He narrowed his eyes, selected a cheesecake, and—never breaking eye contact—raised it to his lips. The scent of pumpkin reached his nose just before the taste hit his tongue. The velvety blend of pumpkin, cream cheese, sugar, and spices hit with a toasty crunch of the crust. Was that... molasses?
He paused mid-chew. “Is that a gingersnap crust?”
Her teeth skimmed over her bottom lip with her smile in answer.
“It’s excellent, Daphne.” He took another bite, the flavors deepening. “The blend, the texture. Are you thinking for the wedding day meal?”
“If we go with your beef tenderloin and the herb-crusted chicken, I thought these might be the perfect finish.” Her gaze searched his. “But I’m not sure. The whipped cream on top feels like it’s missing something.”
That small question—that invitation—meant more than she probably realized.
He polished off the last bite and allowed the flavors another rumination before looking back at her. “Do you trust me?”
Her smile faltered a little. “Yes?”
“That sounded like a question.”
“No.” A breath. Then a firmer nod. “Yes. I trust you.”
Her answer knocked the grin right back into place. “How about a burnt sugar caramel drizzle? Served warm. Just enough bite to contrast the sweetness.”
She studied him, and he could practically see her analyzing flavor balance in real time.
“Slow-cook the sugar until it flirts with bitterness,” he continued, watching her closely, “so it deepens the whole flavor profile. Think dark honey, a touch of toffee—cuts through the richness like a well-timed wink.”
He winked to demonstrate.
Her smile bloomed—full, amused, and just this side of playful. She folded her arms. “Are we still talking about the cheesecake,” she asked, “or... something else?”
Oh, she was flirting back. And his wall-pinning thoughts rushed to the front of his mind. He stepped closer. “Iwas talking about dessert, Miss Austen. What exactly wereyoutalking about?”
Color rose in her cheeks. She gestured vaguely toward the container. “The dessert. Obviously.” Her gaze lingered on his mouth. “Of course.”
“You know,” he murmured, gaze dropping to her mouth for half a heartbeat, then he gestured inside. Just a few more minutes with her. Or an hour? Or... maybe forever? “It’s raining. You’re here.Andyou brought cheesecake.”
“Ooh...” The word shivered out of her and her attention gave hislips a once-over before she glanced behind her as if someone might be watching. “It’s late. I’d better get back to my apartment.”
“Probably smart.” He nodded, drawing in a calming breath. “Or I’m going to kiss you right here on the porch and scandalize the neighborhood.”
Her bottom lip dropped and a tiny squeak emerged. He almost carried through on his threat. She took a step back, despite the way her attention kept shifting to his lips.
The woman was going to drive him mad.
“Are you still fine with watching Lucy tomorrow after school? I know the timing is all wrong, but I need to meet with the food inspect—”
“You know I never mind spending time with Lucy.” Her grin spread. “She can help me taste test a few items for the bridal breakfast.”
“Thank you.” He shifted a step closer, almost close enough to slip his palm right around the waist of those ridiculous pajama bottoms.
She half turned, hesitating like part of her didn’t want to go. “Of course.” Her voice went breathless again. “I’d better... you know.” She pointed toward her apartment. “Go.”
Finn watched her dash back into the rain, take the steps up to her apartment, and with a lingering look at him from across the distance—and a smile—she closed her door.
Having the apartment above the pub made single-dad life workable. Finn usually met Lucy when she got off the bus—unless she detoured to Daphne’s first, which was happening more often lately. She’d hang out at the pub for an hour until Daphne arrived, stay with her through the early evening, and then Finn took over again—long enough for stories and silly dances and tucking her in. Then, with a monitor at his side and regular upstairs checks, he returned to pub life.
It had worked well.
But adding Daphne into the mix?
