Page 6 of Sweet Valentine

“How can you say no to this?” he said with a mouth full of butter tart. I burst out laughing because he looked adorable. I realized as he walked out the door that this moment might mark when Noah broke through my well-constructed walls.

I shake myself out of the memory and get back to work. It’s been a crazy morning. Saturdays are always a little nuts, so I generally prepare myself for the onslaught of orders, but today seems even busier than normal—must be the article. I look around and notice that all the tables are full, and my helper is busy getting orders ready for the customers in line. I take a moment to take in the fact that my dream is a reality. Eight months ago, I thought this was over, didn’t think there was any way I could move my business from a downtown strip to a small town and still survive. Yet, here I am, thriving and loving my life for the first time in years.

When I finally get a chance to look at my watch, I see that it’s past noon. I realize that Noah hasn’t shown up yet, and for a moment, I wonder if he’s finally given up.

“Why do you look like your dog just died?” Mandy asks, walking into the kitchen, carrying two lattes. I groan at the sight as I accept the cup and take a sip, loving the caramel flavor that travels down my throat. “You know you can make this yourself, right?” Mandy accuses, pointing to the coffee machine in the corner. I take another sip and give her the finger.

“And yet you still bring me one every day.” She gives me a look, and I just chuckle as I go back into the kitchen.

“No, seriously, why do you look like someone just died? What happened?” I shake my head, waving her off, hoping she’ll let it go. But, of course, that’s too much to ask from my best friend, who is nosier than that neighbor on Friends. “Come on, Val, I know something’s bothering you, I can feel it rolling off you in waves.”

URGH! Why can’t I have a normal friend who doesn’t care about my life?

“Mandy, honey. I love you. You know that. But I promise, nothing is wrong.”

Only the fact that the guy I am slowly falling for hasn’t come in today, and I wonder if I lost my shot.

“Fine, be like that. But just know I’m onto you, and I will get to the bottom of this.”

“Sure.” I go back to rolling out the dough for my next batch of croissants when I catch Mandy picking up Noah’s breakfast. I cringe.

“What’s this?” She holds up the bag and then, as if in slow motion, her hand dips in and grabs the scone and butter tart. “Are these what I think they are?” she asks, and I nod, knowing its futile to lie to her at this point.

“Yes.” That’s all I say because, really, what else am I supposed to say? The items belong to the guy who’s so attractive, I forget my no-guys rule every time he’s in my presence? Or maybe I should tell her they belong to the guy who could change everything for me, if I’d only stop being too scared to go for it.

“He hasn’t come in.” I shake my head and go back to rolling out the dough, needing to keep my hands and mind busy.

“Shit,” she mutters, putting down the pastries and heading my way. I hold up my hands, and she stops in her tracks.

“I’m fine,” I mutter, and she gives me a look, smirking. She knows me so well. “Fine, I’m disappointed he didn’t come in today, but I’ll survive.”

“Well, I know what you need.” Uh-oh, that’s never a good phrase. “Netflix and chill with your best friend. I promise not to grope you, and I’ll even bring the snacks.” I shake my head at the sheer weirdness of my best friend, but she’s the best thing in my life.

“That sounds awesome. I’ll bring the wine.”

“It’s a date.” Maybe this will distract me enough so I can come up with a plan for what to do about Noah. Or maybe I’ll drink the whole bottle of wine and forget he exists. If I’m being honest, either is possible.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“Mr. Taylor, I am impressed!” Sarah comes in, wearing her usual holiday-themed outfit. This time, there are red hearts all over her jet-black dress, she has heart-shaped earrings dangling from her ears, and I swear there are sparkly heart stickers at the corners of her eyes. The woman is insane.

“I learn from the best.” I wink at her as she takes in my classroom for a second time. I was here before dawn today, wanting to get the room decorated for the kids. Every inch of the place has something pink or red on it, and I know the kids are going to love it.

“So, how’s our baker doing?” I picture Val in my mind, her blond hair up in that messy bun of hers, flour all over her, and those grey eyes boring into mine. My cock instantly comes to life. “I’m guessing by the look on your face that she’s still playing hard to get?” As much as I’ve tried to hide my feelings for Val from everyone but Val herself, Sarah has latched on to my attraction and hasn’t let go.

“She hasn’t caved yet, but I’m not giving up.” Sarah gives me a knowing look as she walks around the room and looks at all the desks.

“Are these the letters?” She picks one up and silently reads it. “These kids are the sweetest.” I smile, knowing my kids are the best. Last week, I told them about our plan for today, and they were all for it. So, I contacted the retirement home down the street and kindly asked for some information on the residents that could take part. We then paired up the kids with a specific resident and…voila! Our plan came into being.

“What time is she coming?” Sarah asks, putting the letter down and heading to the door.

“How do you know she’s coming here?”

“Because I know you, and I know part of your plan is for her to see you in your element—which is around these kids who love you.” She’s not wrong.

“She’s bringing the cookies here just before lunch ends.” She smirks as she heads out the door without a word. Val doesn’t know it yet, but I’ve run out of patience. Today is the day things change, whether she’s ready to admit it or not.

“Noah?” My body constricts at the sound of her voice, and when I look to my right, the sight greeting me would’ve brought me to my knees if I weren’t already sitting at my desk. “Hey, there you are.” She walks all the way into the room, and I take in her long, blond hair that falls freely past her shoulders where it curls slightly. She’s in a pair of ripped jeans and a pink flowing top that leaves everything to the imagination. Fuck, this woman has no idea what she does to me.