Page 16 of The Sweetest Ingredient

“I do have one…” I set my paperback down next to me. “Whenever someone borrows a book and returns it dogeared. I mean, seriously, ever heard of a bookmark? Makes me feel like planning an intervention.” I absently touched the chain around my neck.

His dark stare shifted from the book, lingering on me for a beat before moving to my necklace. “What’s that you’re wearing?”

With a gentle touch, I lifted the locket. “My mom gave it to me the last Christmas we spent together. Inside, there’s a photo of my parents on one side, and my sister, Bree, on the other.”

Surrounded by walls of books, it was as though the world had faded away, leaving only the two of us.

I debated asking him a personal question, but decided to ask anyway, for the sake of nosiness and all.

“So let me ask you something—and feel free not to answer—but do you date much?’” I held my breath, hoping the question wasn’t too presumptuous.

Bishop raised an eyebrow. “Getting personal, huh?”

I absentmindedly twirled a strand of hair. “I’m adorably curious by nature. Entertain me?”

Bishop hesitated for a moment, then tapped the spine of the romance novel by my side with his index finger. “I haven’t dated in a while, but I’d have to say, I’ve always been drawn to someone seriously dedicated to their calling, pouring themselves into what they love to do. That level of passion is very attractive.”

“Oh,” I managed to say, keeping my voice casual.

“So, Kenzi Middleton, what sparks your interest?”

A grin spread across my face. “Well, um, it’s the simplest things really. Like great conversations that make you lose track of time. You know, those moments when you’re so engrossed in talking to someone that the world just sort of falls away. It’s the best feeling.”

He nodded. “It really is. And it’s kind of sad that the art of conversation is dying. Nowadays, everyone just texts or DMs. It’s like we’ve forgotten how to actually talk to each other.”

“Right?” I said, latching onto his sentiment. “It’s so rare to find that kind of connection with someone.”

“It certainly is…”

Bishop’s gaze lingered on mine and made my stomach quiver.

We sat in comfortable silence, the bustle of the bookshop fading into white noise around us. The hushed whispers of patrons and occasional rustling of pages became distant, as if we were encased in our own bubble.

Despite having only known each other for a short time, I sensed the start of a long-lasting friendship with my boss. Like the tentative romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, this unexpected connection with Bishop left me both exhilarated and curious to see how this would unfold...as only friends, of course. He’d made it clear that dating was forbidden.

A sudden warmth bloomed in my cheeks. Why did that sound so sexy?

No, no. Not sexy. Dating coworkers was prohibited. Unless, I could change his mind.

“Kenzi.” He leaned forward slightly, the ambient light casting a soft halo around him. “I’m glad we did this…got to know each other a little better outside of work.”

My toes curled inside my shoes. “Making friends always scores high on my fun-o-meter.”

Gazing into Bishop’s eyes, as open and inviting as a favorite book, I wondered if it was time to confess that I wasn’t a professional baker. Then we could date, have great conversation, and I wouldn’t have to lie anymore.

I took a deep breath, blowing it out. “Bishop, I need to tell you something. I, um, well, I?—”

A thunderous crash exploded from behind me. Whipping around in my seat, I noticed a bookshelf had slipped out of the case, its volumes strewn across the floor. A young boy stood amidst the rubble, eyes bulging and mouth open. He looked like he’d just witnessed a hardback Armageddon.

I pressed a hand to my chest, willing my hammering heart to slow down. Next to me, Bishop exhaled sharply through his nose.

“Oh, my gosh!” I leapt off the sofa. “Are you okay?”

The boy nodded, his cheeks two bright red splotches.

After a pause, he faced the frozen child. “It’s all right, kid, accidents happen.”

The boy blinked, snapping out of his stupor. “S-sorry!” he squeaked before scurrying away.

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