Jocelyn left them to speak about business, and browsed the cases filled with all the pastries she could imagine and then some. There were tarts of all flavors—berry, custard, onion. Petit fours in bright colors. Macarons with creamy filling. Croissants, currant muffins. Cranberry bread. The list of offerings went on and on.
She got the feeling that mayhap Liam’s wife was French and the inspiration for many of the recipes. She couldn’t be certain, but the store reminded her of a bakery she’d visited with her parents on a trip to Paris when she was young.
“See aught ye like?” Gunn said from behind her.
She hadn’t heard him approach.
“So many things actually. How can one possibly choose?” She moved to another case that shelved beautifully decorated cakes of all flavors.
“He’ll sell those by the slice if ye want just a taste. Or we can purchase the whole cake and ye can savor it for the week.”
We can purchase the whole cake.Gunn made it seem as if this were a mutual venture. Like they were a couple strolling along and stopping for a treat.
Leaving the case of cakes, she walked over to a tiered stand that held pretty shaped shortbread. Everything looked divine, but she knew she couldn’t afford aught in here. It was nice to dream of buying something, but it was out of the realm of possibility for her.
And she’d be damned to ask Gunn for a pay advance so she could purchase a treat.
“Actually, I am still quite full from my meal this morn.”
Gunn lifted a brow in disbelief. He looked toward Liam, but the man was busying himself behind the counter. “I highly doubt the slice of toast ye had to break your fast is still in your belly, lass. Ye need to eat,” he prodded, concern lacing his deep voice.
Instinctively, her palms went to her stomach, but she quickly dropped them as Gunn’s eyes tracked the movement. He was right, of course, but he had no idea just how right he was.
Alas, it all came down to resources. And she was lacking in that department.
Apparently realizing that she wasn’t going to give in and tell him what she wanted, Gunn approached the counter and told Liam they were ready to order.
Her eyes blew wide. No. She couldn’t afford it. She hurried to his side. “Sir, I don’t…”
Lifting his hand, he quieted her. “I find myself verra hungry. If ye dinna want aught, ’tis fine. I will order for myself.”
She wanted to plead for him not to, because she knew what he was doing. Knew he’d figured out why she didn’t want to order anything.
Minutes later they said their goodbyes to Liam and walked out of the bakery with Gunn carrying two large boxes of treats.
Her mouth had watered watching him pick out a variety of delectable desserts.
They headed back in the direction of the inn.
She leaned into him and bumped him in the side. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said quietly.
“I ken.”
“Thank you.”
“Ye’re verra welcome. Now let’s hurry back so we can enjoy these with tea.”
Her eyes widened. “Surely you don’t mean to eat all of these in one sitting.”
Gunn barked out a laugh. “Nay, lass. But we can eat as many as we like, until our stomachs are bursting and we canna take another bite.” He smiled, but then his expression grew serious. “Ye needna fash o’er purchasing such things. I would have ne’er brought ye inside to make ye pay for aught yourself. I want ye to eat well. To be happy.”
She dipped her head, embarrassment heating her cheeks. He’d read her so well. Was she so bad at masking her feelings?
“Dinna be embarrassed, lass.”
Apparently she was.
“We all have our paths. They are all different. Twisting and turning in their patterns. Some more difficult than others. When someone that has had an easier path offers ye a helping hand, dinna be afraid to accept it.”
