Page 48 of Love Letter Lost
“Dig in, I’ve got plenty.”
Chloe took the box from Ridge’s hands and pulled off the lid, revealing a dozen square glazed donuts, a style unique to one of the better bakeries in the area. My mouth watered at the sight, and I moved to take one, doing my best to ignore Chloe’s obvious attempts to flirt with Ridge. Chloe was a perpetual flirt and usually didn’t realize how her friendly gestures came across, even though we’d try to warn her.
“I see Chloe’s in fine form,” Audrey whispered from behind me. I turned to see her with Ruby’s leash in hand, the dog trying to pull her master to the front door.
I just shrugged. “Want a donut?”
“Maybe when I get back.” She slipped out the door, leaving me alone to watch the Chloe and Ridge show unfolding in front of me.
I snapped myself out of staring and walked over to snag a second donut. Its fried, sugary goodness revived me some, making me aware of all the questions I should be asking Ridge right now.
“Not that I don’t appreciate starting the day with donuts,” I paused to make sure I had his attention, “but what are you doing here? I thought set up wasn’t until later.”
“I was in the area and thought I’d stop by. I figured if I had donuts, you were less likely to turn me away. Besides, Amber doesn’t get back until right before the rehearsal dinner, and I wanted company.” He shrugged as if he regularly showed up at girls’ homes with donuts in tow.
“I’ll take it,” Chloe chirped, drawing our attention back to her. I heard the front door open, announcing Audrey’s return. The sound was shortly followed by Ruby taking her customary place on the back of my couch.
“Chloe, don’t you have class?” Audrey walked into the kitchen and grabbed a donut of her own. “You don’t want to be late and miss a quiz…again.” Audrey tacked on that last bit when Chloe didn’t move from her spot next to Ridge.
“Thanks, Mom.” She drew out the words, an eye roll adding emphasis as she glanced at the clock. Panic soon filled her face. “Shoot! I’ve got to go.” Chloe made a dash for the door, leaving us staring after her.
“What kind of cuisine does this qualify as?” I asked, remembering our conversation from the night before.
“I thought you might ask, so I did a bit of research. Any guesses?” Ridge quirked an eyebrow as he looked back and forth between me and Audrey.
Audrey shrugged. “French? Aren’t they known for their pastries and desserts?”
Ridge shook his head and looked at me. “Your turn.”
“Danish? I think the Danish are also known for their pastries…” I trailed off at the look of triumph on Ridge’s face.
“You’re both wrong. They’re Dutch.” His lips quirked in satisfaction as he made his declaration.
“So European, we were on the right track,” I reasoned.
“Europe is a big area. The two of you weren’t even close,” Ridge insisted.
“Close enough. It’s not like we guessed Egypt.”
“Why would you guess Egypt? Did they find pictures of donuts when they discovered the pyramids? You guys were way off, and you know it.” Ridge’s words cued an epic stare-down, his blue eyes pulling me in, my heart pounding.
“On that note, I’ve got to get to work.” Audrey grabbed her purse and slipped out the door, but not before shooting me a concerned look.
I glanced down at my feet, remembering that I was still in my pajamas, a pair of faded basketball shorts and an old sweatshirt that I’d grabbed from my floor on the way to answer the door. “I should probably get ready for the day.”
I waited for Ridge to excuse himself and slip out the door, leaving me alone to get dressed or possibly return to bed and my wallowing. Instead, he walked over and settled on the couch.
“I’ll wait here.”
“You sure?”
Ridge let out a puff of air and grinned. “You’re leaving me alone with half a dozen donuts. I think I’ll be fine.”
I quickly showered and got ready, choosing to wear something comfortable for wedding setup.
“What’s first on our to-do list?” I asked as I stepped into the living room.
Ridge sat on the couch, typing on his phone.
