Page 34 of Baking it Merry

Cynthia’s eyes shone bright with tears and Daphne panicked that maybe she had said something wrong.She was just about to apologize when…

“Mom?What are you doing here?”Tristan asked as he came up to the counter.

Daphne’s traitorous heart kicked hard in her chest at the sight of him.He had on his navy blue wool coat and a burgundy scarf, his hair was windblown, and his jaw was scruffy.

In other words, he looked delicious.

Ugh…I need to stop thinking of him as a yummy treat.

“Good morning, sweetie,” Cynthia said as she turned to kiss him on the cheek.“I came in to order some things from Daphne.I thought about doing it at the party Saturday night, but she was there as a guest—even though I saw her helping the servers—and I didn’t want to impose.”

“It would have been fine,” Daphne assured her.“I’m always happy to talk about my business and helping people decide what they should order.”She winked.“And I’m excellent at picking the perfect treats for every occasion.”

“That doesn’t surprise me one bit!The idea of bringing the cookies to my mother’s new home is just…it was so thoughtful!You really have a gift and…” Pausing, she shook her head and took a step back.“I’m sorry.I’m here dominating the conversation when the two of you haven’t even said a proper good morning to each other.”

“Oh, uh…”

Giving Tristan a nudge, she took another step back.“It’s okay to kiss your girlfriend good morning, Tristan.I don’t mind.”

“Mom…it’s okay.We’re not…”

Sighing loudly, Cynthia gave him another nudge.“Fine.I’ll go and look at the other vendors so the two of you can have a romantic moment.”And yet another nudge with a wink.“Don’t be shy.Kiss her properly.”

Oh God…

They both watched her walk away before even looking at each other.Daphne again smoothed her apron and fidgeted with her ponytail.“So, um…good morning.”

He repeated the sentiment.“Sorry for the ambush from my mother.”Rolling his eyes, he shook his head.“Is she still watching us?”

Daphne snuck a glance and nodded.“She’s trying to pretend like she’s not, but she totally is.”More fidgeting.“We should probably just kiss so she’ll move on, right?”

What is wrong with me?Did I seriously just ask him to kiss me?Again?He probably thinks I’m into him now.

Raking a hand through his hair, Tristan quickly agreed.“It seems like the only thing to do, so…”

“Should I come out there?Do we just lean over the counter?Would it look more believable if you were in here with me?”She groaned.“Like I seriously don’t know how this is supposed to work!”

“Me either,” he murmured.“Why don’t I just join you inside the booth?We won’t be on display quite so much.”Then he glanced around.“How…is there a door someplace or do you hop over the counter or use one of these oversized candy canes like a pole vault…?”

“I thought you agreed to no more snarky comments about the booth.”

At least he looked apologetic.“You’re right.Sorry.”

“And the door is around the side.Just…make it quick.I’ve got work to do.”

“So do I,” he hissed before coming around and opening the door.When he stepped inside, he paused.“This is much smaller than I thought.How do you stay sane in such a tiny space?This would make me crazy.”

Why did she think he was capable of changing?

“Can we just get this over with?”she quietly demanded.“The more you speak, the less I’m interested in helping you.I don’t care how much you’re paying me; nothing is worth listening to you…”

And just like Saturday night, he cupped her face in his firm hands and kissed her.He was warm and just towered over her, making her want to burrow in close.Her hands smoothed up his chest and up over that scratchy jaw before raking into his hair.Pressing up against him was easy when Tristan lowered his hands and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer.

Now wasn’t the time to remind herself that no one could see them, so it wasn’t necessary for them to keep kissing, but neither seemed inclined to stop.He tasted like mint and coffee—two of her favorite things.It was crazy to feel this attracted to him when she genuinely disliked him, but as long as he wanted to kiss her, she’d gladly kiss him back.

It was insanity.

Pure madness, really.

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