Both Ruby and Stella laughed.
“It’s true, P.” Stella grabbed a cake box. “It’s hard to describe it, but it’s like a twist in your gut, as if he has knocked all the air from your lungs, and you just know…he’s the one. And then the amazing sex part comes, know what I’m saying?” Stella winked and elbowed me playfully in the side.
“Let’s let her be surprised on some things, Stel.” Ruby’s cheeks were pink and she fanned herself with an oven mitt. “Damn. Is it hot in here or is it just me?”
“What’s got you ladies all hot and bothered?” Barb jumped into the conversation once again.
“Our men,” Stella and Ruby answered at the same time and we all laughed.
“Barry really gets me going too.” Barb winked and scampered off before saying another word.
As we all got back to work, the Appleridge lovebug talk wouldn’t leave my head. Maybe I’d meet someone…a handsome mountain man like Austin or Julian, who will sweep me off my feet.
I couldn’t help being skeptical.
Maybe I was hopeless at love.
Or maybe it’s just pure luck to find your other half.
The storm rolledin and the skies opened up, rain pouring down. Thunder crashed in the distance and the clouds lit up with lightening.
Once the rain started, the customers stopped flowing in. Ten minutes later, the power went out. All the lights went dark in the bakery until several seconds later, it all powered back on.
“There’s the generator.” Ruby said. “We won’t be able to run the ovens, and the lights are dimmer, but the fridge and freezer run, along with our cases out front.”
I nodded. “Good, all the food is safe.”
“Yes. I doubt any customers will come in, so I’m going to send Barb home and have you close up the front.”
“Got it.”
An hour later, Ruby walked over to the window. “How’s it looking out there?”
“The rain slowed down. Hopefully it’ll stop soon.”
Lights pulled into the parking lot, a large truck with ladders, the town’s electricity company’s logo on the side.
“That must be the power line workers. Let’s brew them a pot of coffee and put together a box of sandwiches and one of muffins. Would you mind bringing it to them?”
“Sure.” I got the items together and set up a tray with cups of coffee with lids, sugar, creamer, and the boxes of sandwiches and sweets. Ruby’s apple cinnamon muffins were on top and they smelled so good, my mouth watered.
I headed outside, holding onto the tray tightly. The rain was a light drizzle now, the air thick and humid. As I got closer to the truck, I saw two men working. One up at the top of the pole and one on the ground.
Damn. I definitely brought too much. What was I thinking? That a whole crew of ten people would show up? Oh well, too late now. They’d have extra.
I smiled as I approached. But as I got closer and the man came into view, I almost tripped, catching myself in time before the tray flew out of my hands
Shit!
I squeezed the tray harder.
“Whoa, you okay there?” His scent hit me first.
Then his voice.
And then…him.
He was so handsome, his jawline sharp, his features dark, and his lips so smooth and so damn kissable.
