Page 32 of Flare
Maggie: She’s got the business brain I desperately need. She’s already cleaning up my chaos, and she’s got some great ideas for improving things around here. ::sparkly heart::
Maggie: Anyhow, don’t let that jerk Andrew’s claim keep you from courting your mate. You’ve waited long enough for her.
Ward: You matchmaking, cuz? ::unhappy face::
Maggie: ::grinning emoji:: Damn right I am. Someone has to help you pull your head out of your furry behind.
∞∞∞
Tuesday, May 12 (the next day)
I’m just here to grab some lunch, Ward Swanson told himself as he pulled open the door to Cinnamon + Sugar. But he knew he was lying to himself.
He and his bear had both been restless since Sunday, their thoughts circling back to Emily again and again.
His bear wanted—needed—to see her again. And Maggie’s text messages had just made things worse.
He inhaled deeply as he stepped inside. The warm scent of brewing espresso and the sweet fragrance of the fresh lilac blossoms arranged in small vases on the café tables momentarily distracted him from his mission. But only momentarily.
Nearly every table was full, and there was a line three-deep at the register. The place was busy for a Tuesday. He spotted Maggie’s mom Annabeth working behind the counter in one of her trademark turquoise chef’s coats, with a matching beret set on her red hair.
“Hey, Aunt Annabeth,” Ward called.“Aren’t you supposed to be retired?”
“Violet wasn’t feeling well, and the Lavender & Lilacs Festivalstarts this week, so I offered to cover the lunch rush for Maggie.” She smiled at him cheerfully, dimples appearing on both cheeks.“I’m glad you stopped by. Decided not to pack your own lunch today?”
“Just felt like one of those delicious kale pesto sandwiches,” he said, sounding unconvincing even to his own ears.
His bear rumbled with impatience within him. It had been pacing restlessly ever since getting Maggie’s text messages yesterday, pushing him to come here and check on Emily.
“Emily’s in the office,” his aunt said, as if reading his thoughts. She jerked her thumb toward the back.
Ward’s face heated as he realized his intentions were apparently obvious even to an Ordinary human like his aunt.
Annabeth continued,“Want me to fix your usual iced coffee and save you the last macadamia-chocolate chip cookie while you’re, ah, grabbing that sandwich?” Her eyes twinkled.“Or would you prefer one of our white chocolate-dipped lavender shortbreads? They’re this week’s special.”
“Sure. That shortbread sounds good.” Actually, he had no fucking idea whether lavenderanythingwould be edible. Wasn’t it something you put in soap?“Uh, thanks.”
Aware of the curious looks the other customers were giving him, he made his way behind the counter and went through the door leading to the kitchen. His heart was pounding with every step that took him closer to Emily.
Pausing at the partially open office door, Ward took a steadying breath. He could hear the tap of computer keys coming from inside, and caught Emily’s scent.
He knocked lightly on the doorframe before pushing the door open all the way.
Emily looked up from the computer. A stack of invoices was piled high beside her.
For an instant, she looked startled to see him. He couldn’t help smiling at her like a fool.
Her hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail today, and she wore a tight pink Cinnamon + Sugar t-shirt that did an amazing job of highlighting her generous breasts. He had to force his eyes up to her face.
Then she smiled back. It hit Ward like a physical blow. His chest tightened, and his bear rumbled with pleasure.
It took all his willpower not to cross the room and pull her into his arms.
“Oh, hey, Ward,” she said, removing her pink-framed computer glasses.“It’s nice to see you again.”
His bear exclaimed happily,She liked us coming to her!
He cleared his throat.“Hey. I was just, uh, stopping by for lunch.” He gestured vaguely toward the front of the bakery.“Thought I’d see how you’re settling in.”
