Page 18 of This Moment

“She left for the day.”

He nodded. “Do you have anything besides sweets?”

I raised a brow. “Did you mean to come into the bakery?”

Kian laughed. “Yes, I’m sorry.” He walked over to the counter by the register. Reaching his hand out, he said, “I’m Kian Carter, Opal’s nephew.”

I shook his hand. “Cadie, it’s nice to meet you. I believe I met your sister yesterday, Macy?”

He grinned, and I tried to ignore how it caused my stomach to dip. “Yes, Macy is my older sister.”

“Opal is just down the street with some friends.”

Waving his hand about, he said, “That’s okay. I got into town late last night and hoped she could whip me up one of her famous sandwiches.”

Chewing on my lower lip, I knew I should keep my mouth shut, but before I could stop myself, I said, “I can make you up something if you would like. I made some chicken salad earlier today, and we have plenty left over. It is delicious on Opal’s sourdough bread.”

“You don’t mind?” Kian asked.

Smiling, I said, “Not at all. Can I get you a coffee or something to drink?”

He glanced back at the case. “I’ll have a coffee, black, and water. Also, I was told to get some banana nut bread. It’s supposed to be the best around.”

I felt my cheeks heat. “I don’t know about that, but, unfortunately, we are sold out.”

His eyes met mine, and he smiled. It was so brilliant I had to look away for a moment.

“That proves that it’s the best around then. Guess I’ll have to get here earlier if I want to try it out.”

I tried not to smile, but a blush threatened my cheeks. “If you’re going to be in town for a bit, I’ll hold some back for you.”

“Oh, definitely for a long bit. I’ve moved back to Moose Village.”

“From New York City?” I asked, instantly wishing I hadn’t.

His brows rose. “Opal been bragging about me again?”

Laughing, I motioned toward the table where Ashtyn and Jayme were sitting. Kian glanced over his shoulder, then turned back to me and sighed.

“I didn’t see them when I walked in. I have to admit, my eyes were on all the goodies.”

“I can’t blame you there. If you’d like to sit, I’ll get that coffee and sandwich for you.”

He grimaced. “If you don’t mind, I’ll head back to the kitchen and eat.”

I saw movement and looked over his shoulder. “If you were hoping to avoid them, you’re too late.”

“Kian! Kian Carter! I cannot believe you haven’t even said hello!” Jayme stated as she walked up. The second he turned and faced her, she threw herself into his arms.

Clearing my throat, I turned and headed to the kitchen to make Kian’s sandwich.

“What’s all the commotion out there?” Katherine asked.

Startled, I put my hand over my heart. “I thought you left for the day.”

“I did,” she said, putting her purse over her shoulder. “I forgot my keys, and I had walked down to The Book Nook and, when I was leaving, realized I had no car keys. No car keys means no house key.”

I chuckled and she shrugged.

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