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Without saying a word, Kevin placed the two mugs in his hands down on the counter, then snatched one of their energy drinks out of the fridge. He cracked it open, pouring half into each mug.
She stepped up to him and took the mug he handed her. “I’m usually more of a coffee-in-the-morning person.”
“I figured it wasn’t a good idea for me to try to tinker with that fancy machine you have out there.”
“That’s fair.” She took a sip. “Why are you up so early?”
“How would you know my morning routine? Maybe I’m always up at five.”
She cocked her head and he laughed.
“Fine, you caught me. I actually came down here to ask a favor.”
She nodded and placed her mug down, reaching for the clean muffin tins on the shelf.
Kevin stepped to the sink and washed his hands, then rolled up his sleeves. He knew by this point if he wanted to hang out in the kitchen he would have to lend a hand.
He placed paper wrappers in the tins while Jess scooped the batter.
“My mom’s birthday is tomorrow. My family and I have always done a big brunch for her in the morning, and I’ve yet to miss one.”
She reached for the sparkling sugar and topped each muffin. “You need the car.”
“Is that okay? Just for tonight and tomorrow, I’ll be back by Tuesday morning.”
Her heart sank into her stomach. “So you’re skipping our Monday.”
“That’s right, you’ll be off the hook. How will you spend your day of freedom?”
Her face felt tight. She transferred the muffins to the oven, then went to the fridge for the pre-baked scones, not bothering to look at him.
“Jesssssss…”
“Hmm?”
“Look at me, please.”
“What? You can take the car. Go see your family. I’ll see you on Tuesday.”
She listened as his breathing grew heavier. She dipped the pastry brush in the small bowl of cream.
His hand enveloped her wrist as he guided her to put down the brush.
“Do you want to come with me?”
She dropped the brush in the bowl, cream splattering onto the counter.
He grinned. “Come with me to Vermont. Meet my family. Are you okay with tofu scramble? Mom’s vegan.”
“I—but the bakery—” she sputtered.
“Will survive. You have enough stock to miss a day of prep. We could ask Zach to close up this afternoon and we’ll leave after the morning rush.”
She blinked, unable to string words together.
He kept smiling, as if her inability to form a sentence amused him. “We could even camp tonight, if you wanted. There are so many campgrounds on the way up to Burlington.”
“I don’t have any camping gear…” she mumbled.
