Page 26 of Baking Spirits Bright!

Paul found my contact info and has asked me several times if he can freelance for me as a food taster. He’s emailed, called, texted, commented on blogs, and filled out forms on the website contact. All that’s left for him to do is send a carrier pigeon . . .

Or personally visit.

I stand and sigh. Might as well get this over with.

Before I can circle my desk, she opens the door wider and Erica steps inside. My body tingles like all my limbs fell asleep at once. It’s hard to stand, so I grip the corner of my desk to steady myself.

Is this some kind of mirage? If so, I never want to wake.

“I’ll leave you two alone.” Suni slides behind Erica and closes the door.

I stand within ten feet of her. She smiles at me, and it’s the medicine I need to heal my joints. I stand straighter and take a step toward her.

“What are—are you really here?” My voice is goofy and excited, but I don’t care.

She nods and closes the space between us. I study her brown eyes, rosy cheeks, pink lips, pearly teeth. It’s like my dream came true.

“I read the blog.” She blushes, making her cheeks even more kissable. “Did you really mean all of that?”

I nod.

“Even the love part?”

I nod again, my heart pounding. This is the scary part. I reach for her hands and cup them in mine.

“You don’t have to feel the same way, but I had to get that off my chest. I’ve never connected with anyone like I did you, and you’re all I’ve thought about since I left—”

Erica leans forward and presses her lips to mine. If that’s her way of shutting me up, it worked perfectly.

She pulls back and tucks her lips together. My own lips pulse from the heat of hers.

“Sorry. You were saying?”

I laugh. “I don’t expect you to feel the same way.”

“But I do.” She squeezes my hands. “I know we just met, but we shared so much, and I feel like I’ve known you my whole life.”

I smile. “That’s exactly how I feel.”

She sighs. “I don’t like talking about my ex or my career aspirations with anyone, but you put me at ease, as if there’s no judgment.”

“And I never talk about the pumpkin patch or my love for small towns with anyone.” I release her hands and wrap my arms around her back, pulling her closer. “I can’t lose you. I want to date you, even if we’re long distance.”

Her eyes meet mine, and her mouth curves slightly. “Actually, I’ve thought about moving. Nashville seems like a fun place to live.”

“Really?”

She nods. “I talked with my family and explained how I want to start my own marketing business. The orchard will be a big client, but not my only client.”

“I could use some marketing help myself.”

“Could you?” Her eyes twinkle playfully.

“Yeah, you think you could help sell me?”

She laughs. “I don’t know. I may need to do some extensive research on what you have to offer.”

I smile and pull her toward me for a kiss. Not a quick, excited-to-see-you kiss, but the kind of kiss that I hope communicates how much I’ve missed her and how much she means to me.

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