Page 31 of Howling for Cupcakes

“Arden! Really?”

“Yeah. Then I swung by the Lone Wolf Café. Kade helped me pack a selection of artisanal cheeses and cured meats. Celeste told him what to do.”

She giggled and watched him continue to take more stuff out of the basket.

“Before I went back to your place I stopped at Ivy’s tea house and she hooked me up with a thermos of her famous lavender iced tea.” He winked. “I have it in good authority you love that iced tea.”

“I do,” she said. She joined him on the blanket and gave him a kiss. “You’ve been paying attention.”

“Of course, beautiful. What kind of man doesn’t make note of his woman’s favorites.”

Her heart did a double beat when he called her his woman. Geez. She really was in trouble.

Mari couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. Arden’s thoughtfulness and the effort he had put into planning their date touched her deeply.

“So…” Arden began, popping a piece of tart into his mouth.

Mari grinned. “So?”

He licked his lips and she almost drooled. “If you could learn any new skill or hobby, what would it be?”

Mari thought for a moment, a wistful smile playing on her lips. “I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance the tango. There’s something so romantic and passionate about it.”

Arden’s eyes sparkled. “Well, maybe I could be your dance partner. I may have a few moves up my sleeve.”

Mari laughed, raising an eyebrow. “Oh, really? And what about you? What’s something you’ve always wanted to do?”

He leaned back, his gaze drifting to the waterfall. “I’ve always wanted to go skydiving. The thought of freefalling through the air, the rush of adrenaline... it just seems like the ultimate adventure.”

“Why am I not surprised?” Mari teased, nudging him playfully. “You always seem to be chasing the next thrill.”

“What can I say? Life’s too short not to take a few risks,” he grinned, pulling her closer. “But I have to admit, falling for you has been the biggest adventure of all.”

Mari’s heart swelled with emotion, her eyes locking with his. “Arden…I-”

He cupped her face gently, his thumb caressing her cheek. “I know you’re worried about us moving too fast, but my feelings aren’t going to change. They’re only going to grow stronger.”

“Really?”

“Really,” he growled softly before leaning closer.

Their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss, the warmth of the sun and the soothing sound of the waterfall enveloping them in a perfect moment of bliss.

SEVENTEEN

Mari stood at the counter of her kitchen, a tray of freshly baked lavender scones cooling on the marble surface. The rich, buttery aroma mingled with the delicate floral notes of the steeping tea, creating a soothing atmosphere that wrapped around her like a warm hug.

Molly sat perched on a stool at the island, her hands cupped around a mismatched China mug that Mari had found at a quaint little antique shop. Her red curls were escaping from the messy bun she’d thrown together that morning, framing her face in a riot of fiery tendrils.

“Mmm, these scones smell divine,” Molly said, inhaling deeply. “Is that lavender I detect?”

Mari smiled, sliding a scone onto a plate and placing it in front of her sister. “It is. I’m testing out some new recipes for the bakery. Thought a touch of lavender might add a nice calming element.”

Molly took a bite, her eyes fluttering shut as she savored the flavor. “Oh, Mari. This is incredible. You’ve got a real gift, you know that?”

A pleased flush warmed Mari’s cheeks at the praise. She’d always loved baking, losing herself in the precise measurements and soothing repetition of kneading dough and whisking batter. It was a balm to her soul, a way to create something beautiful and nourishing out of chaos.

But as she watched Molly take another blissful bite, a flicker of sadness twinged in her chest. All those years with Victor, her passion had been stifled, her joy in the simple act of baking leeched away by his constant criticism and control.

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