All we had to do was get these cookies baked and put some delicious frosting on top. I had chosen a variety of colors from the rainbow and sprinkles for an added touch. We’d have the most wonderful selection for buyers to bid on, and I was sure our cookies would have the most raffle tickets in the box. No one else would beat us, not even—
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and I put my unrolled batter back into the mixing bowl. I wiped my hands on my red apron and headed for the door, puzzled by who would be on the other side when we weren’t expecting anyvisitors this evening because I had ensured our schedule was clear for baking.
I reached for the door handle and opened the door. Jack was on the other side with a wide grin on his face, and his woodsy scent sent a chill down my spine. No, the chilly breeze did. Not Jack. I wanted nothing to do with this grumpy, antisocial man.
“Hello, neighbor,” Jack said.
“Jack.” I sighed at him through a slightly ajar door. “What do you want?”
“Eggs, little Elle. I need two eggs,” Jack answered as he tried to peer in behind me. “What are you girls up to?”
“None of your damn business,” I snapped and blocked his view. “Why do you need eggs?”
Jack wore a white dress shirt with the top buttons undone, and his hair blew in the breeze. He must be cold. Served Jack right. Maybe he’d march his ass home to get warm if I made him stand longer outside my door.
I couldn’t help admiring his rolled-up sleeves, which revealed tattoos. I’d never noticed the ink before, making me curious about when he’d gotten them and what they meant as I studied the black artwork on his forearms.
“I’d rather not say,” Jack shot back at me while he crossed his arms in front of his chest. “Now. Are you gonna let me in, neighbor, and give me some eggs or continue to gawk at me?”
Oh, you miserable man.
I flushed. “I wasn’t staring at you.”
Jack glanced down at himself and back at me with a cocky half-smile. “Right.”
Christ, could Jack be anymore full of himself?
“Why do you need eggs from me?” I changed the subject to stop my cheeks from burning. “Don’t you have a grocery store delivery service that does that for you?”
“I do, but I wanted to see your face when you find out—” Faith opened the door all the way.
“Mr. Timber!” My daughter charged toward Jack with open arms and wrapped them around his right leg. “Are you getting your cookies ready too?”
I had never realized how tall Jack was until Faith’s slight frame mushed up against him, and he made an uncomfortable face. He patted her head, grinning shyly at me and shrugging his shoulders. Every miserable bone in his body seemed to melt away into a puddle with Faith around. Something had changed in Jack, and I smiled at them.
Oh my God, Noelle! Cut the crap. Stop grinning like a damn goof! You’re supposed to hate the man.
I huffed. “What cookies?”
I tapped a slipper on the floor, crossed my arms, and scrunched my face up in confusion.
“He’s making cookies for our school fundraiser too, Mommy,” Faith answered as she glanced up at Jack and back at me. “Isn’t that awesome?”
My mouth dropped wide open.
Jack grinned. “Now, that’s the pretty expression I came over to see.”
My cheeks heated more than they ever had before. I wanted to slam the door, run into my bedroom, and bury my head underneath my pillow. Jack had called mepretty,and I was blushing like a damn college girl fresh out of high school.
“Come on in, Mr. Timber.” Faith let go of Jack’s leg and took his hand. “I’ll get you some eggs.”
In an instant, my fluster turned into rage. My daughterlikedJack. The neighbor I loathed with every fiber of my being had turned my own blood against me. He must’ve manipulated Faith, bribed her or done something sweet to win her over. Nothing about Jack was nice, but my daughter appeared to disagree as she led him inside.
“How did you know about—” Jack pushed me aside with two fingers jabbed into my shoulder.
Faith let go of Jack’s hand as she walked past us, and he reached a hand up over my head. He leaned against the doorframe, hand on the edge, and peered down at me intensely. His hand reached out and touched my chin. He shut my damn mouth with my lips clamped tight. Too mesmerized by him to turn away, lost in those hazelnut eyes and staring at those goddamn velvety lips again.
“Faith told me yesterday at bedtime when I tucked your daughter in and read her a story.” Jack brought his hand up to my collarbone and traced his finger along my neckline. “After she brushed her teeth.”
