Page 47 of The Sweetest Ingredient

He frowned. “You should form your own judgments based on what you see, what you feel, and not only what you hear.”

My shoulders slumped. “Sorry if I misjudged you.”

“Now that I’ve answered your questions. I have something to say.” He tugged at his collar, his scent a blend of woody bergamot, eucalyptus, and sandalwood swirled around me. “Kenzi, ever since you walked into Doughy Desires, things have...well, my business is thriving again, and it’s all thanks to you.”

“Oh, stop it.” I smiled. “I simply added a sprinkle of Kenzi magic.”

“And I can’t thank you enough. How would you like to get out of here for a few hours? Care to join me at the farmer’s market? I want to pick up some fresh ingredients,” he said, his voice smooth like dark chocolate melting over a low flame.

“That sounds fun.”

“Shall we proceed to the town square, my lady?” He extended his arm with a flourish.

“Lead the way, good sir.”

Chapter Eighteen

As we strolled to the farmer’s market, I peeked at Bishop, admiring the way his shirt hugged his sculpted muscles, he held his head high, and his full, sensual lips were almost smiling. The sun-dappled avenues were lined with quaint shops, businesses, and lush trees. A squirrel skittered past us, followed by a bird trilling from an overhead branch. Wind swept through the street, carrying the fragrant scent of wildflowers. My hair flew around my face, causing me to frown as I attempted to tame the wild strands.

“I should start wearing a hat on windy days.”

Bishop glanced at me. “Don’t. You have beautiful hair.”

My heart practically exploded into mush. “Is that a compliment, Mr. Caine?” Placing a hand flat on my chest, I feigned shock. “I didn’t know you had it in you.”

“Neither did I.” His expression softened. “But then again, I didn’t expect to enjoy the company of a woman who pairs her floral dresses with high-top sneakers.”

Smiling, I shrugged. “Don’t diss my keen fashion sense.”

In a storefront window, I caught sight of us—me in my dress, black tights, and kicks, with chestnut curls setting off my bright green eyes. Beside me, Bishop exuded an effortless coolness in his black V-neck shirt, dark-wash jeans, and sneakers. His hair, spiked with gel, and the scruff on his face lent him a roguish charm.

As we approached the market, the afternoon air was alive with the vibrant energy of commerce. Vendors called out to entice shoppers, beckoning them to explore their array of fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, and delectable homemade foods and artisanal crafts.

“I’ve always loved coming here.”

“Me too,” Bishop said.

We made our way through the market, stopping occasionally to admire the various goods displayed by the merchants. It wasn’t long before we found ourselves standing before a stall piled high with ripe oranges.

“Exactly what I need for an orange almond cake,” Bishop said, then to the man standing in the stall, “How you doing, Felix?”

“Good, Mr. Caine.” Felix smiled. “Back again for my finest fruits?”

Bishop nodded. “Ten for five dollars?”

“Yep. And I’ll even throw in a couple of extra for your lovely companion here.” Felix winked in my direction.

“How can we pass up bonus fruit?” I batted my eyelashes at Bishop.

“You’re right,” he replied. “I’ll take it.”

Bishop paid, gathered our bounty, and we left the stall.

“Why, Bishop, if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to wine and dine me with all this fruit,” I teased.

My boss nodded, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “But of course. Only the finest oranges for you, my fair lady.”

I really loved this less-serious side of him. Who knew he had such a cute sense of humor under all those layers of seriousness? Certainly not me.

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