Page 8 of Passion in Store

“I guess you haven’t had a chance to show him any of your ideas for smoothies?” I pull out a chair and sit with her.

“When I mentioned it, he grunted and shrugged his shoulders. I wasn’t sure what that meant, so I printed out some of my recipes and left them on the counter. The pages were gone later, but then I saw them in the bin. I get it—he’s having enough trouble keeping the normal menu going.” She’s smiling bravely, cocking her head to the side, but I know she must be heartbroken.

“And what about Paige?” I’m not hopeful that Paige has been any help.

“She hasn’t turned up for days.” She puts her palms out and shrugs, her eyes wide.

“This is not fair to you. Not fair at all.” I shake my head again. It seems pretty hopeless.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. You have a lot going on, I know you do. Tor told me you are doing a beachside boot camp. That’s such a great idea, I’m impressed!”

I’m so excited to see her enthusiasm that I can’t help but rave about it. “Yes, in a couple weeks. Will you come?”

She’s nodding and smiling and my pancake heart flops to the other side. Then I remember my great idea for a romantic date and I can’t resist. “Minnie?”

“Yes, Connor?”

“I asked you something before, and I…”

She’s smiling at me through her eyelashes. Her cheeks have pushed up into two cute little mounds and my desire to kiss them overwhelms me. She raises her eyebrows and nods expectantly.

I’m encouraged to continue, to ask the real question in my heart. “Minnie, I’d really love to take you out on a date. Will you please go out with me?”

Chapter 8

Minnie

We settle on Saturday afternoon for our date, and when Connor picks me up, I’m nervous as hell. He's wearing a black tank and board shorts, and he is tanned and fit all over. I’m wearing a cute sundress with a bikini underneath.

He opens the passenger door of his Jeep and helps me in. I settle myself, putting the seat belt on.

“You ready?” he asks as he jumps in. I glance sideways at him, admiring his forearms as he turns on the engine and shifts into gear.

“Yep, I’m good,” I say. “Nice car,” I comment on the Wrangler. It smells like pine and is super clean. I look out the window. It’s a lovely sunny day.

The conversation is pretty much one-sided after that, with Connor pointing out landmarks as we pass them, chatting effortlessly while I struggle to think of something meaningful to say.

When we get to the bay, he stops the car next to a park.

“Would you like an ice cream? There’s a great gelato bar over there.” He’s pointing and I look at him. I can hardly believe I'm with this guy.

I nod.

“Great, just hold on there and I’ll come help you out.” He’s out of the car and running around the front quickly, but I don’t want him to think I’m too short to reach the ground, so I go ahead and open my door, attempting to beat him to it. In my rush, I stumble inelegantly, and the next thing I know, I’m in his arms.

“Hey,” he says with a laugh. “It’s pretty awkward to get out the first time, you should have waited.” He’s holding me, scooping me upright.

“Oops, that was clumsy of me.” I’m really embarrassed, and I look up at him shyly as we stand there together, his arms still around me.

“No, not at all. I should have warned you to grab the handle. Are you okay?” He grins.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” But I’m enjoying the feel of his arms around me, so I don’t move a muscle.

He might be reading my mind. “You know, this reminds me of the first time I saw you in the café,” he says, and I look into his deep brown eyes. “Remember how I showed you how to use the blender? I was trying to focus on the lesson, but all I wanted to do was hold you.”

“Oh,” I say, my heart thumping now, as it did on that day.

“I never expected to be catching you like this.” His gentle smile warms me right through my heart to my lady bits.

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