Page 25 of Coming Home

She shrugged. “I’m always up for whatever we talk about when we get together. Why?”

Her cousin’s mischievous grin tipped off Ainsley. “Why, we need to discuss a certain gentleman who has returned to the Cove recently. One who couldn’t keep his eyes off you last night. One who has already called both Tenley and me this morning, pumping us for things you like to do.”

Her cheeks burned. “Is that so?” Her heart thumped in her chest.

“Definitely so. I can’t believe you had a date with Jackson last night, and you didn’t even share that with me.”

“I was going to,” she quickly said.

“Well, we’ll definitely do a postmortem because all three of us are dying to hear how your date went. We’re meeting at my house at twelve-thirty. That gives you time to close the bakery and head on over.”

“I’ll be there,” Ainsley promised. “After all, I know it’s be there—or be talked about.”

Rylie laughed. “You’ve got that right, Cuz. See you soon.”

As Rylie left the bakery, Ainsley saw none other than Jackson holding the door open for her. Her cousin glanced over her shoulder, giving Ainsley a wicked grin before she left.

Jackson spotted her and smiled. Lord, his smile should be outlawed. It was inviting and drew a person in.

He joined the end of the line as if he were any other customer. She waved him over and turned abruptly, heading back into the kitchen area, hoping he would follow her.

She turned and found him standing in the doorway, and she motioned him closer.

“I thought I would stop by for a little treat,” he told her, bending and brushing his lips against her cheek, causing goosebumps to blossom along her arms.

“I thought you might like to see behind the scenes,” she said. “The nickel tour.”

“Lead the way,” he told her.

Ainsley showed him the industrial ovens that she had poured so much money into, knowing they would be the heart of her bakery and determine the quality of her baked goods. She pointed out the racks where dozens of trays stood, waiting to be brought out to the display cases, as well as the various work stations used to knead bread dough and ice cakes and cupcakes.

She stopped and said, “Gus, I’d like you to meet my friend Jackson Martin.”

The baker wiped his hands on his apron and offered a clean one. “I saw you play in the state championship years ago,” Gus said. “You were a helluva ballplayer.”

“My glory days are pretty far behind me. I practice law now.”

Ainsley noticed Gus stiffen slightly. Quickly, she said, “Jackson has been practicing criminal law down in L.A. He’s moving back to the Cove and will be taking over Clancy Nelson’s practice.”

Gus nodded abruptly. “Gotta get back to work.”

She led Jackson away and then asked, “What can I box up for you? It’s on the house.”

“Did I say something wrong?” he asked quietly. “I saw Gus’ reaction.”

“Gus is a former inmate,” she revealed. “He learned to cook in prison. He’s paid his debt to society and is very remorseful for what he did.” She saw the crease form between his eyes and added, “He’s a wonderful employee. Punctual. Hardworking.”

He nodded. “I think I’d like a cinnamon cake donut for myself, and you better make it three cannolis. Carter bragged about them so last night that I thought I better try one.”

“So, you’re ordering three?”

“If I come home with one, I won’t feel like splitting it with Dylan. Or Willow. I think it’s best each of us have one of our own.”

“Willow is coming to lunch at Rylie’s today. The girls are having a little impromptu gathering. I’ll make sure she has dessert there.”

“Keep it at three cannolis. That means Dylan and I can split that third one.” He grinned wickedly. “And my sister will be none the wiser.”

Ainsley laughed. “I can do that.” She picked up a box and claimed a fresh donut from the waiting tray and then went to the front. Jackson followed and went to the customer side of the counter, while Ainsley placed three cannolis alongside the lone donut. She handed the box to Jackson, and he thanked her.

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