Page 14 of Follow My Heart

The side of his mouth curved. “I have no idea why, but I ate it anyway too.”

I laughed. “It was always a good Saturday morning if there was Fruit Loops in the pantry.”

Faith’s nose scrunched up as she ate it. “I don’t think I like it.”

“Let’s try something else.” I took the spoon from her, throwing it out. Faith went through a few flavors before she settled on Caramel Swirl, one of my fall flavors.

“Would you like to try anything?” I asked Ryder.

“How is s’mores?” Ryder pointed at the tub of chocolate ice cream topped with marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs.

I touched my chest with my palm. “It’s my favorite. It’s chocolate ice cream with minimarshmallows and graham crackers.”

The skin around Ryder’s eyes crinkled. “If it’s your favorite, then I have to try it.”

“You won’t be disappointed.” There was nothing better than sharing my creations with other people, and knowing they’d love them.

Faith had moved over to a table to eat. When I served Ryder, he pulled out his credit card. “It’s on the house.”

“I can’t let you do that. How will you stay in business?” Ryder’s voice was low and chiding, but it seemed to have a direct path to my clit because it was throbbing.

I tipped my head to the side, hoping he wouldn’t notice the flush to my cheeks. “Just this one time?”

Ryder sighed, then pulled out a wad of bills and threw it in the tip jar.

I pursed my lips. “You know that’s for the employees, not the owner.”

“I pay when I’m out,” he grumbled.

“You don’t take handouts?” I asked him, curious to know him better.

“Not from a woman who just opened an ice cream shop and want it to be successful.”

A smile spread over my face. “I can handle a few free scoops from time to time.”

Ryder winked at me. “Save your free scoops for someone else then.”

“Thanks, Ryder.” I appreciated the sentiment, even though I was trying to do something nice for him.

“Violet?” Faith asked.

I moved around the counter so I could stand near them at the small two-person table.

Faith licked her cone. “Do you think you could show me how you use Aunt Daphne’s pies in your recipes?”

Ryder was quick to add, “Faith, I’m sure Violet’s busy. She has a store to run, flavors to create?—”

“I’d love to show you. No one’s ever expressed interest. Other than Daphne of course. She’s the one who helped with the recipe.”

“I’d love to see how you do it. Can I create my own flavor—” Ryder shot her a warning look before she added, “Or can you at least show me how you do it?”

“I’d love to.”

“We’ll have to arrange a time when I can drop her off for a few hours. When you’re not busy of course.”

“Maybe next Monday? You said you’re off of school, and the store is closed that day.”

“It’s Stacy’s weekend. I’ll see if I can make it work. But if not, we can try for another time,” Ryder said.

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