Page 8 of Gingerbread Hearts

I remember her bit about wearing her favorite heels and lower my gaze to the black patent heels on her feet. Her legs are long, and as she walks towards the car, I can see why they’re her favorite.

Violet, you’re stunning.

I let out the breath I was holding and clear my throat before she gets in the car. It’s going to be a long dinner.

***

Violet

Of course, Jake would be on time. He’s used to rushing everywhere by living in the city. This small town has no traffic and everything is close by. I watch him park in front of my house. I’ve been dressed and ready to go for the last twenty minutes or so. Bethany was frantically going through my closet not even an hour ago.

As I get into his car, I thank every minute that Bethany had spent helping me pick out an outfit. Jake is looking at me with hungry eyes, as if I’m everything he’s ever wanted. I subconsciously lick my lips as I buckle in. I’m pleased with my choice to not zip my coat up, giving him just a little taste of my outfit.

“Careful, Violet,” he says, his eyes looking me over, “we may not make it to dinner.”

“Save it for dessert, Jake,” I retort. The flirty banter between us the past few days heavy with desire now.

“I’ll be sure to save room,” he replies and we drive to the restaurant.

Sexual tension hovers low and heavy between us.

The Railway Tavern isn’t far, about a ten-minute drive, nothing is too far apart in Kastle Harbor. Jake opens the door for me when we arrive and he takes my coat, his hands lingering on my bare shoulders. I’m wearing one of Bethany’s emerald dresses. An off the shoulder velvet bodycon knee-length dress. It has a sweetheart neckline, drawing attention to my modest cleavage and highlighting my legs with its thigh high slit. My hair is loose, falling over my shoulders. And my makeup simple. Once again, as I catch Jake’s hungry gaze skimming my body, I’m thankful for my friend’s assistance.

As we settle into dinner the conversation flows. We catch up on our days and talk about our holiday plans for the next couple of weeks.

“By the way, my grandmother extends her invitation for you to attend our Christmas party next week,” Jake states.

“That actually sounds delightful, I’d love to go.” I smile at him, reaching out to touch his hand and squeeze it gently. “Your grandmother is sweet to think of me. I make the cookies for her party every year but now I can see them be enjoyed by the partygoers.”

He asks me about the favorite things I’ve baked, my most hilarious mistakes, the ridiculous requests I receive, and what I see myself doing in the future.

“You can’t really see yourself doing the same thing in the same bakery forever, can you?” Jake questions me and it hits a little too close to home.

“I don’t see what’s wrong with it. I get to create pastries to my heart’s content in a wonderful work environment. I have a home, a great boss and best friend, and everything I could ever want is right here in Kastle Harbor.” My reply is slightly defensive but honest.

“Surely not everything,” he replies.

“Not everyone wants to work themselves to death and have nothing to show for it.”

“I’m up for a promotion to be partner in my firm. Soon I won’t be working the hours I do. I can enjoy the city more, travel, relax.”

“But see, you’d still stay in the city. You’d be doing what I am, just a different location.” I point out, gesturing between us.

Sometimes distance is more than miles…

SEVEN

JAKE

This isn’t how I saw our evening going. We’re both flustered from words, not intimate activities. We’re stubborn, set in our ways. More alike than I thought.

“Violet, it’s not the same,” I say, hesitant to actually agree with the truth of her words. I’m in my thirties, single, and planning on working and living in the same city as long as I can imagine. “One day I plan on running my own firm.” I throw the thought out there. It’s something I’ve considered but not necessarily need out of life.

“So, we both know exactly what we want from life? And it’s not conducive to having a significant other, is it?”

“At least not each other,” I practically whisper. We’ve known each other less than a week, but it’s like we already know everything there is to know.

“True. I’ve done the whole live in a big city, fall hopelessly in love, and dream of a perfect future,” she maintains eye contact. “I’m not doing that again.”

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