The look on Rowan’s face is almost laughable. He’s now showing his expressions so clearly that it’s a wonder how I ever thought he was stoic.
“You made these for me…?” He lets the question linger in the air.
“Yeah! You told me and Ethel how you really liked them the other day.”
“That doesn’t mean you had tomakeme them. They must have taken you forever,” he murmurs.
“All night, actually!” I blurt happily. He looks appalled, and I realize how my words sounded. “I didn’t say that to make you feel bad. I’m actually quite proud of myself for not giving up and successfully making one of your favorite foods! It’s a thank-you for everything you’ve done for me.”
And hopefully to wiggle into your heart.
But I don’t say that last part out loud.
“I didn’t even do anything that warrants thanks. I’ve just been doing my job,” he rumbles out.
“You gave me food, and that’s not part of your job description. Most importantly, you eat with me. That’s already worth a lifetime of croissants,” I reply with a grin.
And then it happens. He faces me, and one corner of his mouth hooks up in a lopsided grin, causing my heart to stutter. If it made him smile like that, I’m willing to make him croissants for the rest of my life.
“Thanks,” he rumbles. “That’s really thoughtful of you.”
I beam and pick up the best-looking croissant of the batch and hand it to him. I’m proud of the golden flakiness, void of any charred marks.
“This one must taste good!” I exclaim.
Rowan is smiling softly as he accepts it and takes a bite.
“Well? How is it?” I ask.
He doesn’t answer and takes bites in succession until the entire thing disappears into his stomach. Meanwhile, mysmile is stretching my face so wide it almost hurts. Seeing how he ate it so eagerly, it must be good.
Rowan takes a second to swallow, then faces me with that same smile on his face. My chest is puffed up with pride. I try to grab one for myself, but Rowan shoots out a hand to stop me.
“I thought you said they’re for me?” he asks.
“They are, but shouldn’t I at least try my handiwork?”
“There’s no need!” He says it so quickly it makes me suspicious.
Could it be…
“Do you like them so much that you want them all for yourself?” I ask, still beaming at him.
“Uh, yes! Exactly!” Rowan agrees quickly and grabs another piece for himself.
I happily watch him devour another croissant and soak up every soft smile he shoots my way. I knew my plan would work!
Nobody can resist food. The stomach is the surefire way to the heart!
13
Rowan
I chug another bottle of water, and my mouth finally doesn’t feel like the Sahara Desert.
I’m touched Milo went through all the effort to make me croissants, but I’m pretty sure he mixed up the salt and sugar. The extra-salty flavor didn’t help the dryness of the pastry.
I didn’t have the heart to tell him his croissants were, in fact, not successful since he was so proud of them. And as I’d been adamant about eating them all, he’ll never have to know just how unpalatable they were.
