Edible Espionage

by Shaunna Owens

  Isn’t that the question of the year? Since last week, Sarah hadn’t received any communication from Mr. Arnold on any of the fifteen messages she’d left. All she needed to know was whether or not he’d be there. She knew he didn’t have to be, he had no obligation, but maybe out of human decency he’d show. Her nerves got the best of her, and she fiddled with her hair. She’d been miserable since learning about this last stipulation. In a cruel turn of events, second place had gone to Pies, Oh My!

  Sarah checked her watch. Fifteen after. I don’t know why I expected anything more. He won. There’ll be no prizes for us.

  She took a deep breath realizing her defeat. May as well not waste any more time. “I’m sorry, Ms. Davenport, I’m afraid Gavin won’t be joining us.”

  “What?” She stopped flipping through her notepad and her gaze met Sarah’s. “He’s only running late, I’m sure.” She checked her gold watch. “Let’s give him a few more minutes.”

  “Yeah, I’m fairly certain time isn’t the problem.” She bit her bottom lip and rubbed her temple. “He’s not coming.”

  “We could have rescheduled.”

  “That wouldn’t have helped. He won’t ever be showing up to an interview.” Sarah blinked back tears. Ever since Gavin came into her life, and then left, she found herself to be a blubbering idiot. I’ve never cried so easily in my life. This is ridiculous.

  “Why not?” Liz asked.

  “Well…” Sarah wasn’t ready to explain their complicated relationship. Where would she even start? “His real job takes him away, on short notice. It’s his busy time of year.”

  “All right.”

  Liz looked skeptical but accepting of the explanation.

  “It was very nice to meet you, Sarah. You have a wonderful bakery.”

  “Thank you.” Sarah nodded and diverted her gaze to the floor. Her dreams slipped away.

  The chime on the front door sounded, and she jerked up her head, eyes wide, focused on the door. For a moment, she felt her heartbeat pound in her ears and then she sagged against the chair. Mrs. Cline was stopping in to grab her weekly loaf of bread. Get real, that’s not the way my life works. He’s not coming at the last minute to save me.

  Pasting on a fake smile, she shook the reporter’s hand and walked with her to the front door. Dread fought to take over her senses and motor skills but she managed one last sentence, “If you ever find yourself in Haven again, please stop by.”

  “I will.”

  Sarah reached for the knob just as the door swung out of her grasp, and she jumped back to avoid a collision.

  “Sorry I’m late.”

  That familiar smooth distinctive voice. “Gavin?” Sarah let out his name in high-pitched surprise.

  “I was stuck in traffic. My apologies. Interstate Five was surprisingly busy today. I hope I didn’t miss the interview.”

  “No. No.” The reporter shook his hand. “I’m Liz Davenport from Confectionary Digest.” She looked him up and down.

  A possessive streak zipped through Sarah as she witnessed the two exchange pleasantries. Back off, Liz.

  “It’s great to finally meet you, Ms. Davenport.” Gavin flashed his charming smile at the reporter. “Your magazine is indeed an industry gem. We are so honored to be interviewed by you.” He gazed at Sarah. “Sorry I’m late.” He touched her waist and kissed her on the cheek.

  Bolts of energy shot through her. Her cheek suddenly burned with a yearning for more and her vision blurred for a moment. “Okay” was all she could utter. Am I imagining this? Is he really here for the interview? What an ass, being late. He could’ve called.

  The reporter moved back to her seat, and Gavin followed.

  Sarah turned on the heels of her boots and regained her composure. The shock wore off and adrenaline danced through her as she joined them.

  ****

  Gavin couldn’t keep his gaze off of Sarah as she claimed her chair. Her silky skin, her bright blue eyes, her full lips. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed her until he’d put his hand on her arm. Every ounce of control he could summon went into kissing Sarah only on the cheek. Being close again reignited the fire, and the emotions were white hot. Mr. Lexington be dammed. He messed up so much with Sarah this was the least he could do. Despite everything, she’d won, and he couldn’t bear the thought of her losing now. Anyway, he hated to see people like Mr. Lexington prosper. He never should’ve taken the assignment in the first place. I shouldn’t go that far.

  Before the interview began, Gavin attempted to catch Sarah’s focus. She wore a long-sleeved white shirt and dark jeans under her pink Crazy for Cake apron. Her sandy hair fell curly and down on her back. She was friendly and bubbly with Ms. Davenport but he could tell she’d built her wall—she wasn’t letting him in.

  “Why don’t we start with the inspiration behind the cookies?”

  He studied the reporter as she thumbed through her notebook. She was better looking in person than the column picture he’d seen when he first researched his assignment.

  “Pear sea salt, blueberry carrot, and cherry lime chili.” Liz laughed politely. “Those are quite the combinations.”

  “Yes. I like to pair ingredients that might not otherwise seem to go together…or even belong in a cookie.” Sarah smiled and spread out her hands, palms up. “Unconventional greatness.”

  “I tasted them and they were certainly delicious.” The reporter lowered her voice. “This is off the record, but I tried some of the entries from the other contestants and they were horrible. Some of the cookies didn’t even rise. At this level, they should really know the amount of baking soda to put into cookie batter.” With a grin, Ms. Davenport sat back in her chair.

  ****

  Sarah gave a pleasant nod at the reporter’s accurate description of the failed Pies, Oh My! cookies. Even though she could feel the catty high school comments bubbling up in her throat, she wouldn’t let herself stoop so low.

  She and Gavin sailed through the rest of the interview, ignoring the elephant in the room. They played off one another, responding to Ms. Davenport’s questions with precision and a touch of wit. We make a great team. The thought stung Sarah.

  After thirty minutes, Ms. Davenport packed up and they said their good-byes.

  ****

  Gavin waited until the reporter walked out of sight before cutting the silence with his words. “Sarah, I…”

  She turned, said thanks, and walked past him.

  The weak tone in her voice made his resolve stronger. He caught her arm. “Wait.”

  Sarah stopped and gently pulled her arm from his grasp, touching her hand to his.

  He clenched his jaw. Returning to his empty, loveless life wasn’t an option. Being with Sarah was what he wanted. The interview wasn’t the only reason he’d returned to Haven, to Crazy for Cake. The real reason was her…and them, and he needed her to know. Every day he stayed away made simple acts like breathing to seem harder.

  “I appreciate you showing up. I really do,” she said.

  Blue eyes gazed at him, really studied him probably for the first time since he’d arrived. He stared back, holding his breath. Say you want me.

  “I have work to do.” She turned and disappeared into The Lab.

  Gavin stood still, not knowing what to do. Did she really just walk away? Giving him no chance to say what he wanted. No appreciative accolades for showing up. Nothing. Her demeanor had changed. He hated to see the pain on her face…pain he’d caused. I’ll be damned if I let what we have end like this.

  ****

  Sarah didn’t know what to do with herself. Damn him for smelling so yummy. Admitting she missed him dinged her pride, but, in his presence, she finally realized how true her feelings rang. Why did he show up? She racked her mind for a logical explanation. Should she bake? Should she leave? The bakery had closed for the day before Mrs. Cline arrived. She could go home, but she hadn’t heard the bell on the front door ring, her tell-tale sign of Gavin’s exit…aga
in. Just leave. Take the hint and go.

  She’d wanted to say something when he’d grabbed her arm, but for the life of her, she couldn’t put together a coherent sentence. Hey, nice to see you again. I haven’t felt like a whole person since you left? Or how about, somewhere along our screwed-up path, I fell in love with you? Yeah, those words would go over swell.

  She pulled up a stool to the center island and thumbed through her grandmother’s recipe book. The handwritten notes on sugar cookie frosting weren’t as interesting as the jumbled thoughts bouncing around in her mind.

  The door to The Lab swung open, and Gavin charged through. He swiftly navigated around the counter and stopped inches away. “I have something to say.”

  “What are you doing?” Admittedly, she posed a stupid question, but it was the only one she could form. He stood in front of her in his dark jeans and black T-shirt inches away…he looked so irresistible. Suddenly, her mouth was dry, and her fingers tingled to touch him.

  “Do you wish I never would’ve come here?”

  His tone was vulnerable, but she couldn’t let that affect her. “If you hadn’t showed up, I would’ve forfeited.” She crossed her arms.

  “I know. I’m talking about now. Do you wish I’d never shown up in Haven?” He took a step closer.

  “I would’ve won easier. Without all of this”—she flung her hand in a circular motion—“this…edible espionage happening, I could’ve focused more.”

  “I’m not talking about some game, Sarah. I’m talking about you and me.” His mouth was a flat line, and his eyes narrowed. “Why won’t you answer the question?”

  “Because I don’t want to.” She stuck out her chin. Even if she thought telling Gavin her true feelings was a good idea, she wouldn’t dare go first.

  “Why not?” Gavin brushed the hair on her forehead to one side.

  Stalemate. Sarah didn’t want to answer any more of his questions. And no amount of his piercing green stares would change her mind. She wasn’t getting hurt again by him. Sure, he showed up today, showed up for me when he didn’t have to. And yes, that is way more than any man has ever done before, but what’s his angle?

  “Cards on the table?” he asked with a quirked eyebrow.

  “That would be nice.”

  “I’m here because running to you is easier than running away. I’ve missed you.” He rubbed his hand down his day-old scruff. “I know how we met was messed up. But I…what I felt…what I feel for you isn’t a lie or a game. It’s real.”

  She sucked in a breath. Is he saying what I think he’s saying? “Maybe for you.” She looked past him to the set of fridges. “Not for me.” She steeled herself against him walking away. After all, it’s what she expected…it’s what always happened. Her eyes burned.

  “Oh really?”

  Gavin looked like he just accepted a challenge he knew he could win. Oh no. Her heart beat faster and she suddenly couldn’t remember how to breathe.

  “Really.” She did her best to deadpan her answer. She couldn’t foresee his angle, but she knew he always had a plan…and her resolve weakened with every passing second.

  “Tell me…” He ran the back of his index finger down the side of her cheek. “You feel nothing?” His green-eyed gaze searched hers.

  Fighting not to lean into his touch, she swallowed hard as thrills danced in her stomach. “Nothing.” She added a nod to amplify her words and unable to stop herself, she followed his gaze down to her hand resting on the island.

  He took her hand in his and laced their fingers, his thumb gently brushing her skin. “Now?”

  His touch invited her for more. The hairs on the back of her neck stood straight up as a shiver ran down her spine. “Nope.” She stared into his eyes…she detected a rawness she hadn’t witnessed before. He let her in. He was letting her see him…and his feelings.

  Gavin traced his hand along her arm and down her back until his palm rested on her hip. Her body temperature rose while anticipation clouded her mind. He leaned in to kiss her…she didn’t pull back. Instead, she let his lips caress hers with tender warmth she hadn’t experienced before. She let him kiss her until she knew how much he loved her, how much he needed her, and how much she needed him. Heart pounding, she ran her hands around his face and settled them on his neck.

  Pulling back, she searched his eyes one more time. In a moment of clarity, she knew what he said was real, and she saw the passion he held for her. She could see she was his world…his beacon of light in the darkness. He’s mine. Her skin tingled and her body felt light. He’d proven his love by coming back. In her heart, she knew he’d be the one who’d always be by her side.

  “You are a force to be reckoned with Sarah Zion, and I’m completely in love with you.”

  Happiness washed over her. Her eyes stung, but she refused to let out any tears of joy. He loves me. “Is that so?” She couldn’t help herself from asking, “Why?” She beamed.

  He chuckled, lifting her chin slightly as he held her close with his other arm. “Because, my love, we are the right mixture of salt and sugar.”

  How’d he figure out the secret ingredient? Sarah snickered. Doesn’t matter, I win. I’m a master spy, after all. “I’m in love with you, too.” Their moment, their perfect blip in time, was bliss.

  Their love was the start of a beautiful recipe.

  A word about the authors...

  Dana Volney is a dreamer. She goes with her gut and doesn’t apologize. Shaunna Owens is realistic. She likes the facts and is enthusiastic. Believing in happily ever after, together they make the perfect team. They each make their home in Wyoming. When Dana isn’t helping local businesses succeed with her marketing consulting company, she spends time with her family.

  Visit her at:

  www.danavolney.com

  Shaunna is lucky enough to call herself a SAHM (Stay At Home Mom), wrangling her busy husband and two adorable children. They are thankful to have found each other in a true friendship.

  Thank you for purchasing

  this publication of The Wild Rose Press, Inc.