Page 34 of A Gingerbread Romance

Jonathan watched the exchange between them, his mind racing. What was Greta doing here? Chloe had invited her? So, things had gone well between them when she’d stopped into the bakery to help Greta with the coffee shop?

He guessed that was probably a good thing, and not just for the sake of the bakery. They’d likely make great friends for each other, knowing them both as he did.

Greta looked as gorgeous as ever, of course, removing her long tweed coat to reveal a tight-fitting pair of Levi’s and a blue, slim-fitting silk blouse and scarf. Chloe took her over to the coat rack to hang her coat and seemed to motion that she’d meet her back at the bar.

Jonathan strolled to the coat rack. “Hey, Greta,” he said. It would just seem odd—and rude, at this point—if he didn’t say hello. “It’s nice to see you.” Unfortunately, he found himself thrilled that she was here because suddenly, the evening just seemed a whole lot brighter.

Double-crossing heart.

He sighed inwardly.

“It’s nice to see you, too,” she said, but he sensed the uncomfortable edge to her words. No, he hadn’t called or texted her since she’d reached out on Sunday, and yes, she was probably wondering why. But no, he wasn’t ready to bring it up right now, if at all, tonight.

“So, you and Chloe hit it off today?”

He glanced over at his sister-in-law, who glanced back and winked at them. Had his brothers set Chloe to the task of arranging this meetup? It wouldn’t surprise him.

“Yes, we did. She’s great. Taught me so much today. She insisted I come tonight.” Greta’s brows knit together, and she gazed up at him with an air of guilt. “I hope I’m not imposing. You know, because you weren’t the one to invite me, and this isyourfamily…”

He shook his head. Uh-oh, she was going to get right to the difficult stuff…

“But after she was so much help today, I didn’t want to flake on her.”

He shook his head again. “No, it’s totally cool that you’re here,” he said. “I would’ve invited you myself if I had thought you’d be interested.”

Greta raised and lowered her eyebrows, her gaze drifting. He could tell she didn’t believe him.

Okay, so it sounded like an excuse. He would’ve invited her himself if he hadn’t changed his mind about where things were going with them. If her dazzling looks didn’t drive him to distraction. If he hadn’t missed her so much over the past few days that seeing her would only make it worse. But as it stood now, he was beginning to wish she weren’t here, after all, because now things were getting real—again.

“Jono, my boy,” said Wade, coming over with a slap to Jonathan’s back. “When were you planning on introducing us?”

Jonathan shook off the awkward feelings racing through his veins, his cheeks warming. “Wade, this is Greta Ross. Greta, this is my least favorite brother.”

Wade punched him softly on the arm. Luke and Tim saddled over, and Jonathan made the introductions.

“I thoughthewas your least favorite brother,” Wade said, nodding at Luke.

“Second least,” said Jonathan, grinning.

Luke laughed.

“So, you run the bakery in town?” Tim asked.

“Yes,” said Greta. “It belonged to my grandmother, but she just retired and passed it along to me.”

“Wow,” said Tim. “A lot of pressure, I’m sure?”

She nodded. The guys kept her talking, asking far too many questions—about her work, and her family, and where she lived, and what she thought of their eldest brother. Jonathan wouldn’t have minded this a week ago, but tonight, they were not only jumping to the wrong conclusion; they were giving Greta the wrong idea about his intentions.

Finally, Chloe came and rescued her from their interview and took her over to chat with the women. He glanced over as Chloe introduced her. The women might not shower her with quite so much attention. However, they’d probably grill her with the same sorts of questions. He sighed.

“Guys, we’re not dating,” Jonathan said softly, returning his gaze to his brothers and Tim. “So, lay off her, okay? We’re just friends. No need for the Spanish Inquisition.”

“But she’s adorable,” said Luke.

“And she’s perfect for you,” said Wade.

He looked at Tim for backup. His best friend always knew when he needed help calling off the lions he referred to as his brothers.

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