Page 40 of Sweet Somethings

"What?" she asked. "Do I have lettuce in my teeth?"

"Not that I can see."

"Then you're staring, because…"

"It's hard not to when you're around," he admitted.

A nervous gleam entered her eyes. "Really? You're the one with the compelling gaze that makes it hard to look away—not me. Donavan said all the girls in high school used to talk about your intense eyes."

"And I thought it was my muscles, damn," he joked.

"I'm sure your body got some looks, too." She cleared her throat. "I guess we should go. I should get back to the bakery, and I'm sure you have work to do as well."

"Yes, I do. Thanks for lunch," he said, as they got up.

"Thanks for going with me to Cameron's."

"I really do think you should leave that situation alone now that Cameron's dad is back."

"I will…unless there's a reason not to."

"Well, I'm out. I don't need to get more involved with Travis."

"I understand."

He opened the door of the truck for her and then walked around and got behind the wheel. Fifteen minutes later, he was parking in the driveway of her old house. He saw the yearning look she gave the home, but she didn't ask to come in.

"Will I see you at the movie fest again tonight?" she asked. "They're having the costume contest featuring famous couples or lovers from books and movies."

"What are you going as?"

"No one. I'm just manning my table."

"And you're not wearing a costume for that? Doesn't sound like you're getting into the spirit of the event; I'm surprised."

"Can I tell you a little secret?"

He wanted her to tell him all of her secrets, but that was dangerous, because knowing someone's secrets could be a huge burden. "Go ahead."

"I don't like dressing up that much. I do it on Halloween and that's it."

He smiled at her guilty expression. "That might be the sanest thing you've said to me."

She laughed. "So you're not a costume guy, either?"

"I don't think you even have to ask that."

"But you wear a uniform for work."

"That's different. That's part of the job. It's not a costume. The materials that we wear can actually save our lives."

"I was just teasing," she said. "I wear an apron to bake, and that might not save my life, but it does save my good clothes."

"Exactly. But to answer your original question, I don't think I'll be going. Romantic movies aren't my thing."

"Well, I might not like costumes, but I do love romantic movies. In my book, there is nothing wrong with happily ever after."

"I think there's a lot wrong with that phrase. It sets too high of a bar."

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