by Marie Landry
“Even though I suspect Gwen asked you to babysit me tonight?” Now he’s the one whose lips are twitching.
“Babysit!” I say with a laugh. “Not quite. Apparently Evan had a date planned for them and Gwen didn’t want you to feel bad. I was happy for the company. For your company.” I shift closer to him, hoping to convey a deeper meaning. I’m not sure if subtlety will work on Jasper, but I’m not quite ready to drop my feelings at his feet.
“Thank you, Willow. I enjoy your company as well. I look forward to…well, to seeing a lot more of you.” He shifts from foot to foot and then holds out his arms. The movement is so stiff, it reminds me of a zombie from a horror movie, and I can’t help expelling a laugh under my breath. He freezes, his arms dropping to his sides. “I’m sorry, you’ve said you’re a hugger and I thought—”
I close the small distance between us and wrap my arms around him. “I’m definitely a hugger, but I know you’re not.”
It takes a moment for the tension to ease from his body. When it does, his arms tighten around me, hands settling firmly on my lower back. “I’m not usually. Bellevue seems to be full of huggers, though, so I’m trying to adjust.”
“If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em?”
“Something like that.” He chuckles as he pulls away, his warm breath brushing my ear and making me shiver. “You should get inside before you get too much of a chill.”
I’m not worried about getting too chilled; I’m worried about falling for Jasper right here in the parking lot of my apartment building. He insists on walking me to the front door of the building, where we say good night.
“Hey Jasper,” I call as he walks away. He pauses and turns back to face me. “If you need anything before Tuesday or if you want to chat, I’m only a text away.”
He inclines his head toward me in thanks, a small smile flirting around his lips. “And I’m only a phone call away. See you Tuesday, Willow.”
I’m relieved not to run into anyone in the hallways or stairwell on the way to my apartment because I can’t stop grinning. Every time I’ve seen Jasper, I’ve been introduced to a new side of him. I think I liked tonight’s Jasper best, and I’m curious to see which Jasper I’ll get on Tuesday when we go to Nansom Farms together.
Back in my apartment, the first thing I do is check my phone and reply to a text from Cami telling me she’s successfully closed Cravings and will see me tomorrow. Seems like tonight has been a win all around.
After donning my snuggly Mandalorian pajamas, I pick up where I left off with my work plans. I agree with everything Marisol said earlier and, while I will attempt to loosen the reins of control somewhat, talking to Jasper has made me realize how lucky I am to have my dream job. Cravings’ success is important to me, and I know going the extra mile now will contribute to its success in the long run.
When my phone rings half an hour later, I immediately think of Jasper telling me he’s only a phone call away. I grab for the phone, hoping it’s him and feeling a tiny bit of disappointment—and guilt for that disappointment—when Gwen’s name flashes across the screen.
“So, phone calls are a thing for us now?” I ask.
“Do you ever just say ‘hello’ when you answer the phone?” Gwen counters.
“Hello, Gwendolyn, I love you, why are you calling me?”
She laughs. “I love you too. Why didn’t you tell me you’re going to be alone for Thanksgiving?”
I slump back against the couch cushions. “Wow, Jasper didn’t waste any time, did he?”
“In his defense, it sort of slipped out when I asked how your evening was. If it makes you feel any better, he looked really guilty afterward and said he was, and I quote, ‘dismayed to have broken your trust by revealing something you’d asked him not to’.”
Oh, Jasper. I let out a sigh, then ask, “How was your date? Where did Evan take you?”
“Nice try, Willow,” Gwen says in her best no-nonsense voice. “The three of us got talking and came up with a plan. Malcolm and Sherée have invited Evan and me to stay with them, and we’ve accepted. Hadley is going to be away, which means her room at Jasper’s is free, so you’ll come with us to Toronto and have Thanksgiving with the Perrys.”
I sputter out a laugh. “Umm, no? This is going to be your first Thanksgiving as part of the Perry family. I’m perfectly fine being on my own.”
“But you’re part of my family, so that point is moot.”
Despite being amused by her words, emotion clogs my throat at the sentiment.
“Come on, it’ll be fun!” she says before I can formulate a response. “Jasper says he’d be happy to have you as a guest for the weekend. Oh, and you’ll get to meet Elizabeth! When’s the last time you had baby snuggles?”
“That’s not fair, you know I’m a sucker for baby snuggles.” I sigh again. Jasper’s earlier words about belonging come to mind. Maybe my being there would be helpful. I could give him gentle nudges to open up and share more with his siblings. And if I’m being honest, the thought of staying with him—seeing where he lives, how he lives, having him cook for me—is pretty damn appealing. It’s also slightly terrifying because I think I’m already starting to fall for him, and this might be the push I’m not sure I need or want.
“You’re coming to Thanksgiving,” Gwen says matter-of-factly.
“Okay. I’ll come to Thanksgiving.”
Gwen’s “Yay!” is so loud I have to jerk the phone away from my ear. When I return it, there’s a rustle as if she’s moving around, and I picture her doing a little happy dance. After a minute, she says, “I normally hate talking on the phone almost as much as you do, but it’s actually not so bad.”
I smile as it occurs to me I’ve talked on the phone more today than I have in months. I think I have Jasper to blame—or thank—for that. “Yeah, it’s not so bad. We should do it more often.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
On Monday, I’m basically the human embodiment of a tornado. I spend the morning dashing back and forth between serving customers, refilling stock as it dwindles, and creating dessert samples. In the course of our phone call on Saturday night, Gwen and I arranged for her and Evan to come into the café today during the mid-afternoon lull so we could go over options for the wedding’s dessert buffet.
Mondays are usually one of our slowest days, but not today, of course. Amid the chaos of rushing around, I send out several messages of thanks to the universe for bringing in so many customers. It’s exciting and validating to see all my social media strategies panning out and to know Marisol and I are on our way to creating a truly successful business. Even if it does mean I’m a caffeine-fueled human whirlwind by noon.
When the steady stream of customers turns into more of a trickle, Marisol steers me toward the café kitchen and tells me to concentrate on my ‘culinary magic’ for Gwen and Evan. I’m handling the creation of the menu and the sample tasting, and Marisol will be helping me make everything in bulk for the actual wedding reception. While I take a lot of pleasure in interacting with people and being in the hustle and bustle of the café itself, my true passion lies in the kitchen with my hands buried in dough or forming intricate designs.
Shortly after two o’clock, Gwen texts me to say they’re on their way, so I shed my flour-covered apron and assemble the samples on a large platter. I’m just about to make Gwen and Evan’s favorite hot drinks when the door opens and Gwen walks in, followed by…Jasper.
I’d be lying if I said my heart didn’t do a little happy dance at the sight of him.
“Wow, Evan, you sure have changed since the last time I saw you,” I say when our eyes meet.
I expect Mr. Takes Everything Literally to say something like ‘No, it’s me, Jasper. Jasper Perry’. Much to my surprise and delight, his lips curve. “Evan had a last minute work-related emergency. Since I was already at the Village meeting with Hugh, Gwen called and asked if I’d like to take Evan’s place.”
“Well, I’m glad she did.” I come out from
behind the counter to greet them, giving Gwen a kiss and hug before turning to Jasper. “Hugs still okay?”
“Certainly.” He does the zombie arms thing again, although unlike the other night, the embrace remains stiff and ends much too quickly for my liking. When we part, Gwen is watching us with an amused sparkle in her eyes.
“You and Hugh seem to have struck up quite the friendship,” I say to Jasper as I lead them to an empty table.
“Evan’s taken to calling it a ‘bromance’,” Gwen says, slipping her lightweight jacket off and draping it over the back of a chair before sitting.
“Yes, well.” Jasper’s earnest expression makes me want to laugh. “He’s quite the fascinating man. He’s got a keen business sense, and his philanthropic efforts are admirable. I appreciate him taking time out of his busy schedule to show me the inner workings of his business.”
“I told Jasper he should move to Bellevue and work for Hugh,” Gwen says. “The Village is such a massive operation, I’m sure Hugh could find something for Jasper to do.”
Jasper takes a seat across from Gwen, his gaze trained on something across the room. I don’t think he’s admiring my autumn bouquets so much as he’s avoiding looking at either of us.
Despite his diverted stare and the hard set of his mouth, I can’t help adding my two cents. “You should consider it, Jasper. You’d be a great asset to Hugh, and it would be something new and challenging for you.”
When he remains silent, Gwen and I meet each other’s eyes and make matching yikes faces. She mouths ‘touchy subject’ to me before leaning slowly toward Jasper as if he’s a wild animal she’s afraid to scare off. “It’s just something to think about,” she says. “No pressure. Evan and I would love to have you living in Bellevue. I’m sure Willow would too.”
I expect Jasper to finally look at Gwen, but his warm brown eyes swing to meet mine instead. The unspoken question there seems to ask if Gwen is right.
Taken by surprise, I stammer out a string of “I-I-I” before getting it together and saying, “Yes. That’s true.”
Jasper nods. I don’t need to look at Gwen to feel her eyes practically burning holes in the side of my head, willing me to glance in her direction. I hurry away from the table, calling over my shoulder that I’ll be back with the samples and coffee so we can get this tasting under way.
Upon reaching the counter, I discover Marisol has arranged three cups of coffee on a tray next to my platter of samples. “I’ll take these.” Her eyes linger on something over my shoulder, and I know she’s looking at Jasper. Her gaze returns to mine. “Your onion is begging to have more of his layers peeled back.”
I blink at her in confusion. It takes me a minute to realize what the hell she’s talking about. When I finally clue in, I say, “He’s not my onion. He’s not my anything.”
“Yet, darling. Yet.” She boops my nose with the tip of her finger, grinning wickedly when I bat her fingers away. Hoisting the tray of drinks, she sashays over to where Gwen and Jasper are sitting. I follow a moment later, setting my offerings in the center of the table.
Gwen’s soft gasp of delight paired with the little dance she does in her chair makes me laugh. She’s as much of a foodie as Marisol and I are, and it gives me great pleasure to be able to share my love of food with both of my closest friends. As I hand Gwen and Jasper each a small sheet of paper and a pen, I explain how they can write down their favorite desserts, any suggestions for flavor or decorative tweaks, and any other thoughts they might have.
Half an hour later, Gwen sits back in her seat, a satisfied smile playing over her lips as she clutches her stomach. “How am I supposed to choose? I feel like you made this impossible on purpose.” She picks up her pen and points at the sheet of paper with scribbled notes on the front and back, then aims it at the sheet she took from Jasper so she could continue writing notes when her page was full. Next, she points the pen at Jasper. “What do you think?”
“I think the guests at your wedding will be lucky to have such culinary delights on offer,” Jasper replies.
“Aww, that’s sweet.” Gwen lays her hand over Jasper’s where it rests on the table. “But not at all helpful.”
“I could pack up more samples and send them for Evan to try,” I offer.
“I’m all for packing up extra samples, but we both know most of them won’t make it to Evan.” She gives me a wry look, and I laugh. “He was pretty much only coming as a formality, something for us to do together before the wedding. We all know I’m the dessert fiend and will have final say anyway, even if it ends up being completely over the top.”
“Well, you know I’m here for over the top. Whatever you want, I’ll make it happen. Why don’t I go get us refills while you ponder?” I stand and collect our mugs. Jasper makes a move to help, but I thank him and assure him I’ve got it covered.
Marisol is saying goodbye to a customer when I approach. She sidles up next to me the moment I round the counter. Instead of asking how it went, as I assume she’ll do, she says, “I think you should go for it with Jasper.”
“Gwen loved—wait, what? Why are you so hung up on this?”
“Because I have eyes and I see how you look at Jasper,” she says in a voice that heavily implies a ‘duh’. At my scoff, she tilts her head, eyeing me shrewdly. “And how he looks at you.”
Something stirs in my stomach. “How does he look at me?”
“Like…like you’re a puzzle he’s trying to figure out. Something different and new that he’s excited to tackle, even as he knows it’ll be challenging. Jasper looks like the type of man who loves a good puzzle, don’t you think?”
Her words leave me speechless. I’ve caught Jasper looking at me a few times, but he’s intense and he truly listens when people speak, so I haven’t given it much thought…even though I get a strange little thrill every time our eyes lock unexpectedly.
I sense someone approaching a second before Gwen leans against the counter across from Marisol and me. “I was watching you two and it feels like you’re having a secret meeting, so I thought I should insert myself.”
Marisol mirrors Gwen’s movement and leans in close across the counter. “Don’t you think Willow and Jasper would make a great couple?”
My mouth drops open. I don’t have time to say anything before Gwen nods enthusiastically. “I do! I think they’d be perfect together. They’re so different and yet similar enough that they’d complement each other nicely.”
Rather than pointing out the obvious—that I’m standing right here while they talk about me—I decide to redirect the subject. “Did you make any progress with the dessert menu?”
Gwen’s gaze flicks to me. “Yes, actually. We’ll talk about that after, though. This is much more important.” She waves a dismissive hand that has my mouth dropping open and a laugh sputtering out. She returns her attention to Marisol. “During the tasting, I kept getting that song from Aladdin stuck in my head. You know, ‘A Whole New World’? Except in this case, Willow would be Aladdin showing Jasper as Jasmine a whole new world.”
“I love it!” Marisol whisper-yells, clasping her hands in front of her and practically swooning.
The two of them chat away and giggle, talking about my imaginary love life. Letting out an exaggerated huff, I take a step away. Without even looking at me, Marisol grips my wrist, holding me in place. I glance over to where poor Jasper has been abandoned, and our eyes lock. I expect him to look away, embarrassed to be caught looking at me—because it is me he’s looking at, not his soon-to-be sister-in-law or our chatty, meddling friend—but his gaze remains connected to mine.
After a few beats, his mouth softens and the corners of his eyes crinkle. I feel myself smiling in response. Smiling with my whole body—cheeks flushing, butterflies taking flight in my stomach, champagne bubbles fizzing in my chest.
And now, god help me, I’m the one who has ‘A Whole New World’ stuck in my head.
Someone knocks a napkin holder over across the caf
é and Jasper startles, averting his gaze. I jump too; it’s like the whole world had faded away for a moment and narrowed down to the connection between Jasper and me. I turn back to my friends and bulldoze my way into the conversation, cutting Marisol off mid-sentence.
“Okay, you both win. How do I go about getting Jasper Perry to see me as more than a friend?”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Nansom Farms is an autumn lover’s dream come true.
An indoor-outdoor market near the entrance of the huge gravel driveway sits on several acres of farmland that boast a variety of fruit-bearing trees and bushes, fields of corn, and seemingly endless rows of other vegetables. My mom and I used to come here twice a year—once in the summer for strawberry picking, and again in the fall for the corn maze, hay ride, and pick-your-own apples and pumpkins. That yearly fall excursion, where we’d spend an entire day here just the two of us, is likely the reason autumn is my favorite season.
I climb out of the back of Hugh and Ivy’s car and tilt my face up toward the sun, filling my lungs with fresh country air. It’s been years since I’ve been to the farm, and I couldn’t be happier Gwen chose it as one of her group outings.
“How cute is this place?” Ivy says as she shuts the passenger door of the car. She moves to stand beside me, slinging her arm around my shoulders and turning her face toward the sun too. She’s fully embodied the autumn spirit with her burnt-orange tunic sweater, black leggings, and bright orange rubber boots. When she and Hugh picked me up at my apartment, she got out of the car and struck several poses to show off her boots, which made me break out in delighted laughter.
“I’m so glad we could all come today,” I tell her, tightening my grip around her waist and laying my head briefly on her shoulder. “Things have been so hectic with work and moving back to Bellevue. A little outdoor fun on a crisp October day feels like something that’s good for the soul.”
“I completely agree.” She gives me a squeeze and then releases me to wave at Evan, who has just pulled into the parking lot with Gwen in the passenger seat and Jasper in the back. “A little birdie told me you have a special mission to win over a certain tall, dark, and handsome Perry brother.”