A Thankful Heart (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 2)

by Melissa McClone

  He came upon a paved path and followed it into the park. The water sounded louder. Faster. He must be getting close.

  An outcrop of rocks was directly in front of him. A lone figure sat on them. A woman. Portia.

  He breathed a sigh of relief. For all their sakes.

  She wore an apron over her clothes. Her arms were crossed in front of her.

  He climbed up onto the rocks and sat next to her. “I’m Bryce.”

  “Walt’s son.”

  Bryce nodded. “Dakota sent me. She’s worried about you.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “We found you. That’s all that matters.”

  “Is he gone?” Portia asked.

  Bryce wasn’t sure who she meant. Probably the guy who’d brought the flowers. “There was no one else in the shop besides Dakota when I arrived.”

  Portia exhaled. “Thank goodness.”

  Bryce had no idea what to say, but he knew one thing he could do. He removed his coat and covered her shoulders with it. “Someone left flowers for you.”

  Her gaze jerked from the river to him. “He did?”

  Bryce nodded. Jealousy had hit hard and fast when he saw the bouquet in Dakota’s hands. He’d been so happy to find out they weren’t for her. That was the last way he expected to feel since they were…

  He wasn’t sure what they were.

  Friends. He’d never felt like he wanted to punch another guy over a friend.

  The water flowed fast. The sound soothed.

  Was that why people came here?

  Bryce didn’t know Portia outside of visiting the chocolate shop, but he knew something was wrong. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “Thanks, but there’s nothing anyone can do.”

  He didn’t know what to say. Maybe he didn’t need to. “Okay, but I’m a good listener if you need to talk.”

  Staring at the water, Portia took a breath and then another. “Have you ever wanted something so badly only to find out that it wasn’t what you needed?”

  An image of Chelsea Fordham popped into his mind. Funny, but he hadn’t thought of her in weeks. “Yes.”

  “Me, too. Now I realize I made a big mistake, and there’s no easy way to fix it.”

  Bryce wanted to help this young woman, but wasn’t sure how. If only Dakota was here or… “My mom told me some of the best things in life happen because of the mistakes we make.”

  The corners of Portia’s mouth curved upward. “That sounds like something Dakota might say.”

  “Yeah, it does.” There were a few other ways Dakota was like his mom, but he hadn’t thought of this one. “My mom also said mistakes were good because at least you were trying something new or taking a chance instead of not doing anything at all.”

  “I took a chance. A big one.” Portia hugged herself. “Now I keep changing my mind, and it’s driving me crazy.”

  “You might need more time to figure out exactly what you want.”

  “If only it were that easy, not so…”

  “Impossible.”

  “Exactly.”

  “My mom also told me if something is right, you’ll know it because everything inside you feels good, but if something is wrong, you’ll know that, too.” He patted his chest. Funny, he’d forgotten about that until now. “Because you get this icky feeling right here. One that doesn’t go away even if you try to ignore it.”

  Portia’s eyes widened. She placed her palm over her chest. “Right here?”

  “Yes. Know the feeling?”

  She nodded.

  Maybe she had that icky feeling right now, but he didn’t want to push too hard. He needed to get her inside where she could warm up. He stood. “Let’s head back to the chocolate shop. Dakota is waiting, and there’s hot chocolate.”

  “Now you sound like Dakota.”

  “Don’t let her hear you say that.”

  Portia hesitated. She stared at the rushing water. “What if…”

  “I won’t let anyone come near you, if you don’t want them to. I’m happy to drive you home from the chocolate shop.” He extended his arm to help her up. “Deal?”

  “Deal.” Portia took his hand, stood, and headed to the path.

  Bryce fell in step with her. He had no idea if he’d helped Portia. He doubted it, but she would be back at the shop. That would make Dakota happy. Making her happy pleased him.

  He wished he could do more for Dakota than just help walk dogs and do rescue work.

  Maybe there was something—he could take her out to eat at her favorite place in town. They could go after he drove Portia home and they walked the dogs.

  What was the worst thing that could happen if he asked her to dinner?

  Hearing her say yes was worth the risk of hearing a no.

  *

  Streetlights illuminated the sidewalk outside the Main Street Diner, but Dakota saw few others out and about even though it wasn’t that late. She didn’t mind. More time where she didn’t have to share Bryce.

  The chill in the air didn’t bother her. She felt warm inside and not the least bit cold with Bryce next to her.

  Dakota walked with a bounce to her step. She’d been working so hard, but at this moment, she felt as light as a fallen leaf about to be blown away. One person was to thank.

  Bryce.

  She glanced sideways at him.

  Her heart thumped in her chest.

  He was handsome, caring, and her date.

  D-A-T-E.

  They were on an official date, and she was as giddy as a teenager. Guess that was what happened after a year plus sabbatical from going out with men. Or it could be her date himself. Maybe that was why tonight was so much fun.

  The entire date, so far, had been good—from his invitation back at the chocolate shop, to their conversation over the tasty meal, to the way his hand now rested at the small of her back.

  Kelly had been right about not being so quick to say no. Dakota was happy she’d said yes.

  “So where were we?” Bryce asked.

  “It’s my turn.” They’d been asking each other random questions since before they’d left the restaurant. “Should Christmas carols be played before Black Friday or not?”

  “That’s an easy one. Not.”

  “I agree.” One more thing they had in common.

  “My turn,” he said. “Coffee or tea?”

  The chocolate shop was up ahead. “Hot chocolate.”

  “That wasn’t a choice.”

  “I know, but that’s my answer because it’s what I prefer to drink.”

  He pointed to the shop’s front door. “Because you work here.”

  “Yes and no. Even if I didn’t work here, I’d still love chocolate and prefer hot cocoa over everything else.”

  “I get that.”

  “What don’t you like about chocolate?”

  His gaze lowered from hers. “Is that your question for me?”

  “Yes. I’d like to know.”

  His hand slipped off her back. “Because you work at a chocolate shop?”

  “Because I want to get to know you better.”

  He rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s not the best story.”

  “I’d still like to hear it.”

  “Okay.” Bryce shoved his hands in his pockets. “I was ten, and it was Halloween. I went trick-or-treating with a friend from the neighborhood. When we finished, Mike and I had the stupid idea to have a candy bar eating contest.”

  “Uh-oh.”

  “Exactly.” Bryce shook his head. “I won, but I spent the night throwing up.”

  “And you haven’t eaten chocolate since then.”

  “Would you?”

  “Probably not.” That had to have been awful. “But if you’re ever tempted—”

  “I am right now, but not for chocolate.” The desire filling his gaze sent heat pouring through her veins. “I want to kiss you. I’ve wanted to do that for a while now.”

  Thank goodness. She swallo
wed. “I want to kiss you, too.”

  She wasn’t sure who made the first move—him or her, but lips connected. Mouths moved over each other. Bodies pressed together.

  His arms wrapped around her. Leaning closer, she raised her hands to his shoulders.

  So solid and strong. An unfamiliar sense of belonging grabbed hold of her.

  Kissing him now was better than the first time.

  Tingles erupted and nerve endings danced.

  His kiss teased and flirted, hinted at what could come.

  Better than chocolate?

  Oh, yeah.

  She wanted to give into the pleasurable sensations pulsing through her. She wanted to lose control. She wanted…

  Him.

  Did she dare?

  Kelly’s words rushed back to Dakota.

  A man doesn’t have to be one or the other. He can fall in between. A Mr. Maybe or a Mr. Right Now. You’d need to keep things casual since you know there’s an end date.

  Being with Bryce didn’t feel casual. Neither did his kiss.

  But that didn’t change the fact there was an end date in sight. He would return to Seattle soon.

  His hands wove through her hair, and his mouth showered more kisses.

  So good.

  But was she setting herself up for disappointment and heartache if she spent more time with Bryce? Kept kissing him like this? Or when the time came for him to return to Seattle, could she say goodbye without any regrets? With a happy heart?

  She didn’t know.

  That bothered her.

  And scared her.

  But excited her, too.

  Chapter Twelve

  Over the next week, Bryce fell into a comfortable pattern, one that made him happy and content to be in Marietta for a little while longer. He spent his days with his father and also worked on his proposal. That was coming together, and his assistant was putting the final touches on what he’d submit when he returned home.

  The late afternoon and evenings belonged to Dakota. The two of them would walk the dogs, but since their dinner out, they hadn’t said goodbye after the walks. They’d done something together—grabbed a bite to eat, watched a movie, or worked on rescue stuff. Things were casual, and he liked that.

  He hadn’t been looking for someone to date, but spending time with Dakota made him feel good about himself, about life. He understood why his father had been pushing them together. She was different from other women he’d dated. Dakota was…special. If she lived in Seattle, he could see them becoming a couple.

  But she didn’t, and he did.

  Dating while he was in Marietta was all this could be, and that was okay. But tonight, standing in Copper Mountain Chocolates with over a dozen others, he felt more like a full-fledged boyfriend, not a date.

  Attending this event went beyond everything he’d done since he arrived in Marietta. Although he had to admit Dakota looked adorable in the pilgrim hat and white collar she wore over her black dress. The three other women who worked at the shop—Sage, Portia, and Rosie—were dressed the same.

  Soft instrumental music played. Other participants chatted. Some of the people he recognized from around town and the adoption events. Others he didn’t know, but everyone was friendly.

  Bryce wore a copper-colored apron and stood in front of pieces of chocolate he was supposed to put together somehow. Okay, tonight wasn’t his worst nightmare since clowns weren’t involved, but this was a close second with chocolate involved.

  He sighed. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

  Dakota patted his hand. “Walt wanted to come, but there isn’t room for his wheelchair. You’re doing this for him.”

  That didn’t make Bryce feel better. “What are we making?”

  “A chocolate cornucopia filled with all kinds of yummies you won’t eat.” She leaned closer and whispered, “But don’t forget, there’s pie.”

  “The one saving grace.” Although, he hoped to be rewarded for being a good sport with a kiss later.

  “Welcome to Copper Mountain Chocolates,” Sage said to the guests. “We’re so excited to have you here tonight. Chocolates aren’t something you might normally associate with Thanksgiving, but we’ve come up with a fun treat you can make to keep for yourself or give as a hostess gift. We even have ribbon and decorations you can add to the box containing your finished product.”

  Crafting? Just shoot him now. He was a guy. Guys didn’t craft.

  A six-pack of beer worked just fine as a gift if he was going over to someone’s house. “Dad is going to owe me big time.”

  Dakota kissed his cheek. “You’ll survive. You might even have fun.”

  “You’re going to owe me, too.” He raised an eyebrow.

  A blush tinged her cheeks. She handed him a pair of disposable gloves. “I’m sure we can figure out a way to repay you.”

  Now that might turn this cornucopia making into something worthwhile.

  That, and, he smiled, the pie.

  *

  The days flew by. Dakota cleaned the four tables at the chocolate shop. A smile had been on her face for the past week and showed no signs of going away.

  The reason—Bryce.

  Granted, more animals were being adopted, including the two rabbits who’d arrived the day the pipe broke, and she’d heard nothing but compliments about the Make Your Own Chocolate Thanksgiving Cornucopia and Pie event.

  But holding hands while walking dogs and spending time together made the sun shine brighter, the color of the changing leaves a deeper hue, and the world feel like a better place.

  Silly, yes, and she didn’t mind one bit.

  He’d told her about wanting Walt to move to Seattle, and she’d decided not to get involved in that discussion. The father and son needed to decide that one without her input.

  Something clattered against the floor near the cash register where Portia was working.

  Dakota dropped her rag on a table to see what had happened.

  Portia clutched the countertop behind the glass display case. The blood had completely drained from her face. She not only looked pale, but also a little green. The tray of samples and silver tongs lay on the floor.

  Dakota ran and put her arm around Portia’s waist. “You’re so pale.”

  “I’m tired. That’s all.”

  The way she hadn’t let go of the counter suggested otherwise.

  Concerned, Dakota led Portia to a chair. “Sit.”

  “I’m—”

  “You need to rest.”

  Portia sat.

  Dakota’s concern rose. “You haven’t been feeling well for a couple of weeks now. Have you been to a doctor?”

  “Yes.” Portia stared at the floor. “I wanted to tell you, but I…I was too nervous.”

  “Tell me what?”

  “I-I’m pregnant.”

  Dakota let the words sink in. The physical signs had been there—fatigue, nausea, feeling faint—as well as Portia wanting to work more to save money, but this wasn’t what Dakota had expected to hear from the slim young woman. However, her surprise was nothing compared to what Portia was facing. “How far along are you?”

  “Three months.”

  That explained why Portia wasn’t showing yet.

  “Stay here,” Dakota said. “I’ll be right back.”

  She moistened a towel and filled a glass with water. She wondered if the pregnancy had anything to do with the way Portia bolted when Austin showed up, but that was no one’s business but Portia’s.

  “Take a few sips slowly.” Dakota handed Portia the glass and then blotted her forehead. “If Sage was here, she’d do the same thing.”

  “Or send me home.”

  Portia’s need for breaks right away made sense now. “Yes, so be glad it’s just you and me here.”

  Portia’s shoulders drooped. Her eyelids looked heavy.

  “You need a nap. I’ll help you to the back where you can rest.”

  “I’m pregnant, not an invalid
.”

  “You look too tired to walk.”

  “I haven’t been sleeping well.”

  “I’ll clean up.” Dakota would do the tasks on the closing checklist, so Portia could rest. “I have no idea what you’re going through, but I want you to know I’m here for you. Whatever you need. Whenever you need it. No questions asked.”

  Portia’s eyes gleamed. “Thanks. It’s been…overwhelming.”

  Dakota hugged her. “Does your mother know?”

  “No, just Aunt Sage and Rosie. And now you.”

  “Your secret is safe.”

  “I know.” Portia exhaled loudly. “I’m scared.”

  “I would be, too.”

  Portia laughed.

  “What I mean is I think however you’re feeling—scared, happy, nervous, excited, overwhelmed—is normal. And I know what you need besides a nap.”

  Portia yawned. “What?”

  Dakota smiled. “Another hug and as soon as you are rested, a mug of hot chocolate.”

  *

  Staring at the calendar in the kitchen, Bryce couldn’t believe today was Monday and there were only three more days until Thanksgiving. Three more days to polish his proposal. Three more days to spend with Dakota. Three more days to convince his dad to move.

  That was enough time, wasn’t it?

  Bryce didn’t leave for Seattle until Saturday, but he wanted to spend his final days here packing his dad’s stuff. He had estimates from moving companies and a tentative plan in his head. Now all he needed was for his dad to go along.

  He poured two cups of coffee, added a dash of cream and a teaspoon of sugar to his dad’s, and carried the steaming mugs to the living room. He placed the cup on the end table next to his dad’s recliner and then took a seat on the couch.

  His father took a sip. “Are you seeing Dakota tonight?”

  “She’s going to stop by after a meeting at the rescue.”

  “She’s getting those animals adopted.” His father sounded proud.

  “Yes.”

  But Bryce didn’t like how tired Dakota looked, and she seemed even more worried about Portia for some reason. Today was one of her days off from the chocolate shop, but she hadn’t slept in based on the time of her first text this morning. That worried him. Each day he spent with Dakota, he found himself caring more about her. He wanted to be able to have more input into what she did and didn’t do. He wanted more time with her. Not what he expected to have happened, and if he didn’t know better, he’d think he was falling for her, but things would return to normal once he was back in Seattle.