Page 29 of Pastries and Promises

They settled at a table beside the window while Eva prepared their items. Soon she brought over the coffees, scones, and a small plate with two cupcakes.

"A new pistachio recipe, on the house," Eva explained, setting the plate down. "Let me know what you think!"

As Claire and Julia sampled the tender cupcakes, Eva returned to helping customers at the counter. Claire's gaze kept straying to admire her as she chatted cheerfully with patrons.

She itched to capture Eva's beauty in her sketchpad, but knew no drawing could do her justice. Her voice was melodic, her hair shimmered under the lights, her smile made Claire melt.

Finishing their treats, the sisters brought the empty dishes to Eva at the counter. "Delicious as always," Claire complimented her.

"So happy you enjoyed them!" Eva replied. Her fingers discreetly grazed Claire's as she took the plate, electricity sparking at the subtle touch. A private smile passed between them before the sisters headed out the door into the sunshine.

As they walked away from the cafe, Claire couldn't resist glancing over her shoulder for one last glimpse of Eva through the window.

Julia nudged her shoulder playfully. "I think you really like her," she teased.

Claire felt her cheeks flush as she quickly turned her gaze back to the sidewalk ahead. "I do," she admitted with a helpless sigh. "She just makes me feel..." She struggled to find the words to describe the intoxicating rush of emotions she felt around Eva.

"I feel like a teenager again, scribbling crushes' initials in notebooks," Claire continued. "I should be more composed than this at my age. But Eva makes my heart race with just a smile. All I want to do is run back and kiss her in front of everyone."

Julia laughed. "Maybe don't kiss her while she's working, but I am happy for you. And jealous. Think she has a cute brother?"

Claire chuckled at her sister's joke. As they continued on, she realized she actually knew very little about Eva's life beyond the bakery. "While I don't know much about her, I do know that she's an only child." Claire resolved to have a more meaningful talk with Eva soon, not just stolen kisses and longing looks. She wanted to know everything that made Eva who she was.

Chapter Twenty-Four

Eva hummed to herself as she wiped down the bakery counters, getting ready to close up Sweet Delights for the evening. Michael had left over an hour ago, and the last customers had filtered out with boxes of leftover pastries not long after.

As she went to lock the front door, Eva paused in surprise as she saw Claire through the glass, waving shyly. In her hands she held a small bouquet of colorful flowers.

Unable to keep from smiling, Eva ushered Claire inside. "Hey you," she said, taking in the bright blooms. "They're beautiful."

Claire blushed. "I was in the garden after Julia left this afternoon and wanted to give these to you. I know you're closed so I won't stay long." She held out the flowers.

"You're so sweet," Eva said. She took the bouquet, breathing in their scent before finding a vase behind the counter to arrange them in. "Thank you, I love them."

"It's no problem at all," Claire said, leaning against the counter. "I'm glad they make you happy."

Eva finished trimming and arranging the stems in the vase. She placed it right by the check out where everyone could see them. "There, perfect," she declared, admiring the pops of color. "This was so kind of you. You really made my day. And technically we are closed, but would you like to stay for a bit? I'll lock up and there's still coffee and lemonade and lots of sweets if you want a snack. On the house of course."

Claire's eyes brightened. "I'd love that. Can I help you close up at all?"

"I'm actually pretty much done, I just need to lock the door, so you caught me right in time." Eva went over to the door and quickly locked it. She then pulled the curtains to give them some privacy, and also to keep people from trying to get in since they might think she was still open.

"How about some iced coffee and cupcakes?" Eva offered.

Claire licked her lips, catching Eva's attention. "That sounds delicious."

Quickly ducking her head to hide her blush, Eva said, "Great, I'll be right back. Pick a seat anywhere."

As Claire settled onto the plush yellow couch, Eva stole frequent glances over at her from behind the counter, unable to stop a smile from spreading across her face. Claire was as bright and warm as the vibrant couch, and just as beautiful as the flowers she had brought.

Eva took extra care preparing their iced coffees, wanting everything to be perfect. She swirled whipped cream carefully on top, then drizzled chocolate and caramel in delicate patterns. She wished she had colorful sprinkles to add some fun flair, but had used up her supply earlier decorating a batch of sugar cookies.

For the pastries, Eva selected some simple vanilla cupcakes with a decadent lemon curd filling, ideal for enjoying on this sunny day. She carefully arranged two on a small tray along with the coffees before bringing it over to the cozy seating area.

As Eva settled onto the plush couch, slipping off her shoes and tucking her feet underneath her, Claire gave her a sympathetic smile. "I really could have helped out with all that, you know," she offered. "You didn't have to do everything yourself."

Eva waved off the concern as she lifted the chilled coffee glass to her lips for a long sip. "It's okay, really," she insisted after swallowing, meeting Claire's gaze. "I'm just very glad you came by today. This is exactly what I needed."

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