Page 28 of Saffron and Secrets

She’s probably five feet tall and is grinning from ear to ear as if butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth. She swears like a sailor and seems to have zero filter.

Not knowing the proper etiquette, I offer my hand to shake, but she shakes her head and yanks on my arm until I step closer to her, and she plants a kiss on each cheek. I pull back and she squeezes both of my cheeks. “These look like the only ounce of fat on you.”

“Oh. My. God,” Ruby mumbles, mortified.

“What? He’s handsome,” Flora says with a shrug, not understanding the issue.

“Not the only reason he’s here,” Ruby reminds her. “He’s smart and caring too.”

That makes my heart thump harder; the fact she’s the only woman who sees past the money and my looks. I feel blessed to have met her. I may have to thank James for making me buy flowers, otherwise I’d never have met her. And what a sad fucking thought that is.

“My granddaughter is so lucky. But you are too because she is my favorite granddaughter.”

“I’m your only granddaughter, so say that!” Ruby laughs and I can’t help but join her too.

“Well, that’s true. Now, did you bring the saffron for the pie?”

I hold it up and wave it. “We sure did. And I cannot wait to taste it.”

“Well, you're in for a treat, handsome.”

“Grandma, he has a name, and it’s John,” Ruby says, clearly annoyed.

I smile, watching this exchange, wishing my grandparents were still around. They definitely weren’t as out there as Ruby’s, but they were warm and kind too.

“Let’s cook the pie and then we can sit and have some tea while the pie bakes.”

“Sounds good. How can I help?” I offer.

“And he wants to cook. Listen, Ruby, if you don’t marry him, I will.” She winks at me, and I bite back a chuckle because Ruby has stiffened uncomfortably.

“No one is marrying anyone,” Ruby retorts.

I’m not ready to marry right now, either. But dating? Hell yes. And if she doesn’t agree to the date like I have planned, then I’ll be gutted. I want to take her out and bring a smile back on her face…and maybe kiss that sweet face.

Yeah, definitely that.

Even now, as I stand here waiting to receive my instruction on how I can help, my gaze keeps straying to those pink lips. I’ve never wanted to kiss someone so much in my life.

“If you’re going to offer, I’ll need your muscles to do the mixing. Ruby, can you make the tea?”

“Sure.” She moves away from me to make the tea, and I join Flora behind the counter and follow her directions.

As I help her, I look out the corner of my eye, catching glimpses of Ruby moving around.

“Do you want tea, or would you prefer coffee?” Ruby asks.

“The usual, sweetheart,” Flora responds.

Ruby shakes her head. “I meant John.”

I smirk. “I’d love a coffee. Black, no sugar or cream.”

“How do you drink that? It’s so bland.” Flora tsks.

“I’m used to it.”

The old woman doesn’t say anything else, just puts the mix into the cake pan.

---