Page 71 of Comforting the Grump

“They only utilized half the property, but it has plenty of space. I mean, it would need to be properly updated and everything, but it has the space. And it’s already zoned for commercial use.”

He must’ve looked into this in the past. Otherwise, he would’ve never known all these details. Maybe he’d even been saving in the hopes of being able to buy or lease that specific location. I filed that bit of knowledge away.

“Anyway, thanks, Dottie, for my tea.”

“As always, a pleasure, honey. Don’t be a stranger now.”

As we left the store, Ennio’s hand brushed against mine, and I fought the urge to grab it. Since when was I a public-handholding kind of guy? I barely recognized myself anymore.

“Ooh, let’s stop at Brianna’s!” Ennio suggested, already heading toward the bakery. “I’m dying for some of her apple pie.”

I followed, helpless to resist the pull of his enthusiasm—and if I was honest, the promise of trying Brianna’s legendary pie. The sweet aroma of baked goods wrapped around us as we entered, and Ennio’s eyes lit up at the display case. “She still has some.”

“Aw, look at you two…” Brianna practically had hearts in her eyes when she spotted us, but apparently, the dark look I shot her was menacing enough to prevent her from saying more.

“Two slices of Dutch apple and two coffees, please,” Ennio ordered, then turned to me. “Unless you want something else?”

I shook my head, amused. “I trust your judgment.”

The Dutch apple pie came with a big dollop of freshly whipped cream, and it was the best thing I’d ever had. No wonder people drove down here from Seattle to eat her pastries. The woman was a genius.

We settled into a cozy corner table, our knees brushing under the table. I tried to ignore the jolt of electricity that shot through me at the contact.

“So,” Ennio said, taking a big bite of pie and closing his eyes in bliss. “Mmm, this is heaven. I love being back in town.”

A dab of whipped cream clung to his upper lip, and I reached out and wiped it away, then licked my finger. “Little has changed.”

“That’s the charm of small towns, that they change so slowly. It’s comforting.”

I took a sip of coffee, buying time to gather my thoughts. “I’ve always thought it boring, to be honest. But it feels a little different today. Seeing it through your eyes makes me realize it can be charming.”

“Like me?” Ennio teased, batting his lashes dramatically.

I laughed, feeling some of the tension ease. “Yeah, like you.”

Ennio’s smile softened. “I’m glad.”

We talked about everything and nothing as we sipped our coffee and finished our pie, and I let myself get lost in the cadence of his voice, in the way his hands danced as he talked, in the warmth of his presence across from me. I didn’t want this moment to end. I wanted to stay in this cozy corner with Ennio forever. The realization both thrilled and terrified me.

We stepped out of Brianna’s Bakery, the bell chiming softly behind us. The late afternoon sun bathed Main Street in a warm, golden light, and I was hyperaware of Ennio’s presence beside me. His arm brushed against mine as we walked, sending sparks of electricity through my body. Only this time, I didn’t resist it.

My hand slipped out of my pocket and reached for his. For a heart-stopping moment, I hesitated, hovering inches from his skin. Then, before I could lose my nerve, I took Ennio’s hand in mine.

His fingers were warm and soft, fitting perfectly against my callused palm. He looked up at me, surprise flickering across his face, followed by a slow, radiant smile that made my heart skip a beat. “Well, hello there,” he said softly, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

A possessive warmth surged through me, and I tightened my grip slightly. “Hey,” I murmured back.

We continued our walk hand in hand, and I marveled at how natural it felt. How right. The world seemed to narrow to the two of us, the rest of Forestville fading into a pleasant background hum.

Before I knew it, we were standing in front of Ennio’s house. I reluctantly let go of his hand as he fished for his keys. A strange panic filled me.

“I need to…” I cleared my throat. “Would you mind if I stopped by to visit with your brother? Didn’t have much of a chance to catch up with him yesterday.”

Surprise flickered in Ennio’s eyes, but he hid it quickly. “Of course. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.”

Before I realized it, I leaned in for a kiss. “I promise I won’t be long.”

Jesus, this sappy shit had to stop. I stalked away, not looking back until I’d rounded the corner.

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