Chapter Six

Micah

Edwin—such a nice name—helped me pick up the molds. I had to wash them anyway, but I still checked each over for dents that could cause the intricate shapes to turn out flawed product. “I am not usually so clumsy,” I said, once I was sure they were not damaged. “They all seem fine, though.”

The alpha nodded. “I’m sorry I startled you when I came in.”

“The bell did announce you, but I guess I was focused on these. They’re brand new, and I was daydreaming about how I was going to use them.” Also…my wolf had been focused on our omega, but I wasn’t ready to blurt that out.

He frowned, adorably. “Don’t you just pour melted chocolate in them? Maybe insert a stick?”

Judge not, for he knows not what he says. Also, he’s cute.“No. I mean, I suppose you could, but that’s not what I plan to do.” I bit my lip before the nearly inevitable explanation of selecting just the right chocolates and tempering them perfectly. Details he probably wouldn’t even manage to stay awake through. Painting tinted white chocolate into all the little bends and divots to create an art piece out of each beforethenpouring in the main part to create little candies. “Actually, I hadn’t had lollipops in mind, but that is an option, and I think those might be a hit for spring festival.”

“You already have those long-stemmed roses,” he pointed out. “Didn’t you mold those?”

“No. They took quite a bit of work, and I need items that people can pick up without a big occasion.” I needed to order lollipop sticks and see if I could make these molds work. I probably needed different ones. “Since you’ve inspired me, you must now select some candy for your genius.”

“I couldn’t.” The alpha blinked fast, and I noted how reddened those golden eyes were, puffy and swollen, and his cheeks had some faint marks that could be interpreted as tear tracks. Not going to fly with me, not at all. “But thank you. I will pay.”

“Next time.” I waved toward the shop in general. “But I insist you choose whatever you like, on me. If you feel like you need to do more, tell your friends if you like them.”

“My friends are across the country. Do you sell online?”

“You bet!” I led him toward the main display case. “Now, I see you as a dark-chocolate man. Am I right?”

“Honestly, I’ve never turned down any kind of chocolate, but dark…with that faint bitterness…” His sigh would have made me want him even if I didn’t already. So. Much. “But how did you know?”

“It’s a talent. No, seriously, you’ve been eyeing everything dark in the store. I also love all things chocolate, but to me, the high-percentage versions taste more like chocolate if that makes sense?”

“It totally does. Also, you’re making me wonder how transparent I am in general.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s a good thing, for the most part, to be honest in your feelings and reactions. Or at least I think that it is.” Stepping behind the counter, I prepared to treat myself to watching this alpha try my candy for the first time. It was a passion of mine in general with any new customer, but with this alpha bear? With my wolf crying mate from deep inside me? “Will you allow me to suggest some things for you to try?”

His nose was inches from the glass. Just far enough to keep his breath from fogging it up. “Yes, please.”

“Are there any candy flavors you don’t like or are allergic to? Fillings? Nuts? Anything at all?”

“No, not that I’ve ever tried, although I don’t think I’d like squid in them.”

“Agreed. I have no squid truffles currently for sale.”

“Do you ever?”

“No. But I suppose I could try. Oh, except you said you would not like them.” Thank goodness. If I had a squid-chocolate fan for a mate, I’d wonder what Fate was trying to tell me.

“I did see some chocolate-covered tentacles online once,” he said. “That’s what made me think of it.”

“Well, it may be great, but I don’t think it’s my lane.” I kept mini truffles under the refrigerated display, ready to offer customers who weren’t sure what they would like to buy, so I pulled the drawer out and considered the options. “Close your eyes.”

He gave me a funny look before doing it. It was only to taste candy, and I hadn’t thought I was asking for a lot of trust, but maybe for him it was?

“I promise I won’t play any tricks on you. Ready to try the first one?”

Eyes squeezed tight shut, he nodded and opened his mouth.

“Okay, you have to tell me what kind you think it is.” I set the mini on his tongue, way too aware of how firm and rosy his lips were around my fingers. “Enjoy.”

Edwin closed his lips and chewed. “Mmmm.” His eyes opened wide. “That was a caramel crunch with a light sprinkle of salt on top? Dark-chocolate shell?”