“Just meat, vegetables, nuts, and fruit,” Zander said.
“No pancakes?”
“Paleo pancakes only,” Zander said.
“No Pillsbury crescent rolls?”
“No,” Britt said.
“I pretty much live on carbs,” Nikki told them. “How about a teensy little cracker? Would Clint eat that?”
“No.”
“Well, I suppose I could go without carbs if Clint and I go out on a date. Have you noticed his biceps?” she asked Britt. “He has very good biceps.”
“I’m well acquainted with Clint’s biceps.” She ought to be. Clint had been walking around Bradfordwood in leather vests for years.
“And I’ve always loved men with long hair,” Nikki said. “Very mountainous, you know?”
“Oh yes,” Britt said. “Clint’s quite the mountainous Pilates man.”
“Will you please give him a call and encourage him to ask me out?” Nikki asked Britt.
“Why not ask Nora to give him a call? You work with Nora, and she knows Clint as well as I do.”
“She’s already told me that she won’t be party to this. I think she’s tired of playing the role of my wing woman. But I’m going to need a wing woman with Clint. I sense that he needs a subtle push.”
“Do you categorize my calling him and encouraging him to ask you out as subtle?” Britt asked.
“I do, so long as you don’t mention that I told you to call. Just say that you noticed sparks between us that day at Sweet Art and wanted to make sure that he followed up by asking me out because I’m a very endearing person. And you think we’d make a great couple.”
“Anything else you’d like me to say?” Britt asked dryly.
“You can mention my fabulous figure if it seems appropriate.”
“I can’t imagine a scenario in which that would seem appropriate.”
“You can mention my delightful personality, then. And my good taste in chocolate.”
“You eat milk chocolate pecan turtles.”
“Because I know what I like.” She winked as she moved off to check on a trio of patrons. “And I like Clint Fletcher.”
God have mercy on Clint, Britt thought as she and Zander climbed the stairs. The library’s second floor held a sitting area, Nikki’s office, and Nora’s office.
They found Nora behind her desk, a mug of steaming tea at her elbow. The pastel-striped rug, the jaunty tulips in a vase, and the carefully curated books filling Nora’s bookshelves communicated just how much Britt’s older sister adored her job.
All of the Bradford sisters had been lucky in that way. They’d each found their way to careers they loved. Nora had a passion for genealogy and history. Britt was crazy about chocolate ... always and forever chocolate. And Willow was devoted to the housewares and clothing she offered at her new store, Haven.
Haven had been a roaring success ever since word had gotten out that renowned former model Willow Bradford was doling out fashion and decorating advice via her store. And luckily for Britt, Willow sold the gift boxes of Sweet Art chocolate she ordered for Haven almost as soon as she stocked them.
“Two of my favorite people.” Nora stood to give them hugs. “I thought I heard your voices downstairs. Did Nikki scandalize you?”
“She did,” Zander answered.
“Good to hear that the status quo has continued uninterrupted.” Nora sat again behind her desk as Britt and Zander eased into the patterned chairs facing her. “Would either of you like tea?”
“We just had mediocre chocolate, so I’ll pass on mediocre tea,” Britt said.
