“I can show ye around our quaint little town.”
They headed north, ambling along slowly as if neither of them had a care in the world. “I did some exploring on my own when I first arrived. It’s quite nice.”
“Thank ye. I enjoy the time I spend here.”
She nodded. “I heard you have another estate, not too far from here.”
He studied her profile as they continued down the street, and then turned right. He wasn’t sure what he expected to see there. Something that would hint as to why she was here. And something darker.
What if she was here because of his failing business? Was it some grand scheme she was plotting? With his free hand he pinched the bridge of his nose. He didn’t think that was the case. But considering his circumstances, he needed to be careful.
They passed the baker, and he noticed her deep inhale. The smile that just ticked up the corner of her mouth as she savored the delicious scents wafting out onto the street.
He had an idea. Tugging on her hand, he steered her to the door. “Let’s see what sweet treat awaits us inside.”
“Oh, I shouldn’t.
Shifting so she could look at his face, he met her eyes. “Why no’?” He glanced over his shoulder at the display of pastries and tarts in the window. “I ken ye havena eaten aught since ye broke your fast this morn. And ye must admit,” he took a deep breath, “Those scents are hard to resist. Dinna tell me ye doona like sugar.”
She caught her lip in her teeth, trying to hide her smile, but it was too late. He’d seen it.
“See? I ken ye crave something from inside. Let’s feed your hunger.”
Cheeks flushed, Jocelyn finally acquiesced. But he couldn’t tell if her blush was from excitement for the bakery or for the images his comments conjured up.
For him, all the heat he felt was due to having her in such close proximity to him.
And what he was craving couldn’t be bought off the shelf in the bakery.
*
Gunn held openthe door of the bakery for Jocelyn to enter. Ducking under his outstretched arm, she walked into the welcoming place and was immediately enveloped with warmth and scents that soothed her soul.
“Sir Burnett,” Liam, the baker greeted him cheerily.
“Liam. ’Tis nice to see ye. I see ye are making all the delights to tempt passersby again,” Gunn stated.
The older man chuckled. “The misses and I have been busy.” He looked at Jocelyn. “I dinna believe we’ve met, my lady. I’m Liam, the owner of this, if I do say so myself, fine establishment.”
Jocelyn dipped into a curtsy. “It is very nice to meet you, Liam. Jocelyn. I’m staying at the inn.”
“She is doing more than that. She is settling in to make Kincardine her home,” Gunn stated.
Liam’s face brightened. “Splendid. ’Tis a lovely place to settle down.”
“I have found it very pleasant so far.”
She chanced a sidelong glance at Gunn, but he was already looking at her and caught her gaze. She swore she saw him puff out his chest.
Was he trying to impress her? He needn’t make grand gestures to do so. She daren’t admit it, but she was quite enamored with him already. Him pontificating only made it that much harder to deny her feelings and hope that he felt just a smidge of what she did.
She noticed his clenched jaw and wondered what was on his mind. He cleared his throat, and tugged at his cravat, craning his neck.
“As we were passing by, we were sucked in by all the heavenly scents and had to come inside for a treat.”
Liam smiled. “Whate’er ye fancy, ye just let me ken and I’ll wrap it up for ye. How’s business at the pub going?” he asked, his voice growing serious.
It seemed everyone in town knew the struggles Gunn was having with the pub, but yet, still no one came.
