee and you're going with Wade and that y'all are double dating she gives me a disbelieving look have you lost your freaking mind several people who are standing in line glance in our Direction I reach across the table and grab blakeley's hand sh I warn again but she just rolls her eyes I let go of her hand making sure to keep my voice low as I explain I had intended to tell Jasper how I feel about him the words sit heavy on my tongue as I force out the rest however before I could he told me that he was moving on with Renee Blakeley makes a face that's absurd Jasper doesn't want Renee he wants you I'm afraid you're wrong I say tonelessly my heart squeezes to the size of a withered avocado Jasper doesn't want to risk our friendship any more than I do he said that he realized that the two of us getting romantically involved would be a mistake my voice trembles as I press on he said he wants to see if he and Renee can rekindle the old flame I swallow the tightness in my throat throat vowing to myself that I'll hold it together that's a Croc blakelyy barks what's my brother trying to pull nothing I mumble you need to let it go her voice gathers intensity skate you have to fight for what you want my eyes grow moist sometimes things just don't work out the way we want them to you know that better better than anybody blakeley's hurting over her recent breakup I can see the strain on her expression it oozes out and blends with my own pain she's living her life vicariously through Jasper and me I get where she's coming from and I'm touched that she cares so much still she's wrong her eyes flash with Fierce obstinance no she fumes you and Jasper are meant to be together her voice grows horar as tears pull in her eyes fogging up her glasses she removes them rubs the lenses with the Hem of her shirt and then places them back on her face no she says her voice gaining more control I won't accept defeat she squares her jaw you and Jasper are made for each other I get the feeling that she's trying to convince herself of that even more than she's trying to convince me I look her in the eye blly she flinches what I'm okay truly I force a smile she grunts you don't look okay I don't fine if I'm being completely honest I'm not okay with Jasper and me but there's not a dang thing I can do about it he's moved on it's time for me to do the same no she smirks a second later she scoots back her chair and jumps to her feet her expression is determined I'm going to have a nice little talk with my brother she grabs her purse from the back of the chair and slides the strap over her shoulder alarm races through me please don't you'll only make things worse Comfort is starting to feel impossibly small I wish people would just let me live my life without interfering first Henry and now Blakeley a hard smile forms over blakeley's lips don't worry I'll get to the bottom of this you'll see Blakeley don't I plead but my words fall on deaf ears she's already halfway across the room a second later she throws open the door and charges through it I feel the eyes of everyone in the room pinging me with curiosity automatically I flash a smile I keep trying to talk Blakeley out of going on a shopping spree but she just won't listen I say breezily that's all it takes for folks to lose interest a curious numb settles over me as I wonder if I should call Jasper and warn him that blakeley's on the war path on second thought I'll just stay out of it it takes me a couple of seconds to realize that my phone is buzzing I retrieve it from my back pocket it's Abigail I slide my finger over the phone and answer hello I get up from the table and walk briskly back into the kitchen so that I won't be forced to have another conversation while in a fishbowl skate Abigail begins warmly in her cultured voice that has a rolling spin to it how are you I'm okay I say neutrally how does she expect me to be I've always had great respect for Abigail she's a good person and it took grit and determination for her to build her business from scratch as hard as it is for me to know that I'm losing the bakery I do understand where she's coming from about wanting to help her daughter and grandkids however Abigail's not my favorite person right now I need space to work through my hurt and disappointment excited laughter trills through the phone you won't believe what happened she says in a breathless sing song voice what I asked asked dully someone gave me the down payment for your loan I hear the words but I don't understand their meaning I Bunch my brows huh your down payment has been paid Abigail exclaims you can now get your loan the floor shifts beneath my feet as I Stumble over to the wall so I can lean against it I I don't understand she laughs again a person wishing to remain anonymous sent me the money to pay the down payment on your loan she rushes on it's a miracle she sucks in an audible breath I've been so worried about you I felt so bad about giving you an ultimatum and yet I didn't know what else to do I had to help Heather and her kids her voice rings with Jubilation now you can purchase the bakery as we planned all along tears blur my vision as my mind whirls someone paid the down payment is this real or am I dreaming yes ma'am Abigail chirps air leaves my lungs who I can't tell you she Chuckles slightly I've been sworn to secrecy so your telling me that someone gave you money to pay the down payment on my loan and you won't tell me who it is I probably should be jumping for joy right now but I'm too bewildered I guess the full scope of the situation hasn't set in yet I keep waiting for her to say psych or just kidding curiosity nips at me who's my benefactor I shake my head wait a minute is it is it even possible for someone other than me to pay the down payment I brace myself hoping with all my heart that the bank will accept the gift yes she squeals it's perfectly legal I called the bank and spoke with Matt as soon as the money clears my account I'm sending it straight to the bank I nibble on my lower lip still hung up on who sent the money it has to be Henry he said that every everything would be okay and he mentioned buying and selling stocks is that why Henry didn't keep his standing appointment at the bakery this afternoon maybe he wanted to avoid my questions a smile slips over my lips that's slide dog Henry is a man of many layers gratitude swells in my chest I try to hold back the tears but they slip from my eyes and roll down my cheeks I glanced across the room at Ellie who's watching me and concern it's okay High mouth giving her a reassuring grin I can hardly believe this is happening is there not any way that you could tell me who gave you the money I ask Abigail again no ma'am she shoots back I gave my word I push out a long sigh okay I can't can't contain the ginormous smile that fills my face like warm sunshine I know who it was Henry roach there's a long pause before Abigail says easily I'll never tell well I should let you go Matt said he'll be in touch to get the ball rolling on the paperwork we say our goodbyes as she ends the call I stand there my mind racing are you you okay Ellie asks as she glances at Phyllis and Julie Beth yeah I go over to the nearest stool and collapse onto it Henry I utter shaking my head giddy laughter bubbles from my lips suddenly I know what I need to do I don't care how crazy things are right now at work I need to go over to Henry's house this instant and thank him guilt rolls in my gut to think I was relieved when Henry didn't come in today and he gave me the greatest gift I need to run an errand I look at Ellie will you hold down the fort while I'm gone you bet she assures me with a confident nod thank goodness for Ellie I think of something else as I hold up a finger oh tell Tori that I'll talk to her in the morning we'll do Ellie says my gaze sweeps over all three women it has been crazy trying to get ready for Valentine's Day but we'll get there my voice cracks with emotion I hope youall know how much I appreciate everything that you do Ellie gives me a funny look are you sure you're okay couldn't be better I chime as I Walt out of the the room and head to my office to grab my purse when I pull up to Henry's house my heart drops when I see the fire engine and a police car his place is under siege with firemen going in and out I survey the group to find Jasper I don't see him but I spot Bo over to the side talking to Deputy Dwight Jones I jump out of the car and Rush up to them what happened happened I searched their faces fearing the worst we lost him Bo says quietly remorse shadowing in his face tears spring to my eyes Henry he nods oh no my knees Buckle as Dwight grabs my elbow easy he cautions a wave of dizziness engulfs me no I whimper my shaky hands going over my mouth stars explode around me this can't be happening I could tell that Henry wasn't well but I never expected him to die Dwight leads me over to the front porch steps and helps me sit down I clutch my hands in my lap my legs tremble uncontrollably tears streaming down my face B sits down beside me and rubs my arm are you okay ignoring his question I jerk around to face him what happened he had leukemia Bo answers I didn't realize that you and Henry were close a feudal laugh rises in my throat we were I lean forward and bury my head in my hands letting the grief overtake me i c cry for Henry and the loss of his life I cry for myself out of regret for not being a better friend to him he sought me out I should have called him today when he didn't come to the bakery was he still alive at that time didn't he die thinking I didn't care I don't know how much time passes before I hear a familiar voice skate Jasper says gently I'm raised myself up and turned to him he's sitting where Bo was I can't believe he's gone a sob wrenches my throat as Jasper gathers me in his arms and lets me cry finally when my tears are spent I pull back wiping at my eyes I'm sorry I sniff I'm a wreck my nose is running all over the place I wipe my head hands on my pants my eyes are big and sore a cold lump of nothingness has replaced what used to be my heart Jasper searches my face the compassion in his soft brown eyes causes more emotion to well inside me I swallow it down before it can escape I didn't realize that you and Henry were so close why does everyone keep saying that I retort giving him a hard look his eyes widen just making an observation I suck in a breath we were I pushed my stringy hair from my face I didn't even get a chance to thank him for what for paying the down payment on my loan shock registers on Jasper's expression it came as a surprise to me too I continue Abigail called earlier and said that an anonymous person sent her the money to pay the down payment Jasper frowns are you sure that Henry's the one who paid it no not exactly but it has to be him who else has that kind of money Jasper has an odd look on his face who else could have done it I press he shakes his head I'm not sure I rub a hand over my forehead as a hard laugh scratches my throat he never told me he was sick my voice breaks had I known I would have been Kinder more patient I'm sure that's why he didn't tell you what do you mean Henry struck me as the kind of person who didn't want pity he didn't tell anyone that he was sick he hired a private nurse to come in each day and take care of him but he didn't get someone locally the woman drove in every day from mobile laughter rises in my throat that's so Henry we sit in silence for a few beats until Jasper speaks there's something else that you should know I turned to him what he takes my hand and sandwiches it between his normally I would get all Twitter PID about Jasper's closeness but right now all I can think is what is he going to tell me Henry was still alive when we arrived tears pull in my eyes before running down my face what else I pull my hand away from him and use it to wipe my tears he recognized me he grabbed my hand and told me that if I didn't take care of you he'd dig his way out of the grave and come come back to ring my neck I clip out an incredulous laugh Henry never stopped he had this crazy idea that the two of us were destined to be together don't worry I add quickly I set him straight and told him that you and Renee are an item Jasper goes buge eyed why do you tell him that I raised the pitch of my voice to match his because it's true you said that you and Renee are trying to rekindle the old flame I give him a scathing look don't you dare try to deny it he holds up his hands and laughs nervously I wouldn't dream of it B comes sauntering over wearing a smirk the size of Texas so how's it going with the besties he points two fingers and moves them from Jasper to me y'all fighting or loving today my head feels like it might snap off and rock it clear up to the sky Bo Primrose I blust her you're an idiotic dingbat he Hoots dingbat huh never been accused of that before I run my words back through my brain correction I snap idiotic doofus ouch your woman has a tongue sharp enough to cut metal B Winks at Jasper better mind your p's and q's Donaldson this one keeps you on a tight leash stop it Jasper warns Bo his jaw hard as glass with a chuckle Bo shakes his head and strolls away don't mind him Jasper grumbles he doesn't have enough brains to f a pin head a cackle slurps from my lips easing some of the tension between my shoulder blades he never has I'm glad that he has Presley but for the life of me I don't see how she puts up with him amen Jasper fires back as we share a smile of understanding it's going to be okay Jasper assures me I take in a deep breath I guess I'll just have to keep taking one breath at a time a scant smile touches my lips as I think of Henry is he still inside Jasper nods a sense of Duty fills me I want to see him he catches hold of my arm that's not a good idea when I start to argue he cuts in Henry would want you to remember him as he was the tenderness on Jasper's face causes me to go teite again I blink back the emotion come here Jasper murmurs as he slides an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close his touch is as comforting as it is stimulating causing tingles to Cascade through my body I rest my head against the curve of his shoulder he slides his fingers up and down my arm it'll be okay Jasper soothes again sitting here in the protection of his Embrace I can almost believe that he's right chapter 14 the next several days pass in a blur before I know it Valentine's Day is here the dance looms over me like the March of Doom several times I almost called Wade to cancel I would except that Jasper will bulk and give me grief the easiest thing to do is to just get it over with Albany surprised me at the bakery bringing me one of her signature dresses to wear she said it's only fitting that I should have it considering that she designed it for me it's a rich Vivid red with silky fabric that molds to my figure alany says it'll look great with my tonny hair and olive skin my brown hair is tipped with gold on the ends I suppose it could pass for Tony the dress is gorgeous Albany insisted that the two of us go into my office so that she could have me try it on to make sure it fit Albany was prepared to do some quick alterations but her Services weren't needed the dress fits like a glove I decided to wear my curls piled high on my head with dangly diamond earrings I peer into the mirror and I can't help but be impressed with the Dark Eyed exotic woman staring back I keep reminding myself of how important Valentine's Day was to glattus honoring her memory helps to honor Henry he didn't want a funeral a graveside service will be held instead it's this coming Wednesday two days from now I wonder if any of Henry's family will come to town does he even have family it'll be interesting to find out my heart hurts thinking that Henry's gone oh how I wish I could thank Henry for his generous gift my only consolation is that Henry is now with gladus I reach for my favorite cologne spray it into the air and step into the Mist as I'm slipping on the red strappy sandal that Albany gave me the doorbell rings Showtime I say as I check my reflection one last time I hurry down the stairs hoping that Wade will get here first it'll be painfully awkward to have to make polite conversation with Jasper and Renee I don't even want to think think about the depth of feeling emanating from Jasper's deep brown eyes on the day that Henry passed nor do I want to remember how it felt to have his arm firmly fixed around me those wretched thoughts need to be banished from my mind straightening my shoulders and holding in my stomach I Glide to the door I open it a sharp disappointment stabbing through me it's Jasper and Renee both surprise and appreciation streak through Jasper's expressive eyes as he looks me up and down you look incredible he murmurs thanks I look at Renee and can practically see steam coming out of her ears she gives me a look that could kill which I make a point of ignoring come on in Wade should be here any minute they step inside as Jasper closes the door an awkward silence descends over us Jasper looks sharp in a crisp white button-down shirt black tie and black trousers why does he have to be so dang fit with all of those wonderful muscles his curls are tamed emphasizing the strong lines of his jaw my gaze goes to his faint scar it makes him look sexy and tough I think of his lips how they were both soft and demanding against mine I trace the outline of his powerful shoulders noting how the fabric of his shirt is stretched over them the essence of him fills the space making me keenly aware of how much I'm drawn to him our eyes catch and hold as an electric charge rushes through me then Renee severs the connection by clearing her throat Jasper jumps as an undercurrent of red seeps into his chiseled cheeks I grin inwardly feeling a ping of Triumph at least Jasper still feels some sort of attraction to me Renee is not making any bones about staring me down no doubt she's still smarten from our last encounter the heat of her glare is annoying I look look her in the eye before glancing her up and down nice dress thanks she says stiffly it's true Renee looks fabulous as always her Violet dress shows off her willowy figure her honey blonde hair Falls just below her shoulders and does a pey turnup on the ends Renee is the picture of style interesting that Jasper said Renee is self-conscious about her height with me being short I would have thought Rene's height would be an advantage I guess it just goes to show that everyone can find flaws with their bodies Jasper shoves his hands into his pockets and rocks forward on the balls of his feet well no surprise Wonder Boy is late my eyebrow slides up Are you seriously bagging on my date his dark eyes twinkle like he's tickled to get a rise out of me nah he draws I'll let the bed off easy tonight his gaze moves over me slowly and thoroughly like he's soaking in every detail how Mighty kind of you I sass trying to downplay the energy flowing between us perhaps feeling threatened by the familiarity between Jasper and me Renee steps closer to him and links her arm through his the territorial move makes it crystal clear that Jasper is with her the doorbell rings Jasper extricates himself from Renee's grasp and opens the door hey he booms in a friendly tone like he and Wade are old friends hello Wade responds come on in Jasper says like it's his home aren't you the gentleman Jasper points at the plastic container weight is holding you brought ski to corsage Amusement flicks in Jasper's eyes this is like prom all over again Wade's face turns beat red as I shoot Jasper an exasperated look that says cut it out what Jasper asked asks innocently I just shake my head and Float Wade a doting smile thank you that was so thoughtful Wade looks good too dressed in a white shirt tan pants and a red tie he really is a pretty boy although in comparison to Jasper's muscular frame Wade seems a little puny Wade opens the container and slides the corsage over my room rest you look great at least Wade noticed my appearance tonight thanks I grin noting the look of Fury that crosses Jasper's features Renee notices it too and eyes me with open malice let's get going Jasper suggests he looks at Wade I take it your driving I hadn't really planned on it Wade hedges Tien in his hold on the empty container it crackles under his grip we could go in my truck Jasper counters in a Cavalier tone but then you and ski would have to sit in the back my vote's the truck Renee pipes in giving me a mean smile only if you sit in the back I say casually Renee's face turns bright red as she turns to Jasper I told you this wasn't going to work she snaps that does it my words come flying out like an army charging into battle what was your first clue when you waltzed into my bakery and Stak a claim on Jasper or was it when you lied to him and said that I made snide comments about your height and weight Renee's eyes fly open wide before narrow into fiery slits how dare you Jasper Chuckles as he places a hand on Rene's arm now now take it easy ski was only joking he looks at me to back him up sure I snip it was all a big joke I lock eyes with Jasper hoping that he'll get the meaning of my words us attempting to double date is one big joke Jasper brings his hands together his tone cheerful let's get to it Wade looks seriously uncomfortable I reached for the container here let me put that down so you won't have to carry it around all night he gives me an appreciative Smile as I go over and place the container on the nearby bench Jasper and Renee are almost out the door when I remember that I haven't grabbed my phone purse or keys I'll be right back I tell Wade as I hurry into the kitchen to grab my purse off the island I really don't want to carry my purse around all night but I need my things we go out the door and unlock it behind us I don't know why Wade was hesitant about driving his BMW I remember him saying that he's driving the silver one while he waits for his black one to arrive still a BMW is a BMW it's super nice a far cry from Jasper's beat up truck or even my well-used Honda maybe way doesn't want Jasper to put his driving skills under scrutiny that's probably it Jasper lets out a low whistle nice Wheels I'll bet that set you back a pretty penny Wade blinks in Surprise as asper continues I guess taking care of animals has its benefits much better than saving lives evidently I can't believe you just said that I blurt do you have to be so beligerant about everything Jasper immediately comes back with I'm not being belligerent just making conversation you're the one making a mountain out of a mole hill that's because Dr m is her middle name Renee smirks her catty comment comes at me like a red flag being waved at a bll luckily I managed to button my lips before the insults come hurling out Jasper throws weight a nod hey man I meant no harm just yanking your chain a little he flashes a guys will be guys grin no worries Wade says easily great now I'm the bad guy or girl for opening my big fat mouth I throw Jasper a look that says drop dead he gives me a smug grin that lets me know he's intentionally stirring the pot and getting away with it wonderfully Wade goes around and opens his door leaving me standing awkwardly by the passenger door waiting for him to unlock it so that I can get in Jasper shakes his head in disgust the instant waight unlocks the door Jasper makes a point of opening it for me he gives me a cocky smirk that says a real man would have opened your door I can't argue with Jasper there my dad wouldn't dream of not opening the door for my mom he taught my brother to do the same for women thanks I mumble as I get in you're welcome Jasper punches out glaring through the window at Wade who looks embarrassed it occurs to me that Jasper opened my door meaning that he wasn't there to open Renee's she standing on the opposite side of the car and has to open her own door the new car leather smell permeates my senses reminding me of the awkwardness of my previous date with Wade we seem to be following the same pattern tonight I look at Wade's tight expression I don't dare look back at Renee but I'm sure she's peeved at Jasper the tension in the car is thick enough to cut Wade starts the car and we're off Jasper Peppers Wade with technical questions about the BMW it does the trick of putting him at ease Jasper certainly has a way with people he can be Mr Congeniality when he wants to be when the chitchat about the BMW runs its course Renee interjects herself into the conversation I'm surprised you're going to the dance tonight it takes me a second to realize that she's talking to me I shift in my seat and crane my neck to look back at her why wouldn't I go isn't the bakery providing all the sweets yes we are she gives me a challenging look you must have a great deal of trust in your employees to handle everything I do I say simply Ellie's fantastic as soon as I take over as owner I'm promoting her to manager I turn back around my eyes facing the road however Rene's not finished also I figured you'd be too torn up over Henry roach to go to a dance my body goes tense Henry would have wanted me to go tonight I say quietly yes he would have Jasper pipes in Renee's voice reeks of inuendo did y'all hear that Henry's attorney came in from Mobile to take an ass of his house evidently Henry had millions of dollars tucked away Renee laughs who would have thought the old Scrooge was actually worth something that's enough I bark I work at a bakery The Hub of Gossip of course I've heard all about Henry and his supposed wealth I'm sure it's probably true after all he paid my down payment the speculation has been whether Henry has family and who's going to get his money the whole thing disgusts me Henry's value went so much deeper than his money people like Renee who thrive on hearsay are like buzzards crowding around to pick the Rotting Flesh off the carcass what Renee asks her voice going wounded I was just making conversation anger rages hot and Furious through my veins as I whip around I know exactly what you were doing I grit my teeth hurling out each word and I don't appreciate it what's that she stutters you were taking pot shots at Henry to get to me Renee looks at Jeff asper her voice trembling that's not true tell her I look at Jasper waiting for his reaction he pushes out a long breath directing his comments to Renee it has been tough on Skate to lose Henry it's probably better for you not to say anything that's just like you Renee Harps to take her side she clamps her arms over her chest and turns away from him to look out the window I turn back around realizing that I'm neglecting Wade how has your week been I asked him brightly he looks surprised that I'm talking to him fine I wait for him to expound but he doesn't we ride in Silence the rest of the way to the town hall where the dance is being held we follow follow the long line of cars filing into the parking lot it's a packed house Jasper observes at least someone in the car is making conversation are pen Memphis Bo and Presley still coming together I ask yep that's the plan Jasper answers Albany and Gavin are coming too that's right it's their triple date I can't wait to see Presley a grin curves my lips I'll bet Bo's happy to have her Home Jasper Chuckles he's been grinning like a possum all day as we pull into an empty space I feel a whisper of relief that we're finally here we can part ways Jasper and Renee can do their thing Wade and I can do ours God I'm sure it'll be a long and painful night for waiting me oh well nothing I can do about that now let's tag team it Jasper suggests to Wade I'll get Ski's door and you get renace uh okay Wade stammers smooth one Jasper I can't help but be impressed Jasper opens my door but doesn't stop there he reaches for my hand sending a jolt through me when our skin touches I step out and expect expect him to release my hand but he holds on to it a second longer than necessary I give him a questioning look for an instant I see a piercing longing in his eyes but it disappears as fast as it came he lets go of my hand and offers a ruthful grin have fun tonight you too he leans close and murmurs watch those cuddle hugs I gulp out a startled snigger our eyes lock as a swift current passes between us I can't stand being so close to Jasper and yet having him out of my reach I wish with all of my heart that the two of us were going to the dance together Wade comes around and holds out his arm shall we yes I say offering him a buoyant smile I guess I'm a better actress than I thought because way Smiles brightly in response Jasper goes around to Renee she entangles her arm through his like an octopus she says something in Jasper's ear and he throws his head back and laughs in an unencumbered way that only Jasper can it turns my stomach to watch them so I don't I force my attention on Wade thanks for being such a good sport about us double dating with Jasper and Renee I say as we make our way across the parking lot it's a chilly evening sending Goosebumps over my flesh I don't mind he says pleasantly I figure the more the merrier I'm not sure how to take his comment I suppose he means that he's grateful he doesn't have to be with just me or maybe he means something else I don't begin to pretend that I understand the inner workings of Wade clayborn's mind it's hard to believe that the two of us actually kissed in so many ways he's a stranger to me we step through the door to find the cavernous room filled to the brim with people loud music is booming from the DJ station in front of the stage we weave our way through the tight clusters of people and over to one of the walls I look over to the refreshment table that's being manned by Ellie and Phyllis Wade frowns I was hoping we could find an open table but they're all filled we could dance I suggest he looks mortified I'm afraid I'm not much of a dancer he winces sorry a shaft of disappointment slides down my throat no worries there's nothing worse than being at a dance and not being able to dance a fast song is playing I survey the dance floor and spot Bo and Presley dancing when Presley sees me her face lights up as she waves she says something to b a second later they make their way over to us Hey cuz Presley begins as she throws her arms around me and gives me embarass hug we pull back as she takes an assessment long time no see I know I haven't seen hide nor hair of you since you became a big star I tease she blushes a deep red as she laughs oh I don't know about that she says modestly don't let her fool you B slides an arm around Presley's shoulders she's a big deal he gives her an adoring look yeah yeah she Chimes as the two share an intimate look a few seconds later Presley blinks when she realizes that Wade is standing beside me hey hey he gushes you look great wow I never knew that Wade could be so enthusiastic it's comical to see how fast Bose's eyes narrow thanks Presley says nonchalantly but I can tell that his compliment made her uncomfortable I used to lament that Wade and Presley were an item back in high school and thereby making him off limits to me I guess I should be thanking Presley because Wade Clayborn is most definitely not for me Presley delicately slips out of Bo's arm she takes my hands in hers and searches my face how you doing I'm unprepared for the de that glistens in my eyes I'm okay I utter hoarsely she glances at Wade are you with him her voice is coated with disapproval just for the night relief sweeps over her beautiful face good I talked to pen she told me about Jasper and you I rock back and throw a glimpse at Wayne to see if he's listening thankfully he isn't I figured Jasper and you would be here together tonight she finishes no a deep sadness fills my heart Jasper and I are just friends Presley arches an eyebrow are you sure about that I press my lips together and Nod in the affirmative a slow song comes on bow hooks an arm around Presley's waist let's go dance babe okay Presley gives me a meaningful look we need to have lunch soon we will I promise a delicate giggle ripples from Presley's throat as B whisks her away I spot Alban and Gavin dancing as close together as her round belly will allow then I see Penn and Memphis on the Dance Floor looking so gloriously happy together that an ache stirs through my body I turned to Wade I know you don't like dancing but it's not hard to slow dance I could show you a few moves if the words die in my throat as I take a good look at Wade the naked yearning in his expression is exactly how I feel I follow his trail of vision straight to Colette she's dancing with some guy I don't recognize he's handsome and well dressed he and Colette make a fine picture dry laughter scratches my throat aren't we the pair Wayne pulls his eyes from Colette and focuses on me huh you're pining away for her I make a point of looking at Colette he gives me a sheepish grin guilty as charged he studies me with perceptive eyes and you're pining away for him he looks at Jasper and Renee my breath catches into a hard ball in the back of my throat as I see Jasper and Renee dancing close together her her body is melted close to him like melted cheese on toast I take in a quick breath well the way I see it we've got two options we can go out on the dance floor and attempt to make them jealous or we can get out of here a grin stretches over his lips I say we do the ladder the corners of his lips turned down how will Jasper and Renee get home I shrug my shoulders not my problem Wade Chuckles I like the way you think he motions with his head let's go oh first I need to go over and check on the food and my employees Wade perks up can we grab a couple of cookies to go you bet I laugh as we're going over to the dessert table a familiar voice stops me in my tra cacks I turn as my Mom and Dad Step Up hi honey mom says as she catches me in a hug she pulls back looking me up and down wow you look like a gazillion bucks thanks I smile where in the world did you get that dress it's one of Alban's Originals mom clucks her tongue and look like it was made for you it was sort of Albany designed it for me you look great too I say to Mom she's wearing a gold dress that goes well with her bouncy blonde hair dad's wearing a white tux with a black bow tie the white looks great against his golden brown skin and dark features my parents have always reminded me of the Hollywood couple Antonio Banderas and Mel Griffith she's a daughter of comfort as Southern as a person can get and Dad holds tight to his Mexican Roots hey mha Dad says pulling me into a hug a teasing grin tips his lips as he looks over at the dessert table I noticed there are no churos haa I say dry dad's always razing me about not carrying churos at the bakery in his mind every food establishment should serve churos and tacos with heavy sides of salsa and guacamole the fine creases around mom's eyes deepen as she looks at Wade hello dear hi Mrs Lopez he responds cordially Mr Lopez he and Dad shake hands mom gives me a questioning look where's Jas I cut my eyes across the dance floor play in pretzel with Renee Keith I retort not trying to hide the disgust in my tone mom's eyes bulge with concern oh do you need me to go and talk to him no thanks I clip he seems to be doing just fine dad Narrows his eyes his voice going hard maybe I should talk to him mom and dad know all about the history between Jasper and me they know that I've fought against my attraction to him for years they assumed that in the end I'd come to my senses and realize how I felt about Jasper well I did that what no one counted on however was Jasper running into the arms of another woman I guess it just goes to show that you can't plan for everything no need Wade and I are leaving a troubled look passes between Mom and Dad Wade and I aren't really together I explain we're Partners in the business of broken hearts I don't understand Mom says dubiously misery loves company I explain way just got over a breakup dad nods ah gotcha y'all have fun I say glibly as I reach for Wade's hand love you both love you too honey mom responds and then shoots Jasper a dark look I lead Wade over to the dessert table where we chat with Ellie and Phyllis and load up on cookies as we make our way out of the dance I steal another glance at Jasper his back is to me I realize glumly that he won't even realize I'm gone well that is until he discovers that he has no way to get Home Jasper will be fit to be tied when he realizes that we left him like I told Wade it's not my problem chapter 15 The graveside service for Henry is Tastefully Simple the only flowers are the expertly arranged red roses in the spray covering the mahogany casket as hard as it is to know that Henry is gone it gives me a sense of peace to see gladus his grave nearby and to know that she and Henry are now together a preacher from one of the local churches is conducting the service he offered a prayer we sang A Hymn and now he's saying a few words but it's obvious from his impersonal remarks that he didn't know Henry at all I glance around at the somber faces most of the people present are members of the town to my knowledge none of them were especially close to Henry they're probably here mostly out of curiosity after all it's not every day that someone dies and people discover that they were a multi-millionaire from what I can tell the rumors about Henry are true I guess his gut about buying and selling stocks served him well too bad he was wrong about Jasper and me I glance at Jasper who's standing tall and stoic beside me even though I argued that I didn't need him to go with me to the service he insisted he was scheduled to work today but switched schedules with one of the other firemen so that he could be with me ever since the dance things between us have escalated from tense to downright hostile we got into a big fight the day after the dance like I figured Jasper was not happy about Wade and me ditching Renee and him he had to beg a ride home with Bo and Presley I'm sure that went over like a load of bricks because Presley doesn't care for Renee any more than than I do I feel eyes on me I look across the Open Grave and casket to find a distinguished looking silver-haired man in an expensive pinstriped gray suit watching me Jasper must have felt the man's gaze too because he steps closer and puts a protective arm on my spine my sense is Swirl at being near him I probably should move away but I don't have the strength to go there right now Jasper and I are ticked with one another but that doesn't stop us from being together I guess that's how it is with best friends an image of Renee pressed tightly to Jasper at the dance flashes through my mind like my girlfriend said Jasper and I won't be able to remain best friends forever another woman will get in the way who am I kidding a woman already has come between us a tear slips down my cheek my sorrow over Henry's death and my frustration at Jasper blend together pressing a heavy weight on my chest I'm grateful that I got the chance to know Henry I wish I could have been a better friend I wish I could thank him for his generosity to me the preacher brings the service to a close as the people disperse the wind picks up sending chills through me as I pull my coat tighter around me are you ready to go Jasper asks give me a minute he nods as he steps away I go over to the casket keeping my eyes fixed on the red feathery rose petals Henry you were one in a million I utter quietly a smile pulls at my lips you might find this hard to believe but I'll actually miss your grumpiness and your Keen wit a chuckle rises in my throat I can still see the determined glint in your eyes when you doused Lance Wallace with that water H tears burn my eyes before streaming down my cheeks I'm sorry but things aren't working out with Jasper and me my heart twists I guess I'll do the only thing I know how to do keep breathing in and out and hope that everything will be okay one breath at a time I'm glad you're with glattus now it's good to see that true love does sometimes win out in the end I choke back a SB I'll miss you Excuse Me Miss a small Yelp of surprise Falls from my lips my hand goes over my chest as I whirl around to face the silver-haired man he offers a polite smile I'm sorry I startled you it's okay I look past the man and see the frown on Jasper's face he strides toward us in quick steps I study the man trying to see if I can detect any resemblance to Henry are you Henry's relative the man Chuckles as he touches his wire rimmed glasses no I'm his attorney the one from mobile yes he extends his hand i'm Arthur McMillan I'm pleased to make your acquaintance my eyes widen at the man's oddly formal speech nice to meet you too Jasper steps up and drapes an arm around my shoulders if everything okay he looks from me to the man I nod this is Arthur Henry's attorney nice to meet you Jasper says nice to make your acquaintance Arthur responds before turning his attention back to me we have much to discuss we do yes is there a good time for us to meet to go over Henry 's estate you must be mistaken I don't have anything to do with Henry's estate I hesitate trying to reain in my emotions Henry was my friend a smile fills Arthur's face yes Henry spoke very highly of you he said you were like a daughter my throat clogs with emotion Henry used to tell me that I reminded him of glattus he told me that too I take in a breath the emotional stress is catching up with me I want to go home and sleep for the rest of the day if I didn't have to go back to work I'd probably sleep tomorrow away too it was nice meeting you Arthur I give him a parting smile if you'll excuse us Jasper and I turn away wait Arthur exclaims a hint of frustration in his cultured voice you don't understand we turn back around understand what I asked Arthur seems nice enough but I really need to go home before I completely lose it Henry left his entire estate to you for an instant my brain doesn't process the meaning of his words then I see the shock on Jasper's face what I croak you are the sole heir to Henry's estate we need to meet to go over the details a roaring starts in my head as the ground shifts beneath my feet I hear Jasper call out my name my knees buckle and then I'm out cold what the aspirin bottle are you freaking kidding me Albany growls as she pushes aside the blinds and peers out those idiot reporters have been out there all morning she balls a fist I wish I could sock those bloodthirsty sharks in the nose I don't want to think about the reporters gathered on my doorstep nor do I want to think about Henry's Millions h and the changes the money is bound to make in my life heck who am I kidding my life is already forever changed ever since the graveside service yesterday my parents Presley Blakeley Penn and Albany have all been taking turns staying with me probably because they're afraid I'll flip my gourd I guess I have been a little unhinged after I came to with the cemetery Jasper helped me to his truck Arthur followed us back to my house we sat in the living room as Jasper held my hand Arthur explained that it would take approximately 6 months for Henry's will to go through probate I understand that you'll be turning Henry's Home into an activity center or outreach program for underprivileged Kids Arthur said and that you'll build a park in the empty lot beside Henry's Home Henry mentioned walking trails I guess we'll have to purchase a larger track for that that's when the synapses of my brain snapped together Henry told me that everything would happen in good time I just had no idea what he was up to my thoughts go back to Jasper ever since our meeting with Arthur Jasper has been MIA he was supportive holding my hand while Arthur talked however I could tell that the thoughts of me being a millionaire rocked him to the core it speaks volumes that I haven't heard a peep from him in the past 24 hours even when we fight Jasper can't resist coming around tears fill my eyes as I look at Albany this whole thing is abs why in the heck did Henry leave me his money Albany tromps over and sits down beside me her expression says it all she thinks I'm a maybe she's right are you listening to yourself I swipe at my tears with my Palms I know you think I'm an idiot she reaches for my hand and squeezes it you have been given a wonderful gift think of all the good you can do this was never part of my plan I have no idea what to do with this I grit my teeth I've scrimmed and saved like a miser to earn the down payment for the bakery loan and then Henry sent Abigail the money I bark out a laugh now that was a good gift it's something that I can wrap my head around I throw up my hands but this my voice goes shrill how in the heck am I supposed to run a bakery and an outreach program she giggles you hire people to help you I chew the inside of my cheek I guess I could I press my fingers against the bridge of my nose I can't even comprehend having millions of dollars at my dis disposal I lift my head swiveling it back and forth this was never part of the plan I repeat that's the beautiful part of life Albany squeals the surprises what would you do if you became an instant millionaire she looks thoughtful I guess I'd expand the store for starters done I say with gusto her brow furrows no she shakes her head I won't let you spend your money on me why not I Grumble I'll spend it on you and your store expansion my brain ticks through the list I'll pay off mom and dad's house and R's College expenses I'll pay for pen and Memphis to build his office I'll send Blakeley on an all expenses paid cruise to some EXO place that way she can forget all about Professor bonad hold up Speed Racer Alvin's dark eyes twinkle with mirth while I admire your generosity you should take some time and think everything through before making any decisions it's your money she says gently you should spend it wisely or tuck it away didn't you say that it'll take 6 months for the will to probate I nod that's good you need time to sift through everything it's ironic isn't it what I'm getting the bakery and more wealth than I can shake a stick at I pause trying to control the tremble in my voice and yet I've lost the one thing that I want most she gives me a sympathetic look don't you think it's time for you to tell Jasper how you feel I tried I say miserably but it was too late he's with Renee now only because he thinks he can't have you that's not true I argue oh yes it is she asserts I've seen the way y'all look at each other trust me when I say that Jasper Donaldson is crazy about about you I wrinkle my nose intrigued by Alban's words you think so do I dare hope I know so she says with conviction fear fans my insights I don't know I haven't heard from Jasper since yesterday that's not like him maybe he's working he's off today I saw the look on his face when Arthur McMillan talked to about the money it threw Jasper for a loop Albany takes in a deep breath first poor Jasper had to compete with Wade Clayborn and now he has to come to terms with the fact that you're a multi-millionaire it's a lot to deal with I sort of feel sorry for him well I don't I harp if Jasper would have kept his mouth shut and let me tell him how I feel about him we wouldn't be in this mess I'm sure you're right Albany laughs my phone rings I twist around and retrieve it from the table beside the couch it's Abigail hello I answer skate Abigail begins breathlessly I just heard your wonderful news congratulations on your inheritance thanks I guess you won't be needing alone after all I'll just send the down payment money back to Jasper my heart begins to pound what Jasper I tighten my grip on the phone is he the one who sent you the money Abigail lets out a shaky laugh oh drat I've done it now I promised Jasper I wouldn't tell you that he sent the money my mind spins like a merry go round no wonder jper looked so surprised when I told him that Henry paid the down payment I had no idea that Jasper had any money it probably took him years to amass that amount and he gave it all up for me joy circles through my chest this has to mean that Jasper cares I realize that Abigail is speaking I'll overnight a cashier's check to Jasper no I blurt confusion sounds in Abigail's voice I I don't understand it'll take 6 months or more for me to get access to my inheritance in the meantime I'll go ahead and get the loan as planned that way you'll have the money that you need to help Heather and Steve with their house uh okay that sounds good we talk for a few minutes before ending the call what was that about Albany asked asks I cradle the phone in my hands Jasper's the one who paid the down payment for my loan not Henry a giggle rolls from her throat see I told you Jasper cares urgency mounts inside of me I've got to call him right now and tell him how I feel great idea my heart feels like it'll pound out of my chest as I look down at my phone I don't know if I can do this you can Albany assures me swallowing hard I punch in his number and hold the phone up to my ear it rings several times before going to voicemail I know I should leave a message but I'm frozen I just sit there holding the phone and the call Albany hisses as she grabs the phone from my hand and pushes the end button You've Got It Bad she chides with a surly grin my face goes embarrassingly hot I know it's okay she says in a practical tone I'm sure the words will come when you're with him in person I hope so I sigh geez I'm a hot mess my phone rings again Alban's holding it it's probably just for calling you back she says my heart jumps into my throat she makes a face it's Bo why is he calling she asks in annoyance as she slides her finger over the screen and answers with a Curt hello this is Albany not ski she Harps with a roll of her eyes a second later concern masks her expression as she looks at me okay she says tonelessly we'll be right there apprehension clutches me in a tight hold what's wrong Bo and Jasper were out hiking I make a face hiking since when did the two of them go hiking she rushes on Jasper took a Fall Tears spring to my eyes is he okay I think so B said it's not serious enough for him to go to the ER but that Jasper's asking for you I told him we'd be right over I jumped to my feet okay let's go it'll be a nightmare trying to get through those reporters I jut out my chin I don't care nothing could stop me from getting to Jasper Albany crinkles her nose I really don't understand why it's such a big deal for you to drop everything and rush over to Jasper's house what's BO trying to pull he's used to helping people in emergency situations I'm sure he can handle whatever's aing Jasper you know what I really don't care Jasper's asking for me that's all that matters Albany grins I guess you're right the most important thing is for you to tell Jasper how you feel about him exactly I punch out determination litters in albany's eyes okay our only course of action is to push through those sharks I sure wish you'd parked your car in the garage me too I chime but the garage door remote wouldn't work and I didn't feel like going through the house and opening the door manually she gives me a pointed look well you can certainly fix that in 6 months I suppose I can I ch chuckle I don't point out to her that Jasper normally fixes everything for me we grab our things and head for the door You Ready Albany asks as she grasps the knob as ready as I'll ever be the second we open the door reporters charge up the walkway and steps they press around us shouting questions ignoring them we keep our heads ducked into our chins and stay close together as we push our way to my Honda that was gnarly Albany says when we get into the car her eyes are shimmering with excitement alany doesn't mind all the hype in fact I think she rather enjoys it for me it's draining I start the engine the reporters are now huddled around the car they are left with no other choice but to step back when I P away from the curb and drive off chapter 16 knocking only once I throw open the door and rush into Jasper's house I find him sitting on the couch his foot bandaged and propped up on a pillow he has a red scratch running along his Temple what happened I exclaim hurrying to his side and sitting down on the couch I place my purse beside me as I angle toward Jasper I feel both concerned for his condition and also relief that it's nothing serious Bo is lounging in a recliner watching a basketball game he took a spill off the side of an embankment Jasper grunts throwing B A heated glare I look back and forth between them what's going on with y'all nothing worth talking about Jasper growls Albany goes over and sits down in the chair adjacent to the couch we got here as soon as we could it was a beast getting through those horrid reporters I watch as Jasper's jaw tightens yep just as I thought he feels threatened by my wealth strangely his reaction makes me feel better about myself and all of my phobias Jasper faces everything headon and expects me to do the same Sometimes It's just tough how did this happen is it your ankle I sprained it when I fell Albany says y'all were out hiking I'm sure the look on my face speaks to my doubt because Jasper smirks something like that he throws B another frustrated look what's going on I demand nothing B says with a BL grin your boy tripped and fell regardless of what happened I'm glad you're okay my gaze locks with Jasper it's the moment of truth I have to tell him how I feel my hands start to shake as I clasp them in my lap I glance at Albany who nods in encouragement tell him she prompts Jasper turns toward me tell me what tears press against my eyes I can't fall apart now I suck in a breath willing myself to keep it under control the truth is I care about you surprise flicks through his brown eyes what are you saying he asks carefully why is this so hard my voice cracks I know I said I just wanted to be friends but that's a lie I take in a quick breath before pressing on I love you Jasper Donaldson and I want us to be together for real now that the words are out I watch him for a reaction a large smile moves over his lips you love me I do he looks me in the eye eyes that's good to know because I love you back for a second I can't believe my ears you do I squeak I do laughter bubbles in my throat as tears spring to my eyes I blink furiously to clear them come here he murmurs I lean in as our lips connect in an explosion of fire and promise the only thing that prompts us to pull back is bows clapping and hooting it's about time you turkeys got together it is indeed Albany agrees with a large smile I scoot close to Jasper and Nestle into the curve of his shoulder my skin ripples with pleasure as he Strokes circles over my arm I angled to face him what about Renee he blinks in Surprise what about her won't she be disappointed yeah I suppose but she'll just have to get over it his eyes hold mine in a Caress for someone who wanted to rekindle the old flame he seems surprisingly unconcerned about Renee what about the money are you okay with that his expression goes pained I guess so just don't expect me to give up my job or my truck laughter tickles my throat don't worry Jasper's truck looks like it has been through a war but he thinks it's the greatest thing ever I think of something else as more moisture rises in my eyes hey he says gently touching my cheek No More Tears one escapes and trails down my cheek cheek I spoke to Abigail weariness seeps into his features uhhuh The Jig Is up she told me that you were the one who paid the down payment for the bakery he swears under his breath she gave me her word that she wouldn't I know she let it out by mistake how in the world did you get that much money he looks offended hey I know how to save and invest my heart is filled to the point of overflowing it means the world that you would do that for me concern etches over his handsome face that's not why you're telling me how you feel is it no of course not my voice hitches when Bo called and said that you'd been in an accident I shake my head I had one of those moments where my entire life flashed before my face I knew for certain that I couldn't let another day or moment go by without telling you how I feel SK Jasper begins there's something you need to know well folks this calls for a celebration Bo pipes in maybe I'll call the crew and get them over here what did you you want to tell me I asked Jasper he and Bo share a look before Jasper shakes his head nothing my phone rings I pull away from Jasper as I turn to fish it out of my purse it's pen I announced to everyone hello I exclaimed jubilantly just the person I wanted to talk to we're all at Jasper's house I finally told him how I feel about him I expect her to squeal and Delight or Hoot and Holler I'm certainly not prepared for the long stretch of Silence that follows my throat thickens with unease pen are you still there I'm here is my brother there she asks with a bite in her voice I glance at BO yep he's there she blows out of breath I just talked to Memphis and he let the cat out of the bag I frown what do you mean I'm sorry to have to tell you this but you've been set up my brain fumbles to keep up set up what do you mean Jasper has been playing you this entire time and my idiot brother has been pulling the strengths for a second I sputter to get a breath I I don't understand Jasper has known how you felt about him all along he never had any intention of getting back together with Renee he was using her to make you jealous that's why he insisted that you and we double date with him and Renee that's why he got you to show him some dance moves and why he let Renee hang all over him at the dance I'm so sorry skate I had no idea what was going on or I would have put a stop to it an invisible fist squeezes my stomach making me feel like I could vomit Henry went to the fire hall and talked to Jasper Henry even told Jasper how you felt about him and encouraged him not to give up on you humiliation scorches through my veins as I mumble I've got to let you go I'm so sorry Pence says again as I end the call I whirl around to Jasper he rocks back what that was pen I hiss she told me about your little plan how you played me his face Falls it's not like that really i bark as I Turn To Face Bo my voice goes shrill as I point with my finger my words raging you did this he holds up his hands a sheepish grin tipping his lips everybody needs a little push I was getting tired of watching you friends on Jasper and figured I needed to level the playing field what did you do Albany demands my words tumble out as I rehash everything that Penn just told me when I'm done fire blazes from albany's dark eyes B Primrose this is low even for you you had no right to interfere I was only trying to help yeah like how you helped me off an embankment Jasper mutters what I screeched tur to Jasper he pushed you off the embankment Jasper's jaw hardens sure did he called and asked me to go and see a piece of property that he and Presley are thinking about buying the next thing I know he pushed me off an embankment oh come on Bo protests it was just a little shove quit your whining it got your woman here and she told you how she feels about you he sticks out his chest y'all should be thinking me I have a good mind to slap you into next week Albany fumes I feel sick at heart I turn to Jasper everything that happened was a lie he pushes out a heavy breath his eyes shadowing with regret not everything I do love you he gives me a pleading look don't let B Shenanigans ruin everything you're a big boy I fire back Bo Primrose didn't make you do anything you didn't want to do I can't stomach the fact that I've been made a fool of I think of how insanely jealous I was when I thought Jasper and Renee were getting back together it caused me so much turmoil during an already stressful time he presses his lips together you're right what I shout you're right he repeats dully it was wrong of me to go along with Bo's plan I had no right to play with your emotions and I had no right to give Renee false hope that we were getting back together his eyes hold mine skip I've loved you for a long time I love your quirks how you mix up your words and how you're afraid of your own shadow am not I bark a humorless laugh drops from his lips as he runs a hand through his hair truth be told I had a crush on you way back in the day we played Truth or Dare when we kissed I freaked and didn't know how to handle it so I gave you the cold shoulder all those months I had no idea my actions would cause you to develop a fear about us a sad smile tugs at his lips shame on me for not being straight with you from the get-go shame on me for tricking you into loving me pain deepens his eyes I've been lying to you and to me I never wanted you as a best friend I wanted you as a partner his voice grows horar I need someone who love me fully and completely as I love her someone who's not afraid to embrace the future be it uncertain Henry did come and talk to me I should have told you he shakes his head a somber grin forming over his face he said he had a gut feeling about us he told me to be patient that you'd eventually come around he takes in a breath I'm tired of waiting ski I shouldn't have to trick a woman into loving me you had no right to toy with my affections tears blur my vision as I tuck my purse under my arm and get to my feet my head is on fire all I can think about right now is getting as far away from Jasper Donaldson as I possibly can I'm sorry ski for everything I hope one day you can forgive me I Stumble out with Albany walking fast beside me men she fumes as we storm out the door let me get this straight you find out that Jasper paid the down payment on your loan Blakeley holds up a finger and he told you that he's loved you for years and you just walked out it wasn't like that I say in defense as I Look to Albany for help tell her it wasn't like that exactly Blakeley peers over her glasses exactly how was it I throw my hands into the air you would have had to have been there when pen called and told me everything that happened I kind of went nuts Bo and Jasper had no right to play you pen asserts you just wait till I get a hold of my brother she holds up a fist I'll ring his neck get in line Presley interjects I look at Presley how in the world can you stand to be with a guy who's so dang infuriating a secret secet grin curves Presley's lips I'll admit that B's a handful but he's kind of like the bad habit you never want to break ew Blakeley says her expression going sour I guess we'll have to take your word for it we're all camped out in my living room Albany gets up from the couch and pads over to the window she lifts a slide of the blinds the sharks are still circling she announces she touches her stomach anyone up for ice cream pen Chuckles at the rate you're going you're going to turn into a carton of ice cream Albany throws her a cheeky grin I figure I might as well take full advantage of the situation while I'm pregnant after the baby's born I'll be living off a baked chicken and lettuce you could always follow skat's lead and clog the calories off blankly smirks I throw her a scorching look you're just being overly sensitive because you think I'm bagging on your brother she raises an eyebrow if the shoe fits pen holds out her hand down girls let's not turn on each other we need to take an assessment of the situation after I get some ice cream eagerness lights Alban's face you have any chunky monkey nope sorry all I have is vanilla but we have lots of toppins I guess I'll have to make do Albany sigh as she shuffles out of the living room pen Grins and says in a low tone anyone else notice that she's starting to Waddle sh blankly cautions she'll hear you you don't want her to think you're poking fun at her I lift an eyebrow oh so now you're playing the sensitive card you certainly don't mind chomping me to bits that's because you're being so ridiculous about my brother she Snips he started it I retort anyone else want some Albany calls over her shoulder I'll have a bowl I say as I get up and follow Albany to the kitchen after our bowls are filled we return to the living room okay pen begins time to talk turkey she zeros in on me do you love Jasper I had just taken a large bite of ice cream chocolate fudge and nuts it goes down the wrong pipe as I cough trying to clear my throat yes I squeak when I manage to make a noise pen nods in satisfaction here's the deal I told you about what bow and Jasper did because I wanted you to have all of the information I put down my spoon not sure where Pen's going with this you have to admit that Jasper went to Great Lengths to prove his love for you pen continues he manipulated me I see yes pen acknowledges he did but his heart was in the right place I agree blankly says decisively pan looks at Albany back me up here Albany nods okay I'll admit it was big of Jasper to make the down payment on your loan don't forget that he did it anonymously Blakeley adds he did make a grand gesture Presley agrees I roll my eyes anger surging up my chest y'all are forgetting a key Point here oh small eyes watch me intently waiting for me to expound I plunk my bowl down on the coffee table the ice cream has lost its Savor Jasper said that he's tired of waiting that he shouldn't have to trick a woman into loving him I try to hold back the tears but it's no use they spill out and run Rivers down my cheeks oh good Gooby dooo Albany exclaims when are you going to stop taking every peep that flows out of Jasper's mouth as his final word my jaw goes slack huh he was upset Albany growls people say things they don't mean I wipe at my tears so you think I still have a chance my voice sounds small in my own ears a low throaty chuckle sounds in Alban's throat girl she trills open your eyes the guy's wild about you she gives me a penetrating look the question you should be asking here is what are you willing to do to get him back chapter 17 one week later you ready Presley asks giving me a s long glance yep one breath at a time I tell myself as I look up at the sky thinking of Henry I guess your gut was right all along huh Presley asks never mind my nerves are jumping like a pack of rabbits every fear I've ever had is Raging in my head but I refuse to give in to them I keep my focus firmly fit fixed on the one thing I want more than anything else Jasper holding the white cake box in a firm grip I force my feet to keep moving forward as I go in through the double glass doors of the fire station if I'm to make a grand gesture I figure it needs to be huge I'm glad that Presley is beside me to offer moral support you've got this she reassures me Bo said he'd meet us in the waiting area there he is Presley's face lights up like a Christmas tree as B steps up and gives her a hug and kiss on the lips you got the goods he asks Presley holds up her box sure do I give Bo a warning look youd better not have breathed the word of this to Jasper he makes a zipping motion over his lips it was against my better judgment to include bow in my plan but Presley assured me that all would be well he motions with his head this way ladies Jasper's in the gym getting a workout we follow Bo through the main living area where several of the other firemen from Jasper's platoon are watching TV we say hello as we move on past maybe my imagination is working overtime but from their expressions of amusement I get the feeling that they they know exactly why I'm here Presley must be thinking the same thing because right before we go into the gym she gives Bo a sharp look did you tell your buddies about Jasper and ski no he says but I can tell from his busted expression that he did B Primrose Presley blusters what am I going to do with you he eyes her with affection just just love me I guess Presley turns into a puddle of Goo as Bo leans over and locks lips with her yuck seriously Bo you better not have breathed the word to Jasper he holds up three fingers in a salute scouts honor my chest squeezes for a second I feel like I can't breathe I take a breath in through my nose and hold it for a couple of bit beats before pushing it out hard through my mouth I do this several times feeling slightly better B jerks his thumb toward the gym door we better get her in there and do the deed before she hyperventilates stop Presley warns shoving his arm my head swims with dizziness as we step into the gym the smell of sweat and testosterone rolls over me my my breath freezes in my throat when I spot Jasper his back is to us and his shirt is off my eyes go to The Damp curls on the nape of his neck before trailing over his strong shoulders and exquisite back muscles even though the gym is air conditioned heat blasts over me Jasper is the only one in the gym he's sitting on a bench lifting large barbells over his head hey Bo calls you have a visitor Jasper lowers the barbells to the floor and turns when he sees me his eyes widen by unspoken consent bow and presle move away to give us some space Jasper reaches for a towel and blots his face he stands up tosses the towel onto the bench and strides over to me I noticed that he still has a slight limp but his ankle is no longer bandaged a goofy grin wobbles over my lips hey I say in a voice that's 10 times too cheerful skate what are you doing here I try not to gawk at his defined pecs or sixpack instead I force my eyes to his face Jasper and I haven't spoken a word since our fight he looked looks at the white box in my hands what's that I Square my jaw I've been doing some thinking Amusement rims his chocolate eyes in Gold oh yeah yeah I sigh I'm done with letting fear rule my life surprise Zips over his features as I plow on I'm tired of overthinking every little step mostly I'm tired of overthinking us remember what Blakeley said about how all it takes to ruin a relationship is wedding lace and cake in the face yeah he answers wearily well I figure I'd skip to the chase a low chuckle sounds in his throat you mean cut to the chase a smile Quivers on my lips whatever I actually didn't fumble that way word Jasper said he thinks it's endearing when I mix up my words so I figured I'd milk it for all it's worth so I say in a loud tone in honor of making my grand gesture here goes nothing I lift the lid of the box he steps closer and looks in a puzzled expression overtakes his handsome face you made me a wedding cake oh us a wedding cake I lift the cake from the box and toss the box to the side I spent all morning long decorating this it's something the corners of his lips quiver like he's about to burst out laughing the way I see it if we get the hard stuff over with now then it'll be smooth sailing from here on out before I can chicken out I take the cake and shove it into his face what what the crap he blusters as he wipes the white cake and frosting from his mouth and eyes it drips down his bare chest and puddles At His Feet I love you Jasper donalson I think I might have loved you even longer than you loved me tears wet my eyes you're my best friend in the world I can't think of anything better than spending the rest of my life with you that is if you'll have me a smile stretches over his face did you just throw cake in my face and ask me to marry you you betch you ski Lopez you are the craziest most amazing woman I've ever met I'd be honored to marry you in a quick movement he bends down and Scoops up a big mound of cake but first I shake my finger oh no I try to Dart out of his reach but he's faster he encircles my waist and pulls me to him then he smashes the cake in my face and rubs it in I cough and laugh as I gulp ingesting a large amount of cake and frosting in the process a second later his lips find mine as we share a sweet and sticky bre breathless kiss wait Presley says stepping up to us there's more Jasper keeps his arms fixed around my waist I try not to think about how I'm pressed close against his bare chest with my hands resting on his muscular shoulders Presley opens the lid of her box Jasper's eyes go round as he peers inside you bought a puppy we bought a puppy I say meaningfully I told you I'm all in he searches my face are you sure about this I've never been Sher about anything in my life his eyes sparkle with mirth are you scared petrified I give in to the smile stretching over my lips that's my ski he murmurs a joyous expression overtakes his rugged face as he Twirls me around and Hoots we're all in he stops and peers into my eyes I love you skate Lopez his Fierce emotion gets me every time with Jasper there's no in between we'll spend the rest of our lives fighting hard and loving hard and that's all right with me I love you too a crooked grin lifts a corner of Jasper's mouth I guess Old Henry's gut was right after all I suppose it was I laugh don't forget me B pipes in I'm the one who brought y'all together shut up Jasper and I say simultaneously as we lean in for another kiss this has been weddings lace and cake in the face good girls don't come last written by Jennifer Youngblood narrated by Lori West copyright 2022 by Jennifer Youngblood production copyright by Jennifer Youngblood