His face falls into an apologetic frown. “I’m sorry, we’re sold out for today. If you come back early tomorrow we’ll have another batch.”
“Oh, nuts.” I fidget with my hands before remembering what Serena said. “I ran into a woman named Serena on the ferry over here. She’s the one who told me about them, but I won’t be here tomorrow. Next time, I guess.”
He winks. “Well, if Serena sent you, that’s different. Hang on, honey.”
I can’t believe that worked…I guess small towns really are different.
He comes bustling back out with a small paper bag that he hands over to me with a smile. “Here you go. One secret stash apple nut muffin for Serena’s new friend.”
I take the bag and reach for my wallet. “Wow, thank you. What do I owe you?”
“Now take a bite and tell me it’s the best muffin you’ve ever eaten and consider that payment. And when you come back for more, which you will, trust me, just ask for Sebastian. That’s me, and I’ll make sure you’re hooked up.”
My jaw drops. “What? No. I can’t take it for free, I barely know Serena, she just spoke to me on the ferry and recommended this place and —"
“Serena is one of my best friends. If she told you to mention her name in exchange for a muffin, it’s because she liked you.” A beautiful, dark-haired woman comes out of the kitchen, dusting her hands off on an apron. “I’m Mila, this is my bakery. Welcome to Dogwood Cove.” Her greeting is warm and inviting, and automatically brings an answering smile to my face.
“Hi, and thank you. Your café is amazing. But really, I don’t mind paying for the muffin.”
Mila waves her hand at me, then hands over the coffee Sebastian passes to her. “Nope, not happening. Serena is a good judge of character, and a die-hard fan of my muffins. She wanted you to have it, so please take it.”
I finally give in to what feels like a losing battle over a muffin and take a bite. “Ohmgd.” The mumbled words come out before I can even think about how rude it is to speak with food in my mouth. Once I’ve swallowed down the bite of the most delicious thing I’ve ever eaten, I look back up at Mila who’s standing there with a smug smirk.
“This is incredible.”
“Yep. I’m famous for them. So. What’s your name, what brings you to Dogwood Cove, where are you from, where are you staying?”
“Uh-umm,” I stammer out. I’m not used to this level of aggressively friendly interaction with strangers, but Mila is just looking at me expectantly. “Ashley, I’m here to consult on a design project, I’m from Vancouver, and I’m not staying. Just here for the day.”
Mila drops her elbows down to the counter and props her head in her hands. “Ooh. Tell me more, Ashley from Vancouver. What’s the project? No wait. Let me guess. Is it a new B&B? No, I would’ve heard of that. Umm…hmm. Is it for a store?”
“It’s for a winery? La Lune Rouge. My, ah, my dad knows the guy who’s opening it, so…” my voice trails off lamely as I realize how immature and unprofessional it sounds to admit that I only have this opportunity thanks to my father.
“Oh my God, I know Finn, one of the owners! That’s incredible. The wine is so damn good. What are you designing?”
Mila is happy and friendly, and it almost makes me feel like she doesn’t care how I got the job. She is simply genuinely interested in me. It’s weird, unsettling almost, to be the focus of that attention. Definitely not what I’m used to.
“The tasting room and wine shop.”
“Oh you’re an interior designer? That is so cool! Hey, what do you think of this place? I admit, I did it myself to save money, but I like it.”
“You did it all yourself? Wow, you’ve got great taste.” I take another look around, absorbing the way the warm colour palette blends together without being boring, the comfortable furniture, and strategic lighting that highlights what appears to be local artwork for sale on the walls. “I mean it, Mila. This place is beautiful. It’s exactly my style. Casual, but cozy and well pulled together. It’s inviting and interesting. I’m impressed.” When I turn back to her with a smile, she looks inordinately pleased.
“That is so nice of you to say. Wow. A real designer likes my style. Wait ‘til I tell my older brother. He’s always trying to get me to fancy the place up, but I keep telling him — people like comfort with their coffee.”
I giggle. “Exactly. If I wanted boring, I would go to Tim Hortons.”
Mila delicately shudders. “Boring and gross. Their donuts don’t hold a candle to my homemade fritters. Next time you’re in town I’ll whip up a batch. I’m guessing you’ll be here again if you’re working on the winery?”
“I guess, but I don’t have the job yet. Just an interview, sort of.” I glance at my phone to check the time. “Shoot, I’ve got to go. Thank you again for breakfast.” I give Mila a grateful smile, and on my way out, I tuck a twenty dollar bill into the jar on the counter that has a sign attached, indicating tips will go toward donations for the food bank.
“See you next time, Ashley!” Mila calls out to me and I turn to give her a wave, only to bump into someone on my way out the door.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry!” I cry out as strong hands grip my waist, steadying me. I’m so busy checking my blouse for coffee that I don’t look up until the smooth but playful voice hits me.
“It’s all good, no coffee was sacrificed. And I should have been watching where I was going.”
My eyes dart up and meet the most vibrant green eyes I’ve ever seen on a man. The scruff he’s sporting doesn’t hide the strong jawline, or the dimple I see peeking through. A backwards ball cap completes the trifecta of sexiness. As my gaze travels unabashedly over his face, I realize I’m still standing in the doorway, and I need to find my way to the winery for my meeting.
