Their gazes met. Lingered.
Tasha’s pulse kicked up. “T-thank you.”
He smiled softly. “You’re welcome.”
For some strange reason, neither of them seemed in any hurry to look away and break the contact. There seemed to be a connection between them as if a current of something flowed from him to her and back again.
Higgins barked, breaking the spell.
Elias glanced at the dog. “He wants a treat.”
“No dough for dogs,” Elizabeth warned. “Or humans.”
As they made balls, Elias sneaked a taste of dough.
Tasha wagged her finger. “I saw that.”
He held out dough to her. “Want some?”
“It’ll make you sick.”
Elias shook his head. “That’s on old wives’ tale so mom and grandmas get to eat all the dough themselves.”
She laughed. “You sound like Alek.”
He ate another bite. “Your brother must have excellent taste, too.”
“I’m sure Alek Ramson is smart enough not to play chicken with salmonella,” Mrs. Carpenter chastised before Tasha could. “Less eating and more baking or Elias won’t be able to take you out for dinner.”
That was news to Tasha. “Dinner?”
Elias shrugged. “Guess that’s what my wingman wants.”
“Your grandmother’s your wingman?” Tasha asked.
“Her and Higgins.”
Tasha shook her head. “I guess that’s better than if it were Bigfoot.”
“My dear.” Mrs. Carpenter came closer. “You fit in perfectly in Berry Lake. I hope you consider extending your stay.”
“I might.” Tasha liked the town, but more importantly she liked Elias. It might be worth staying and ringing in the new year with him.
* * *
Dinner turned out to be at a little café with linen-covered tables. A flickering votive candle and a single poinsettia flower in a vase sat off to one side of the table. Tasha sat across from Elias. It turned out Elizabeth had made them a reservation for two to say thank you for helping bake cookies.
Tasha enjoyed her entrée of salmon, asparagus, and rice pilaf. She set her fork on the plate. “Dinner was delicious. Thanks.”
“I’m sorry for my grandmother less than subtle matchmaking efforts.”
“That’s what a wingman’s for.”
He laughed.
“It’s sweet,” she added.
Elias covered her hand with his. “I’m glad Grammy did what she did.”
