“I crushed on you all last summer,” I forced myself to admit. “Finding you again—”
“Isn’t enough,” he interrupted.
“What?”
“Ez told me you’re going back to Sacramento.” His words didn’t quite accuse me.
“I have a life there, you know,” I said, all defensive, feeling again like that rope in a tug-of-war. “I’m working for my dad while Taylor looks for a good location back home.”
Coop let go of my hands and leaned back on his. He tilted back his head, seeming to meditate.
“Have you ever thought about getting a job in Sacramento?” I asked, frustrated. Why was I the one who had to move?
“I did last summer. When I finished that internship, my supervisor said I had a job there any time I wanted one.”
“But that’s perfect.” I sat straighter, unable to keep down my excitement. “You could move to Sacramento.”
“Lia,thisis my future.” He pointed to the castle, keeping his words soft but firm. “Miles paid for my entire education and that internship so I’d bring back those skills and use them here.”
“But Miles isn’t here to disappoint,” I insisted.
“It’s kind of funny, but I used to think no one could be as crazy about this place as Miles. Until I met your father. Lia, I’d be a fool to turn down his offer.” For the first time, Coop sounded a little frustrated too, though his expression didn’t change.
“He’s already offered you a job?” I’d heard bits and pieces here and there about my parents wanting to choose a head gardener. Neither had mentioned they wanted Coop.
“Yes, and I accepted. It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of,” Coop said, simply.
“Why does this stupid place have to be everyone’s dream fulfillment but mine?” Unable to sit still any longer, I jumped to my feet. “Look, I can’t open a dessert boutique in Wildwood.”
“Why not?” Coop rose, took my hand, and pulled me a little closer. “Better yet, why not open one here at the citadel? It’s only three days since your parents announced the tea, and it’s already sold out. Your mother’s always talking about how much she needs you here.”
“Myfuture is in Sacramento,” I said, my jaw muscles tight.
“I don’t think that I’m imagining that something special’s happening between us.” He put his hand to my cheek, his palm cooling the flush in my skin.
“Coop ….” I relaxed against his hand.
“Don’t decide now. Just give us time to find out.” He leaned forward and kissed my forehead before turning to pick up the dinner mess.
***
The next morning, as I brushed my hair, Mellie came skipping into the bathroom. She carried a box with a bow on it and handed it to me with a huge grin.
“What’s this?” I set down my new brush and accepted the box.
“It’s from Coop.” She skipped away.
I pulled off the small card and opened it.
Every artist needs proper tools. You could call your café Tort Reform. ;) Coop
Inside the box rested a palette knife. I tried to think back to the questions he had asked about pastry tools when we’d gone to the store. Not that many. He must have done some research.
Over the next few days, first thing in the morning, Mellie brought me a box. Every one contained some pastry tool and a little slip of paper with a name suggestion. Things likeWhat’s the Batter,Highly Confectious,Let Them Eat Cake, orPudding on the Ritz. When I opened a box with piping tips and read the namePie-romaniacs, I burst out laughing.
Approaching Coop in the garden one morning, I couldn’t help a grin. Over the last few days, he’d managed to chip away at the resentment I’d been fighting since the picnic. I’d especially resented the awkwardness that had grown up between us.
“Hang on,” he said when I reached for a shovel. Coop bent over and picked up a pretty bloom of vibrant pink and burgundy. He brushed back my hair and slid the flower over my left ear.
