“Damn it.”
He pulled back onto Main Street and spotted the bakery, golden light spilling onto the sidewalk. He parked, stepped into the biting evening air, and pushed through the door. A line stretched toward the display case, so he pulled a number from the dispenser and settled into one of the small café tables, breathing in butter and sugar while he waited.
****
Aftyn sighed as she opened the oven door, a wave of savory heat escaping. The meatloaf was ready, edges caramelized to perfection, but she couldn’t care less about the food right now. She wanted the man. Cole had come to mean so much to her in such a short time, and she knew it couldn’t go anywhere. He didn’t trust women, and she understood that bone deep feeling. But even after everything Judd had put her through, she still wanted love again someday. It just couldn’t be with Cole. His ex had left nothing but jagged edges.
A firm knock made her jump. She pressed a hand to her heart, smoothed her blue T-shirt over her jeans, took a breath, and walked to the door on unsteady legs. Through the peephole she saw him, broad shoulders hunched against the biting wind. She unlocked the door and pulled it open. Cole stepped inside, Ollie pushing past him, and kissed her with surprising tenderness before handing her a crisp white bag sealed with a gold sticker.
“For you.”
She opened it and inhaled. Cocoa and sugar. Her mouth watered instantly. “I love chocolate.”
“Chocolate covered cherries.”
“I’m saving these for dessert.” She set the bag onthe counter and crouched to pet Ollie. “Hi, sweetie. You’re freezing.”
“Welcome to Montana.” Cole grinned, the dimple showing in his left cheek as he hung his sheepskin coat and hat on the rack. “Damn, something smells good.”
“It’s the meatloaf,” she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
“I didn’t mean the food.” He pulled her into his arms, warm and unhurried. “I meant you.” He lowered his lips to hers and she slid her arms around his waist, feeling the warmth of him through his soft cotton shirt. He groaned and pulled her closer, his aftershave wrapping around her. When he lifted his lips she missed them already.
The oven timer shrieked. They sprang apart and laughed.
“Sit down and I’ll get the food. We can eat on the sofa; I don’t have a table.”
“I can help.”
“I’ve got it. Sit.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He kissed her forehead, lips lingering a beat, then settled onto the sofa with Ollie padding after him.
She shook her head, smiling, and carried out two plates, steam rising from the meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Cole got to his feet as she approached, took one from her, waited for her to sit, then settled beside her, their knees touching.
He cut a piece of the meatloaf, chewed, and groaned. “Damn, that’s good.”
“Aunt Ping’s recipe.”
“Meatloaf’s one of my favorites. I like it cold on a sandwich with mustard too.” She made a face and he chuckled. “Right. Forgot.”
“Aunt Ping does the same thing.” Aftyn shuddered. “No way.”
“To each their own.” He dug into the mashed potatoes. “Would you like to go riding Sunday?”
“As cold as it is?”
“Nothing quite like it. After you find a car we can relax until dinner. Pack a bag too. I want you to stay tomorrow night, if you want to.”
“I do.” She grinned.
“What’s that for?”
“I already packed.”
Cole laughed. “Smart woman.” He touched her hair and leaned in to kiss her when someone knocked on the door.
Aftyn frowned at the door. “Who could that be?”
