Fudgeballs And Other Sweets

by Lori Copeland

  “Don’t worry. It takes time to locate a missing person. Perhaps if you relax and give it another week or two.” If anything bad happened, you’d be notified.“ She covered the rim of her glass, shaking her head when the waiter was about to refill it.

  Pushing his glass aside, Dave pulled a credit card out of his billfold and laid it on the check tray. The waiter disappeared.

  “Sorry to be such bad company,” he apologized. “I guess being with Dory this week has brought back memories of when Megan was a baby.”

  “I understand.” Jenny gazed at the sleeping infant. “At least you have a daughter.” She was thirty-one and not even close to motherhood.

  THE WINE made Jenny sleepy. On the ferry ride home, she leaned on his shoulder and dozed. Dave glanced at Dory and adjusted her head more comfortably on his lap.

  He sobered, thinking about Megan. How many times had she lain on his lap, sleeping? Tendrils of blond hair framing wide, innocent blue eyes. God, he missed her so much it hurt. Was she all right? Was Nancy off on another one of her jaunts with her newest lover? He wouldn’t put it past her. Consideration wasn’t her strong suit.

  His gaze moved to Jenny, snoring softly. He grinned. She’d freak if she knew what she was doing. Especially in front of him. The grin faded. He liked her. Not only liked her, he was feeling an attraction he hadn’t felt for a woman in a long time.

  Why hadn’t she rented the building tonight? She’d liked it. She wasn’t just saying so to make him happy. She had no idea he wanted her space. Word of mouth would keep her business thriving. She might even think about franchising her product. There wasn’t another fudge shop around that could match her.

  Was money tight? He should have asked. He gently lifted a lock of hair off her face. Hell, he could foot the first year’s rent and let her pay it back at her convenience. Should he offer? No. She was a nineties woman. She’d make it on her own or she wouldn’t make it at all. His mind drifted to Brian, the man she had wanted to marry. Why would a man have a hard time committing to her?

  The ferry docked, and Jenny roused. She sat up, looked around, blinked sleepily, then blushed. “Did I fall asleep?”

  “For a few minutes.”

  “Did I…snore?”

  He laughed and didn’t want to embarrass her. “You were so quiet, I shook you once to see if you were still alive.”

  She breathed a sigh of relief. “I shouldn’t have had so much wine. It always wipes me out.”

  “Tell you what.” Dave handed her the blanket, then picked up Dory in one arm, the stroller and diaper bag in the other. “Why don’t I take Dory home with me tonight? There’s a baby crib in the upstairs guest room. Aunt Mosie insisted she have one when Megan was little.”

  “Oh, Dave…”

  He saw her reluctance and tried to ease her concerns. “You could get a good night’s sleep. And it would be nice to have a baby in the house again.”

  “That wouldn’t seem right. Rob left Dory with me.”

  “I’m a responsible adult. Let me help you, Jenny. You’re tired, and it’s late. I’ll enjoy the company.”

  She looked unconvinced.

  “Are you sure? She’s up at least a couple of times a night….” She trailed behind him as they left the boat, listing all the things that could go wrong.

  “I can handle whatever comes up.” When she covered her mouth in a series of yawns, he could see she was softening. He sweetened the pot. “You can sleep late in the morning.”

  That sealed it. He doubted she’d had over four hours’ sleep since Rob had left Dory on her doorstep.

  When they parted at the end of the peer, she kissed Dory goodbye. “See you in the morning, sweetie.”

  “I’ll be here,” Dave teased.

  “Not you.” She punched his arm, yawning again. “If the slightest thing goes wrong, you call me. Understand ”

  “It’s pretty complicated, but I think I’ve got it.”

  “And she likes oatmeal for breakfast.”

  “Got It.”

  She released a sigh. “Thanks, Dave. I’m going to bed.”

  “See you in the morning.”

  She walked off, then suddenly turned and called, “She likes to be rocked!”

  Dave nodded. “Who doesn’t?”

  He watched her disappear into the shadows, admiring the curve of her hips. She wasn’t overly thin, like some women. He liked that.

  Better idea—we can send Dory home and you can stay all night with me.

  “Hey, Jenny?”

  “Yes?” Her voice came back to him.

  “What about the building we looked at? You like it?”

  “I love it!”

  He grinned. “I’ll call Loyal in the morning.”

  “Great!”

  “WE’VE ALL GOT PROBLEMS, Sam!” Dave stuffed scrambled eggs into Dory’s mouth. She spat it at him. He should have made oatmeal, but he didn’t have any. “How can they always be two steps ahead of you?” Angry heat spread up his face. “I’ve already missed Megan’s birthday, and at the rate you’re going, I’ll miss Christmas! No more excuses. Give me something positive!” He slammed the receiver down.

  Wiping a hand over his face, he took a deep breath. He hadn’t been this frustrated since his last court battle with Nancy.

  Dory stared at him solemnly.

  “Want some bananas?”

  She giggled, kicking her feet.

  As he spooned strained fruit in her mouth, he rifled through kite orders. Why couldn’t he be as successful with women as he was with business? Then life would be good.

  He had an odd feeling about Nancy and her sudden disappearance. It was unusual even for her. She wasn’t one to think of his feelings, but neither had she ever completely gone back on her word about leaving Megan with him.

  He reached for the receiver and dialed Alstairs Realtors. A woman’s voice answered, and he asked for Loyal.

  “Loyal? Dave Kasada.”

  “Dave! I was hoping to hear from you.”

  “Well, she loves the space. Why don’t you get a contract ready. She’ll most likely be contacting you later today.”

  “Sure thing. How long a lease will she want?”

  “You’ll have to talk to her—I just want to make sure the space doesn’t get away.”

  “I’ll take care of it.”

  “Thanks. Loyal.”

  He hung up then carried Dory into the bathroom. Stripping off her soiled nightie, he winked. “Most women look sallow in bananas. Fruit looks good on you.”

  JENNY GLANCED UP from the copper kettle as Dave walked into the shop around nine. “Hi, I was getting worried about you. How’s Dory this morning?”

  He looked like Kevin Costner first thing in the morning. She looked like Courtney Love before she became a movie star. Jenny had worked on the financial report until three. This morning she’d overslept. She’d barely had time to jump into the shower and dab on a little lipstick. She peeled off the plastic gloves and self-consciously smoothed her hair into place. It was still damp. With the natural curl, she probably looked like Princess.

  Dave set the baby carrier down. “She’s a little out of sorts—that tooth’s bothering her.”

  Jenny wiped her hands on her apron and took the baby from him. “Did you get any sleep at all?”

  “Some. I bought a teething ring and iced it down in the freezer. It seemed to help. Tonight I’ll—”

  “You can’t keep her tonight.”

  “Why not?”

  “Because you just can’t. Rob left her with me.” She realized how juvenile that sounded, but she wanted Dory with her. Hang the financial reports and Fudgeballs. “I’m getting caught up with my orders.” She nuzzled Dory. “I’ve missed you, sweetie.” Dory grabbed Jenny’s finger, stuck it in her mouth and clamped down hard. Jenny sucked in her breath and grinned when she felt something sharp. “Dave!” She probed the front gums, grinning. “She’s got two teeth!”

  Dave was instantly at her side, pokin
g his finger in Dory’s mouth. “I’ll be damned, there are two. Where did the second one come from? It wasn’t there last night.”

  Jenny felt giddy. It was a momentous occasion. “Here, hold her while I get the camera.”

  She was aware of his gaze following her to the back room. She didn’t have to look at him to sense his interest. The tingling sensation down her spine told her he was looking at her as a woman rather than a neighbor. She had to keep her distance. The more she was around him, the more she enjoyed his company. Her growing interest and dependence scared her.

  She returned a moment later. “I found it, and it still has film. We’re in luck.”

  Dave exchanged the baby for the camera. “I’ll get a shot of you holding Dory.”

  “Not the way I look,” she protested.

  “You’re gorgeous. Hold Dory’s mouth open.”

  It took several tries to get the pose just right. Jenny tickled Dory’s belly to make her laugh just before Dave snapped the picture. She was still giggling with Dory when she handed the baby to him. “Now you.”

  Their hands brushed as they made the switch. She was certain Dave’s fingers lingered longer than necessary. Or was it that when they touched, everything moved in slow motion? Heat spread to parts of her body she’d purposely ignored since her breakup with Brian. Was it her imagination, or did she sense reluctance when his hand left hers? She didn’t need this complication in her life. He obviously wasn’t in the market for a relationship, and she had enough to contend with without falling in love.

  “All right, now let me get a shot of you,” she teased.

  “Me?” Dave frowned. “Forget it. I hate having my picture taken.”

  “Too bad!” She grinned, lifting the camera.

  He lowered Dory in front of him till the top of her head was at his chin, crossed his eyes and stuck his tongue out the side of his mouth just as the flash went off.

  “That’ll be one she can show to her grandkids,” Jenny grumbled.

  Dory began sucking her fist and whimpering.

  “Is she hungry?” She laid the camera on the counter.

  “No, I just fed her.” Dave lifted the baby over his shoulder and patted her. “I’ll take her to the house and put her down for a nap. Peter’s watching the store this morning.”

  Jenny stiffened. He was doing it again. All of a sudden he was taking care of Dory and she wasn’t. “No. I know you’re more experienced, but I think I’m doing just fine for a beginner.”

  “You’re doing a great job, but you’re busy and I’m not.

  Jenny rounded the display case. “I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. You’ve been a big help, but I can take it from here. I’ve imposed enough as it is. I really shouldn’t have involved you.”

  The door opened, and a stream of customers poured in. They spread out, crowding the small floor space.

  Jenny tried to take Dory from him.

  He held on tightly.

  She pulled at Dory, and Dory fussed louder.

  Dave drew back. “You’re hurting her.”

  “Then let go of her.”

  “She needs a nap, for heaven’s sake. What’s the big deal about me taking her to my house and putting her down for a nap?”

  “She isn’t yours!”

  “She isn’t yours, either.”

  “Stop this, Dave.” Her eyes narrowed. “I will take care of her.”

  “You’ve got a store full of customers and no help. Don’t be stubborn about this.”

  “Don’t you be stubborn! Mrs. Wilcox will be here any moment.” They locked horns, their gazes fixed and determined.

  “Excuse me?” A woman with three children stood by the register waiting to pay for her purchases. “Is anyone working here?”

  Jenny caught her breath. Her eyes fixed on Dave’s fingers, making tiny circles on the baby’s back. She imagined his hand on her back. She blinked the disturbing image away.

  Stop it, her head screamed. Stop looking at him that way and thinking of him that way. She was so close to achieving financial security, so close to fulfilling her dreams for Fudgeballs. She couldn’t throw a monkey wrench in the works by getting emotionally involved with him. She couldn’t.

  “Dave, go home. You’re not needed anymore. I can handle it from here.” Blunt and to the point was the only sensible way to handle the matter.

  Disbelief, then hurt flickered in his eyes.

  “Jenny—”

  Taking Dory from him, she ignored the disappointment in his tone. Tough love. She’d heard of it, just never put it to use. She stepped around him and carried Dory into the back room.

  When she returned a moment later, he was gone.

  Swallowing the knot in her throat, she pasted a smile on her face and waited on customers.

  5

  PRINCESS DIPPED HER HEAD to stare at the sleeping bulldog. “Mon ami?”

  Jake opened one eye, yawned and licked his chops. “Huh? What’d ya call me?”

  “Mon ami. I called you my friend.”

  “Friend? Since when?” Jake shifted to his other side to resume his nap.

  Princess nudged his backside with her nose. “Come play with me.”

  Jake raised his head. “Play? With you?” He sat up and looked at her. “Are you nuts? You’re askin’ me to play with you? One minute I’m barred from looking at you, the next you want to play?”

  Tears welled in her eyes, and she swiped them away with her paw.

  “Aw, shoot. What are you bawlin’ for? What’d I do?”

  “I am lonely, monsieur.”

  He rose, shook and strutted around her, giving her a couple of sniffs. “You been drinkin’ something stronger than water?”

  She laid down, put her head between her paws and whined.

  “Okay, okay—quit your bellyachin’. I’ll play. What’ll it be? Chase?” He jumped at her, pulled back and jumped again.

  She didn’t move. He put a paw on her back and gave her a shove. “You wanted to play, let’s play.”

  “I don’t feel like it anymore.”

  Jake snorted, hiked his leg on the tree, then settled in his former spot. Poodles!

  Princess let out a mournful whimper. “Talk to me.”

  Good grief. “What do you want me to say?”

  She turned away. “If you don’t know, then I’m not going to tell you. Don’t talk to me.”

  Jake pushed himself to a sitting position. “Is this a game? Play with me—don’t play with me. Talk to me—don’t talk to me. You missing a few kibbles?”

  Princess let out a wail.

  Jake shot up like a bullet. “Oh, for cryin’ out loud. Now what’d I say?”

  “I haven’t gotten one kibble treat since the baby came,” Princess sniffed.

  Jake snorted and licked his nose. “Is that all? That’s nothin’ to cry about. That chunk o’ nothin’ wouldn’t fill a hollow tooth.” I could give her back her bone. Nah.

  He rummaged in his dog dish for a scrap of leftovers and came up with a piece of crust off Dave’s bologna sandwich. “Here.” He laid the morsel on the ground in front of her. “Now this is something you can sink your teeth into.”

  Princess sprang to her feet and strutted to her cushion. “I’m not hungry!”

  Jake followed her. “Am I missing something here?”

  “You couldn’t understand—you have a human who loves you.”

  “Dave? Sure, he’s a good guy.” He laid down beside her cushion. “Your human loves you.”

  “Alas, she has forgotten me.” She sighed.

  “Forgotten you? How could anyone forget you, yippin’ and yappin’ all the time, leapin’ around like a Mexican jumping bean—”

  Her wails stopped him. “She only has time for the baby now.”

  Jake rolled onto his back and wiggled to give it a good scratch. “Now I get the picture. You’re jealous.”

  Princess sat up. “I am not!” She stuck her nose in the air. “Well, perhaps a bit, but I love the baby, to
o.”

  “Well, I like the kid, but the humans are gaga over it. I, for one, haven’t had a decent nap since she got here.” He snorted. “All that fussin’ and squallin’.”

  “True, monsieur. Jenny can’t get anything done for changing diapers, mixing formula and rocking—constantly rocking. And your human is always underfoot, wanting to play with Dory. I never get lap time anymore.”

  “Oh, you know humans,” Jake said, “they’ll get around to us eventually.” He sprang to his feet and panted. “Dry your eyes, tootsie. I can get your mind off your troubles—let’s wrestle!”

  JENNY BLEW a wayward strand of hair from her forehead as she coaxed Dory to take a bite of strained spinach. “I know it looks bad, sweetie, but it’s good for you. Just one little bite.”

  Dory grabbed the spoon and flung it across the room, spattering green globs over Jenny’s clean T-shirt, the floor, the counter and a new batch of black walnut fudge.

  “Oh, Dory, not again.” Frustrated, she called for Mrs. Wilcox. “I need help up here!”

  The chubby woman shuffled in from the back room, carrying a sack of sugar in one hand and stuffing fudgeballs into her mouth with the other. She swallowed hard then licked her fingers.

  “Thought I’d start another batch of chocolate. We’re running a little low.”

  “Already?” Jenny glanced at the sparse selection in the candy case. Three days on the job, and already Mrs. Wilcox had eaten her way through two trays of chocolate. “Well, go ahead. I’ll get this mess cleaned up, then try to get Dory down for her nap while you’re mixing another batch.”

  “Yum.” Mrs. Wilcox pinched off a piece of the spattered fudge. “Don’t throw this out. I’ll take it home. The mister won’t mind a little spinach.”

  Surrounded by Dory’s fussy crying, Mrs. Wilcox spread the recipe in front of her and began pouring ingredients into the copper kettle. Jenny bounced the baby on one hip while wiping strained baby food from the counter and watching the older woman pluck up a handful of the remaining fudgeballs from the case and pop them into her mouth.

  “Sure is a colicky baby,” Mrs. Wilcox said, her cheek bulging with candy.

  “I don’t know what’s wrong with her. Nothing suits her. She won’t eat, won’t sleep. I’ve tried everything,” Jenny replied, admittedly at her wits end.