Page 6 of Room One Hundred and Twenty

“This is the part where you shake my hand,” he explains as his mouth twitches, “unless something is wrong?”

Shaking out of my state of shock, I grab his hand. Feeling the warmth of his fingers against mine, I shake it like he wants.

Looking like I’m some form of entertainment, the corners of his eyes crinkle as I release him.

“Sorry, I wasn’t expecting you to arrive so quickly,” I lie as I work on keeping a calm appearance. Easier said than done. “Ah, would you like to try something?”

“You did promise a cupcake,” he reminds as he takes his eyes off of me for what feels like the first time since entering. Taking a step back to take in what I have available, he contemplates.

While he’s not looking at me, I acknowledge the heat growing up my throat. I can’t believe I considered assaulting this man with a cupcake if he appeared. Now my heart is racing and I’m wondering if he’s going to change his mind once he gets a taste of something I made.

He’s never been here before to have tried something in the past. No, I’m sure of it. I would’ve remembered a face like his.

Picking out a chocolate cupcake with buttermilk frosting covered in chocolate shavings and a cherry on top, I fetch it for him.

Our fingers brush as I hand it over and I feel a jolt go up my arm before hitting me straight in the chest. This can’t possibly be good for my heart.

Watching the way his eyes light up as he takes his first bite, I get a hit of nostalgia. Back when business was booming, I remember how much I used to enjoy watching people try my creations for the first time. They’d light up like this.

“Better than I was expecting,” he murmurs, “and exactly what I’m looking for.”

He’s got a bit of frosting on his lower lip. I find myself staring at the white cream. Before I can try and find words to give him a warning, my toes curl as his tongue swipes out to get it.

Blinking, I lift my gaze to see the amusement dancing around his eyes. Well, that’s embarrassing. Caught in the act, I know there’s no point in trying to save myself now.

“I’m glad you like it.” Finding the second most interesting thing to stare at, I don’t watch him eat the rest of the cupcake. Thankfully, he doesn’t call me out and make this worse. Instead, he finishes my offering and clears his throat.

“So, are you ready to go check out the location?” He lifts a brow as he discards the wrapper. “I promised a tour if I remember correctly.”

I pause, my brows lifting in surprise. “Wait,now?”

A small tilt of his head is all it takes to make my stomach tighten. “Yes, of course. Plus,” he looks around, “you don’t seem too occupied at the moment.”

“Seattle is a four-hour drive. One way, mind you,” I state blankly, “I don’t have that sort of time.”

The bakery has a good five hours left. While I might close early some days, I’d never close after being open for only a couple of them.

Jake grins, even having the audacity to laugh. “Who said anything about driving?”

Lips parting, I blink at him in confusion.

“Come with me, Eloise. I promise I will make it worth your time.” Something is coaxing about the way he makes the request. Something tells me he doesn’t get told no very often.

In all truth, I don’t think I’m going to be able to turn him down either. Despite knowing nothing about this man, my will is not strong.

Nodding my head, my toes curl in my shoes. “Okay.”

Remembering Charity is still working away in the back, I excuse myself first and slip away to find the woman.

Finding her whipping up buttercream frosting, the moment I’m close enough, I’m clutching her arm.

“You will never believe what is happening right now.” Seeing the confusion on her face, I give her a rush explanation starting with the emails down to the man who is now waiting to take me to Seattle. If anyone is going to tell me I’m crazy and stop me before I do something reckless as leaving with a handsome stranger, it’ll be her.

Freeing her hands of her work, Charity sneaks over to get a look at him. Her brows lift. “Oh, he’s hot.”

At this point, I think the two of us share the same brain cell.

“Are you willing to watch over the shop for just a little bit? If I don’t return, you can lock up the shop. Worst case, you can call the cops too.” Might as well put it out there in case this guy has bad intentions.

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