Page 9 of Howling for Cupcakes

“I’m just saying,” Molly continued, waving her hand in Arden’s direction, “he’s been eyeing you like a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Or, well, a wolf in deputy’s clothing.”

Mari snorted, nearly spraying water across the table. “Molly!” she admonished, grabbing a napkin to dab at her face. “I’m pretty sure he’s just being friendly. You know, welcoming the new witch in town and all that.”

Molly leaned back, a knowing smirk on her face. “Sure, sure. And I don’t try a cookie from every batch I make.”

Despite her best efforts to dismiss her sister’s teasing, Mari couldn’t help but steal another glance at Arden. He was engrossed in conversation with Kade Blackwood, the owner of the café, but as if sensing her gaze, he turned, catching her eye once more. This time, he winked, a playful gesture that sent a flutter of butterflies through Mari’s stomach.

Molly grinned triumphantly. “See? He’s totally into you.”

Mari ducked her head, focusing intently on her sandwich as if it held the secrets of the universe. “You’re reading too much into it,” she mumbled, hoping her hair would hide the blush creeping up her neck.

“I dunno about that,” said Molly, “I don’t think he’s looking at Kade that way.”

A giggle escaped from Mari’s lips before she could stop it. “Okay, okay, you’ve made your point,” she conceded, shaking her head in amusement. “But I’m not going to just ask him out like some lovesick teenager.”

“Why not? You’ve got magic on your side.” Molly grinned, wiggling her fingers as if casting a spell. “Just whip up a love potion, and he’ll be putty in your hands.”

“Molly!” Mari exclaimed, her eyes widening in horror. “That’s not how magic works, and you know it.”

“Relax, I’m just kidding.” Molly laughed, holding up her hands in surrender. “But seriously, Mari, there’s no harm in seeing where this could go. You deserve some happiness after everything you’ve been through.”

Mari sighed, her gaze drifting back to Arden. As much as she hated to admit it, Molly had a point. The attraction between them was undeniable, and the idea of exploring it sent a thrill down her spine. Maybe, just maybe, there was a grain of truth in her sister’s words.

“I’ll think about it,” Mari said, a small smile tugging at her lips. “But no love potions, okay?”

Molly grinned, holding up her pinky finger. “Pinky promise. No love potions, just good old-fashioned flirting and maybe a little magical nudge here and there.”

Maybe, just maybe, Molly was right. Maybe this was her chance to embrace the magic of new beginnings and take a leap of faith. After all, what did she have to lose? Her dignity? Her pride? Her sanity? Pfft, those were overrated anyway.

With a newfound sense of determination- and a healthy dose of butterflies in her stomach -Mari decided to take the plunge. She would regret it if she started to think about it too much, so she decided to act on her impulse, something she’d never done. Hell, she didn’t even know how to flirt, but she was gonna try. She took a deep breath, channeled her inner goddess, and sauntered over to Arden’s table, her hips swaying like a pendulum of seduction. If she didn’t make a complete fool out of herself, she’d be damned proud.

“Hey, there, handsome,” she purred, her voice dripping with honey and spice. “I couldn’t help but notice you noticing me.”

Arden looked up, his green eyes sparkling with amusement and a hint of something more. “Well, well, well,” he drawled, a slow grin spreading across his face. “If it isn’t the enchanting new dessert goddess in town. I was wondering when you’d come over and say hello.”

Mari felt a blush creep up her neck, but she refused to let it show. Instead, she leaned in closer, her lips curving into a coy smile. “What can I say? I like to keep a man waiting. Builds anticipation.”

With a wink and a sway of her hips, Mari turned and sashayed back to her table, feeling like a deity of love and baked goods. Molly, her eyes wide with a mixture of shock and glee, leaned in close, her voice a conspiratorial whisper.

“Did you just...? Did he...? Are you...?”

Mari grinned and couldn’t believe what she’d just done. “Yes, yes, and oh, most definitely yes.” Wow. Now she needed to get the hell out of there or she’d pass out.

FIVE

Mari couldn’t believe it. She’d flirted and walked away without tripping. Life had to be looking up.

As if on cue later that afternoon, Arden appeared at the bakery, keeping his promise to help Mari with the setup. The other townsfolk greeted him warmly, their easy camaraderie further establishing his place in the community.

“Thank you for coming,” Mari said, trying to ignore the flutter of nerves in her stomach. His presence filled the room, his charisma and charm drawing everyone in like moths to a flame.

Together, they worked to arrange the bakery, their chemistry undeniable as they shared lighthearted banter and laughter. Mari couldn’t help but admire Arden’s strength and efficiency, his playful nature making the work feel less like a chore and more like an adventure. Every brush of his hand against hers sent a jolt of electricity through her body, and she found herself craving his touch more and more.

During a much-needed break from setting up the kitchen, Mari and Arden found themselves settled comfortably on the couch in the cozy seating area. As they sipped on freshly brewed coffee, Arden shared stories from his time in the military, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he recounted his adventures.

“So there I was, deep in the heart of the Amazon rainforest,” Arden said, his voice taking on a dramatic tone, “armed with nothing but my wits and a trusty machete.”

Mari leaned forward, her hazel eyes wide with interest, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “A machete? Please tell me you weren’t planning on taking on the entire rainforest with just that.”

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