Page 45 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

He narrowed his eyes. “What was that?”

“The chocolate chip cookie. Its creation was an accident.”

“Really?”

“Yep. Ruth Graves Wakefield, who owned the Toll House Inn, wanted to make chocolate cookies, so she chopped up a chocolate bar into the cookie dough, expecting the chocolate to melt. Of course, when it didn’t, she said she’d done it on purpose.”

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. “It’s crazy that you know that.”

“Not really.” She shrugged. “I learned it in culinary school.”

“So this Ruth Graves …”

“Wakefield.”

“Right.” His brow arched. “She must have gotten considerably rich for inventing the most famous cookie on the planet. Even if it had been an accident.”

“Well, she gave Nestlé the recipe and was paid with a lifetime supply of chocolate. But, you know,richmeans different things to different people.”

Viola grabbed the fork and took another bite of the pie. She turned to face him again when she felt his eyes on her.

“Yes, it does, I suppose,” he replied.

She bit her cheek. “You think I’m weird for bringing up random food facts, don’t you?”

“Actually, I find it endearing.”

Her cheeks grew hot, so she attempted to shift the focus. “You know that’s my apron?”

“I figured. I hope you don’t mind me borrowing it. These pants are from Italy.”

“I don’t mind. It looks quite good on you.”Did I really just say that? Does he think I’m flirting with him? Wait.AmI flirting with him?

Jonas ran a hand down the apron. “I always thought pink suited me.”

“Definitely.”

Viola’s gaze fixed on his charming smile. She’d jumped to conclusions, thinking he was just some rich, arrogant bully. He was kind of sweet. And he made a damn good pie.

Everyone deserves second chances, right? I’d like to see more of the real Jonas. But I can’t just ask him out. He might have a girlfriend. How can I suggest spending time with him—platonically?

It had to be something that he would consider a service, as he pointed out regarding the soup kitchen, otherwise he would turn it down.

She could feel her thoughts scrambling, making her somewhat dizzy. “So, listen,” she started, leaning back against the counter. “I know you’re all for helping out mankind—as demonstrated by your volunteering at the shelter—and I was wondering if you’d like to accompany me on another quest. In the spirit of Christmas, of course.”

Quest is good, right? It’s not a date.

“What kind of quest?” Jonas took a bite of pie and waited for her to explain.

“Silverwood Sky is selling day tickets and giving their proceeds to a kids’ charity. I thought, if you have time, we could take part.”

Her pulse thumped so hard she thought it would knock the kitchen walls down.

“Silverwood Sky? As in the ski resort?”

“Yeah. We could do a little skiing, take in a hot chocolate, maybe make a day of it. For charity, of course.”

Jonas set down his fork. “I’m not really a big skier.”

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