Page 10 of Howling for Cupcakes

Arden chuckled, his laughter infectious, sending a delightful shiver down Mari’s spine. “No, no, I was part of a special ops team tasked with rescuing a group of scientists who had gotten lost. But let me tell you, hacking through those vines was no joke. I swear, some of them were thicker than my arm.”

He flexed his bicep for emphasis, and Mari couldn’t help but appreciate the way his shirt stretched across his well-defined muscles. Her gaze lingered, drinking in the sight of him, before she quickly averted her eyes, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

“So, how did you end up becoming a deputy sheriff in Whispering Pines?” Mari asked, her voice slightly breathless as she tried to steer the conversation back to safer territory.

Arden’s expression softened, a wistful smile playing on his lips. “After years of serving in the military, I realized I wanted to make a difference closer to home. When the opportunity arose to join the sheriff’s department here, I jumped at the chance. There’s something special about this town, and I wanted to be a part of protecting it.”

Mari nodded, understanding the sentiment all too well. “I know what you mean. Whispering Pines has a way of drawing you in and making you feel like you belong.”

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, closing the distance between them. “What about you, Mari? What’s your story?”

Mari hesitated, her fingers fiddling with the handle of her coffee mug. She took a deep breath, deciding to open up about her background. “Well, before I moved here, I was a teacher at a prestigious magical academy. I specialized in teaching the art of infusing magic into culinary creations.”

Arden’s eyebrows shot up, a look of genuine fascination crossing his face. “Really? That sounds incredible. So, you’re not just a talented baker, but a magical one at that?”

A blush crept up Mari’s cheeks at his praise, and she ducked her head to hide her smile. “I suppose you could say that. I’ve always had a passion for baking, and when I discovered I could combine it with my magical abilities, it opened a whole new world of possibilities.”

Mari’s voice grew animated as she described her unique approach to creating enchanted pastries. “Imagine a macaron that not only tastes divine but also fills you with a sense of joy and contentment. Or an eclair that helps you focus and sharpen your mind. That’s the kind of magic I love to create.”

“You have a real gift. I can’t wait to see what kind of magical delights you’ll whip up in this place.”

Mari’s heart fluttered at his words, a warmth spreading through her chest. “Thank you, Arden. That means a lot coming from you.”

As they continued working, Mari opened up about her recent divorce, her voice growing somber. “It’s been difficult,” she admitted, her gaze fixed on the floor. “Letting go of the past and starting over. There were times when I thought I’d never be able to escape the grip of my ex-husband’s control.”

Arden reached out, his hand gently covering hers in a comforting gesture. The warmth of his touch sent a tingle up her arm, and she craved more. “I’m sorry you had to go through that, Mari. But you’re here now, and you’re taking control of your life. That takes an incredible amount of strength and courage.”

Mari looked up, her eyes meeting his. The sincerity and understanding in his gaze touched her deeply, and she felt a connection beyond mere attraction. “Thank you, Arden. I don’t know if I could have done this without the support of Molly and everyone here in Whispering Pines.”

“Anytime,” Arden said softly, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes, “Just don’t expect any magical cupcakes from me. Unless you count the kind that might make you question your life choices the next morning.”

Mari laughed, the mood instantly lightening. She playfully swatted his arm, relishing the feel of his firm muscles beneath her fingertips. “I think we’ll leave the baking to me, Deputy. Wouldn’t want to have to arrest yourself for crimes against pastry.”

Arden chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. “Fair enough. I’ll stick to taste-testing and leave the magic to the expert.”

They grinned at each other, the link between them growing stronger with each passing moment. As they resumed their work, Mari’s heart felt lighter than it had in years.

Arden’s expression softened, his hand reaching out to give hers a reassuring squeeze. “We’re all here for you.”

His words, filled with empathy and support, helped ease the weight on Mari’s shoulders. For the first time in a long while, she felt understood and less burdened by the ghosts of her past.

The peaceful atmosphere was shattered by the arrival of a delivery, a package addressed to Mari. With trembling hands, she opened it to find a threatening letter from Victor, her ex-husband’s words dripping with malice and control.

Panic seized Mari’s heart, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Arden was by her side in an instant, his strong arms encircling her in a protective embrace. She melted into his touch, finding solace in the safety of his arms.

“Hey, it’s okay,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing, his breath warm against her ear. “You’re safe. We’ll handle this together.”

Mari clung to him, drawing strength from his unwavering support. She confided in Arden about the ongoing harassment from Victor, the frustration, anger, fear, and anxiety that had plagued her since the divorce.

Arden’s jaw clenched, a fierce determination burning in his eyes. “We’ll involve Sheriff Mallory and take every measure to ensure your safety. I won’t let anything happen to you, Mari. I promise.”

His words filled with such conviction and care touched something deep within Mari. She nodded, a shaky smile forming on her lips as she realized that for the first time in years, she wasn’t facing her troubles alone.

Despite the unsettling interruption, Mari and Arden continued to prepare for the bakery’s grand opening. The townsfolk rallied around them, offering their help and support, showing Mari she had found a true community in Whispering Pines.

Later that day, Mari and Arden found themselves alone in the shop. The soft glow of the setting sun filtered through the windows, casting a warm, golden light over their faces.

“Thank you, Arden,” Mari said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. “For everything.”

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