“I don’t see it that way. And you—”
“What about the food bank? I’d be taking muffins from the mouths of disadvantaged people!”
“You could donate whatever doesn’t sell after you put it out the second time.”
“That’s not very nice. Then they get leftover leftovers.”
“Yes, it is. It’s very nice. It’s free food.” His gaze was kind as it met hers. “I’m sure you could wrap everything up well so it stayed fresh.”
“You’re killing me with these suggestions, Luke.”
“You said the money would soon run out. I’m trying to put my finger in the dike.”
She sighed. “Day-old baked goods will ruin my reputation.”
“No, it won’t.”
“I’ve built my business on that right-out-of-the-oven smell. Day-old pastries don’t smell like that.”
“But they’ll be cheaper. Some folks who couldn’t buy them at full price could afford them at half-price.”
She slumped in her chair. “That’s a thought. I’ll cling to it. Anything else? Or is that my assignment for the week?”
“I do have another recommendation.”
She cringed. “I’m afraid to hear what it is.”
“Raise your prices.”
“What?” She slapped the table with both hands. “That’s crazy! Customers will complain. I’ll lose business. Absolutely not. I won’t do it.”
“Five percent. That’s not a huge raise.”
“Any raise is huge. Pastries are a luxury item. Raise the price and customers decide they don’t need that cheese Danish, after all. I’ve seen it happen.”
“Really?”
“Maybe not, but I’ve seen it in my nightmares. I’m not doing it, Luke. Everything I’ve built so far will melt away.”
“I disagree. You’re underpriced.”
She glared at him. “I like giving folks a bargain.”
“You want to be known as a bargain bakery?”
“Of course not, but—”
“If you undervalue your product, eventually people will think it must be inferior.”
“I don’t believe that.”
“Believe it. You’ve only been in business for a year, but if you keep prices this low eventually customers will decide that what you offer must be mediocre. Otherwise you’d charge more.”
“No, they wouldn’t think that.”
“Let’s test it. Raise your prices next week. If you get a flood of complaints and business is terrible, you can always switch back to the way it was. Hang onto the old price labels just in case.”
“But if customers get upset—”
“They might buy the day-old items and get their baked goods even cheaper. They could be thrilled with this new plan.”
“Or they might leave and never come back.”
“You’re the only bakery in town. They’ll come back.” He paused. “You’ve admitted things have to change. Give people credit for being willing to pay for superior baked goods like yours.”
“It’ll be a disaster, a week of pain and suffering.”
“Maybe not. If it is, we’ll adjust. I’ll drop by on Friday afternoon and see how you’re doing. Be sure and keep all the receipts and we’ll do a profit and loss statement for those five days. If it’s a disaster, I’ll help you put the old prices back up.”
“What if it’s too late? What if I’ve ticked off all my customers and turned my bakery into an empty shell of a business?”
Luke favored her with another smile. “That isn’t going to happen.”
“Easy for you to say.”
“Want to bag the program?”
She did, but unless she changed her methods, Pie in the Sky would fail. That wouldn’t feel so damn good, either. She’d sunk her inheritance into this business, all her parents’ hard-earned money. If that money went down the drain, she’d never forgive herself.
Dragging in a breath, she looked at the tall cowboy sitting in the too-small chair. “I don’t want to bag the program. I want to save my business. But damn, these solutions are depressing.”
“I can see that. Tell you what. Let me take you to dinner at the GG. I don’t know any place more likely to cheer up a person than the GG.”
“You’re asking me out?” She hadn’t anticipated this development. But Roxanne had.
“Yes. I don’t want to leave here with you looking so sad.”
“So this is a pity date?”
“No!” He cleared his throat. “I’d very much like to take you to dinner. I hope you’ll agree to go.”
Her brain was whirling with excitement but she wasn’t so completely distracted that she forgot one important fact. “What about the dog? Do you still have her?”
“The dog. Yes, and thanks for reminding me. Kendra’s watching her. I’ll find out if she can stay at the ranch a little longer.” He stood. “My phone’s in my jacket.”
He left the table, which gave Abigail a chance to collect herself. He’d asked her out, but not necessarily because he thought she was hot. Judging from what he’d said, he might be feeling sorry for her.
She could choose to reject the offer. On the other hand, she hadn’t had dinner with a handsome man in a very long time. She’d accept.
Tucking his phone away, he came back to the table. “Kendra’s willing to keep Delilah for the rest of the evening.”
“Delilah? I thought you weren’t going to name her.”
“I wasn’t. It’s a long story. I’ll tell you at dinner.” Vulnerability flickered for an instant in his eyes. “That’s if you want to go.”
“I’d love to.”
“Good.” He looked relieved. “Is there anything you need to do before we take off?”
“One phone call.”
“Sure thing.”
“Be right back.” She retrieved her phone from behind the counter and walked into her office before calling Roxanne. “He asked me out,” she murmured.
The response was so loud, excited and inappropriate that she laughed and hung up.
Roxanne texted her immediately. Told you so.
Chapter Six
Almost screwed that up. Luke wasn’t proud of the way he’d bobbled the dinner invite, but at least Abigail had agreed to go with him despite his dumb remark about not wanting to leave her feeling sad.
After he’d helped her into the cab of his truck and climbed behind the wheel, he breathed in the aroma of cookies baking. She’d brought that tempting scent with her. Talk about an aphrodisiac.
“This is a great truck.” She ran her hand over the dash. “Did you restore it?”
“Wish I could say I did.” He rested his arm on the back of the bench seat and shifted into reverse. He sure was enjoying being close to this sweet-smelling woman. “I bought it this way. I figured renovating my house would keep me busy without trying to restore a truck at the same time.”
“You’re renovating a house?”
“Not by myself.” He waited for traffic to clear and backed out. “Three guys are helping me.”
“Sounds like fun.”
“I’m sure it will be. I’ve never owned a house. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”
“I guess you could say I’ve owned a house. I inherited the one my folks had. But it didn’t feel like mine.”
“I can see how it wouldn’t.” He wanted to reach over and give her hand a reassuring squeeze. But despite this dinner date, they were still only business associates.
He settled for talking instead of touching her. “I can’t imagine what that must have been like, handling it all by yourself.”
“It wasn’t a walk in the park. But I survived it and here I am.” She gave him a smile.
“And I’m glad you are.”
“When you worked for the restaurant chain in Portland, did you get them to raise their prices?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And it worked out?”
“Sure did. They wanted to promote themselves a
s upscale, but their prices were midrange. We raised the prices and business got better.”
“But that’s Portland.”
“No, that’s people. They tell you they want a bargain, and they do, but then they question whether the product can be top quality if it’s so cheap.”
“That’s not fair.”
“Maybe not, but we all do it. Think of the last thing you got at a really low price.”
She unzipped her jacket. “This sweater. It was half-price.”
“Looks pretty on you.” He’d admired how the sage green brought out the green in her eyes.
“I love the color and it’s a good brand, but…” She laughed. “I examined the seams and decided it might be a knockoff. So instead of saving it for special occasions I wear it for work.”
“See? Bet you wouldn’t be examining seams if you’d paid full price.”
“No, and I wouldn’t be wearing it to bake in. You’ve made your point. But I still dread raising prices. My customers are my friends.”
“Friends would want you to stay in business.” He pulled into the GG parking lot. “But speaking of that, what do you say we don’t talk about business any more tonight?”
“Great idea.”
“Now all we need is a parking spot. The place is jammed.”
“There’s one.”
“So there is.” He grabbed it and switched off the engine. “Stay put, okay? There’s a puddle on your side.”
“I’ll be fine. I’m wearing boots.”
“That may be the case.” He took his hat from the dash and settled it on his head. “But when I ask a lady to dinner, I don’t expect her to wade through puddles.” He got out and rounded the truck.
She had a small lake on her side. Opening the door, he straddled the puddle and held out his arms. “Fair damsel, allow me to lift you over this large and very dangerous body of water. No telling what’s in there. Barracuda, maybe.”
“Then I’m lucky you’re here to save me.” She clutched his shoulders.
“Here we go.” He grabbed hold of her and swung her over to a dry spot. Then it was time to let go, but he didn’t want to.
“My hero.” She gazed up at him, a smile in her eyes and her hands still resting on his jacket.
She was flirting with him. Good sign. “Glad to be of service, ma’am.” He exaggerated the drawl. “If there’s ever anything you need, just—”
“Hey, Luke!”
So much for that moment. Luke let go of Abigail and turned. Trevor and the dark-haired woman he was in love with crossed the parking lot, dodging puddles.
Luke had spaced the woman’s name. He’d met her at the Christmas talent show. She was an accountant and her name was…
“Hi, Abigail!” Trevor smiled. “Olivia and I were going in to grab a bite and maybe dance a little. Would you two like to join us?”
Olivia. That was it.
“Love to,” Abigail said.
“Sure, why not?” Luke added. “Nice to see you again, Olivia.”
“Same here, Luke. I heard you bought a house.”
“Sure did. Trevor’s going to be a big help getting it in shape.”
“Trevor’s one of your three guys?” Abigail looked delighted with the info.
“I am,” Trevor said. “Ryker and Badger are my helpers.”
“Then you’re in good hands, Luke.” Abigail smiled at him. “Your house will be awesome.”
“Guaranteed. Hey, I vote we head inside. It’s cold out here.”
“Good idea.” Abigail ended up walking in with Olivia and chatting with her.
Which was fine. But if he’d planned on a cozy dinner for two, that scenario was down the drain. Then again, this might be better, more low-key so he and Abigail could gradually get to know each other.
Trevor had mentioned dancing, though. Abigail might dance and she might not, but if she did, that could serve as an icebreaker. Live music greeted them as they walked in so the band was already playing.
Michael was behind the bar and Luke gave him a wave. This had been a good idea. Saturday night at the GG was one of the reasons to live in Eagles Nest. Good food and live music were hard to beat. Maybe tonight Bryce and Nicole would perform a few numbers. They’d been awesome at the talent show.
He hadn’t managed to get to the GG for dinner since moving to Eagles Nest, but he’d do better from now on. No point in living here if he didn’t enjoy what the town had to offer.
They scored the last table next to the dance floor. Luke wasn’t surprised. Trevor was Bryce’s twin and probably rated preferential treatment at the GG.
After everyone had hung their coats over their chairs and ordered, Trevor turned to Luke. “What’s up with Delilah?”
“She’s fine. She’s out at the ranch with your mom.”
“I’m sure Mom’s loving that.”
“I hope so.”
“Count on it. She loves animals, and a hard-luck case like Delilah would be right up her alley. How’s that pup doing?”
“Great. I could probably leave her alone when I have appointments, but after what she’s been through, I sort of hate to. I take her with me when I can.”
“Then bring her with you to the bakery next time,” Abigail said.
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Of course I wouldn’t. I’d love to see how she’s doing. I’d have one of my own except it’s not fair to keep a dog cooped up in an apartment while I work all day.”
“Then that’s a deal.”
“Hey, guys,” Trevor said. “Since our food’s not here yet, who’s ready to dance?”
Luke glanced at Abigail. “Want to?”
Her smile told him the answer before she said the words. “Love to.”
“Then let’s do it.” His heart pumped faster as he led her out on the floor. The dance was a quick two-step, not a romantic waltz. But he’d take it.
Her eyes sparkled as he led her through the intricate steps and the brief but sizzling moments when he held her close heated his blood. They were both breathing hard when the dance ended.
And she was grinning. “That was a blast.”
“Uh-huh. I’m glad I remembered how.”
“You didn’t dance in Portland?”
“Not country. It’s there, but I wasn’t in that crowd.” He was ready to keep going but a glance at the table told him the food had arrived. “Time to eat.” He wrapped his arm around her waist on the way back to the table. Felt like the natural thing to do.
“You two looked good out there,” Olivia said.
“I love the two-step.” Abigail settled her napkin in her lap. “Luke’s a great partner.” She met his gaze. “What did you mean that you weren’t in that crowd in Portland?”
“I got into the whole urban professional role. I thought that was how I had to package myself to succeed.”
Trevor shook his head. “That sounds messed up.”
“It was. Took me a few years to figure out what I wanted, though.”
“Us,” Trevor said with a chuckle. “You wanted us.”
“Exactly. Small town, people who wouldn’t flinch if I showed up for an appointment looking like a cowboy.”
Trevor put down his beer mug. “Around here, folks prefer that.”
“I certainly do,” Abigail said. Then she blushed. “I mean, it’s more in keeping with the town’s spirit and all.”
“Definitely.” Trevor glanced at her and back at Luke with a knowing smile. “Goes with the ambiance.”
Luke savored the meaning of that blush for the rest of the meal. She liked him. Evidently she also liked that he was a cowboy at heart. He didn’t ride the range, but he had a classic pickup, a horse and a dog. A herding dog, at that.
During the meal, Trevor wanted to talk about Luke’s house and Abigail seemed curious about it. That was fine, too. He’d like to take her out there some time.
When the plates were cleared away, Trevor announced he was ready for more dancing. Luke offered his hand to
Abigail and she took it with a smile.
But it wasn’t a two-step this time. As the gentle rhythm of a waltz flowed around them, Luke drew Abigail close while holding her gaze. She didn’t look away.
The silent communication of their bodies fired his imagination. She still smelled like cookies and he wanted to bury his nose in her fragrant hair. He wouldn’t, though. If he moved too fast with this woman, he’d regret it.
They hadn’t even kissed.
Oh, but he wanted to kiss her. Her full mouth tempted him, especially at moments like this, when her eyes glowed with happiness.
When the song ended, he was still captured by the warmth of her gaze.
“This has been lovely,” she murmured.
“Sure has.” His earlier decision about taking it slow began to dissolve in the intensity arcing between them.
“But…I’ve been up since three this morning.”
Yikes. He’d totally forgotten about that. “Say no more. I’ll take you home.”
“I feel like a party pooper.”
“You’re not. The rest of us don’t keep your hours. You’ve had a much longer day than we have.”
“The perils of being a baker.”
“It’s a worthy sacrifice. You make folks real happy.” He hooked his arm around her waist again. “Let’s say our goodbyes.”
They left Trevor and Olivia with promises to get together again soon. The puddle beside the truck had frozen, so Luke just had to make sure Abigail didn’t slip and fall. Not as much fun as swinging her over the puddle.
Once they were on their way, she leaned her head against the seat with a happy sigh. “What a wonderful evening. Thank you for inviting me.”
“You’re welcome. Maybe we could do it again sometime.” His chest tightened.
“I’d like that.”
What a relief. “Me, too.”
“But I’m not clear on this mixing business with pleasure thing. Is seeing each other socially going to interfere with our business relationship?”
He had an answer for that one. “When I take on a client, I want the best for them, always. Your success with Pie in the Sky takes priority. I won’t let anything interfere with that.”
“Well, then. That gives us plenty of leeway, doesn’t it?”
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