Page 10 of Baking Spirits Bright!

Ryan and I move a few steps in the opposite direction and clear the doorway. Wendall goes inside, allowing the door to close behind him.

“You’re a good writer. I really enjoyed the content about the orchard’s history.” Ryan smiles like we’re still a few inches apart.

“Thank you.”

I fight the urge to step closer to him. As well as the urge to blab about my family’s foods. Even though he’s familiar with small towns and says “y’all,” he’s a visitor. Nobody passing through wants to be bothered with details about the orchard.

The door opens between us, and Georgia sticks her head out. Her tiny bell earrings ring as she looks to me, then Ryan.

“Ryan, there you are. We’re ready for you in the office.” She looks back at me. “Hey, Erica.”

“Hi.” I half smile, then study her earrings closer. I couldn’t begin to imagine having ringing in my ears all day.

“Thanks, I’m coming.” Ryan nods.

Georgia disappears inside.

“Called into the principal’s office?” I joke.

“No, some business I’m doing while I’m here.”

“Oh.” I frown.

Ryan isn’t wearing a three-piece suit or a sweater vest, and he doesn’t have a metropolitan vibe. According to Hallmark, that disqualifies him from being a corporate tycoon ready to overthrow our small town.

Plus, he’s genuinely nice.

“Do you have any paper?”

“Uh...” I dig in my purse and find a Dollar General sales paper. “Will this work?”

“Got a pen?”

I hand him one. He jots something down and hands it back. “My number. If you have some time, I’d like to tour your family orchard before I leave town.”

I study the number, trying to make sense of this. When I lift my head, Ryan is gone, and the door is closing behind him.

If he is a businessman, this could either be really good or really bad. He could see the orchard, love it, and help spread the word to others. Then again, he could be the evil corporate guy in disguise and plan to take over everything my family has built.

I fold the paper and secure it in the corner pocket of my purse. It would be easier to believe the latter scenario if he weren’t so darn charming . . .

And hadn’t read my blog!

Ryan

Ilet Georgia assume she and her husband are the sole reason I’m here.

They’re not.

They may have contacted me, bragged on my publication, and asked me to be a celebrity guest judge for the bake-off. But the real reason I wanted to come to Apple Cart was the photos and stories I found on Erica’s blog.

I could tell I’d get along with her from the start, but even more so after knowing she’s the brains behind the blog.

“Any more questions?” Georgia smiles.

I wait for her earrings to quit ringing before I answer. “Do you have any suggestions of a good place I could grab lunch?”

“Yes.” She nods her head toward the window, ringing her ears again. “Mary’s Diner across the street has the most variety and delicious home cooking.”

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