Page 14 of Howling for Cupcakes

A knock at the door made her turn, relief flooding through her when she saw Arden’s concerned face. “Mari? Is everything okay?”

She held up the crumpled note, her eyes blazing. “It’s Victor. He’s trying to intimidate me, but I won’t let him. We’re going to the sheriff’s station. I’m done being his victim.”

Arden’s jaw tightened. “I’m with you every step of the way. Let’s end this tonight.”

At the station, Sheriff Reed Mallory listened carefully as they explained the situation. “I understand your frustration, Ms. Sinclair,” he said, his voice gentle but firm. “Without concrete proof that Victor sent this package, there’s not much we can do at the moment. But I promise I’ll keep a close eye on the situation. Stay vigilant and report any further incidents.”

Mari’s shoulders squared, her determination unshaken. “I’m going to install security cameras at the house and bakery. I won’t live in fear anymore.”

Arden’s hand found hers, his touch reassuring. “I’ll help you with the cameras. And remember, I’m here for you.”

Despite the earlier tension, Mari felt a warmth blossoming in her chest as they arrived at the restaurant for their date. The cozy atmosphere enveloped them, the soft glow of twinkling lights and the gentle murmur of conversation chasing away the shadows of the day. Arden guided her to their table, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back sent shivers down her spine.

As they settled into their seats, a waiter appeared with menus and a bottle of wine. Arden selected a vintage red, his eyes never leaving Mari’s. “I hope you like red wine,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “I thought it might pair well with the evening ahead.”

Mari smiled, feeling herself beginning to relax. “Red wine sounds perfect,” she said, accepting the glass he offered. “And the evening ahead? What exactly did you have in mind?”

Arden leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, you know,” he said, his lips curving into a playful grin. “Good food, great company, and maybe a little magic if we’re lucky.”

Mari laughed, the sound bubbling up from deep within her. “I think I’ve had enough magic for one day,” she said, taking a sip of her wine. “But good food and great company? I’m definitely on board with that.”

Arden’s easy smile and playful banter soon had her forgetting all about the worries of the past few hours. They traded stories and jokes, their laughter mingling with the clinking of glasses and the soft strains of music floating through the air. The chemistry between them crackled like electricity, a tangible force that drew them closer with each passing moment.

“So, tell me,” Arden said, his eyes fixed on hers, “what’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done with your magic?”

Mari considered the question, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Well,” she said, leaning in, “there was this one time in college when I accidentally turned my roommate’s hair purple. She was going on a big date that night, and let’s just say her new look wasn’t exactly what she had in mind.”

Arden threw his head back and laughed, the sound rich and warm. “I bet she loved that,” he said, his eyes twinkling.

“Oh, she was thrilled,” Mari said, rolling her eyes. “But I managed to fix it before she left for the night. Crisis averted.”

“My heroine,” Arden said, placing a hand over his heart. “Saving the day, one hairstyle at a time.”

As the evening wore on, Mari found herself getting lost in Arden’s green eyes, the rest of the world falling away until it was just the two of them wrapped in a cocoon of laughter and flirtation. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this happy, this free. Arden made her feel seen, valued, and protected in a way she’d never experienced.

When their dessert arrived, a decadent chocolate cake that seemed to be calling their names, Mari’s eyes widened. “That looks incredible,” she breathed, picking up her fork. “And I should know.”

Arden grinned, scooping up a bite and holding it out to her. “Here,” he said, his voice low and intimate. “Try it.”

Mari leaned forward, her lips closing around the fork. The rich, velvety chocolate melted on her tongue, a soft moan escaping her throat. Arden’s eyes darkened, his gaze fixed on her mouth.

“Good?” he asked, his voice rough.

“Heavenly,” Mari replied, licking her lips. “Your turn.”

She scooped up a bite of the cake, holding it out to him. Arden leaned in, his eyes never leaving hers as he took the fork into his mouth. Mari’s breath caught in her throat, her heart racing as she watched him savor the bite.

They continued like that, feeding each other bites of the cake, their gazes locked, the air between them heavy with anticipation. When the last bite was gone, Arden reached out, his thumb brushing a smudge of chocolate from the corner of Mari’s mouth.

“Missed a spot,” he murmured, his touch lingering on her skin.

Mari’s breath hitched, her pulse hammering in her ears. “Thanks,” she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.

As they left the restaurant, Arden’s hand found hers, their fingers intertwining as if they’d been made for each other. They walked in comfortable silence, the moonlight casting a soft glow over the quiet streets of Whispering Pines.

When they reached Mari’s door, Arden turned to face her, his hand still clasped in hers. “I had a great time tonight,” he said, his voice soft and sincere.

Mari looked up at him, her heart racing with a heady mix of anticipation and affection. “Me too,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you, Arden. For everything.”

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