Charmed by Chocolate (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 6)

by Steena Holmes

  Leah’s heart rate sped up like a ticking time bomb. She needed to talk to Wade about this first. Sure, he’d said earlier he thought Betsy coming was a good idea, but he probably didn’t understand what it really meant.

  “Betsy…” Leah swallowed hard. “I haven’t found love…yet.”

  “What?” Betsy yelled before she muffled her voice. “Sorry, but what? Are you kidding me? Come on, girl. What are you waiting for? I thought you said if you had the chance, you would try to mend things?”

  Leah blushed, uncomfortable with the memory. She’d bawled like a baby in Betsy’s arms after the taping of her falling apart and said she wanted a do-over. Except, ever since coming home, all she’d done was push Wade away.

  “Leah…” Betsy drew out her name, making it very clear she was disappointed in her. “What is going on?”

  Tears pricked Leah’s eyes. “I pushed him away because I was afraid. But, apparently, I was wrong and he’s just been waiting for me to realize it.” She laughed at herself for her foolishness.

  Josie, Sage, Jen Patterson, and even her brother all knew it.

  She’d been the only one who couldn’t see what was right in front of her.

  “So you’ve told him you love him?” Betsy asked.

  Leah didn’t answer. She wasn’t sure she could say it again.

  “I take it he hasn’t said it either, right?”

  Leah could hear the wheels turning in Betsy’s mind with that one question.

  “So what if we use this as your journey to finding love?”

  “Journey?” Leah wasn’t too sure she liked where this conversation was going.

  “Exactly. Best friends afraid to admit what everyone else knows, a man who promised not to express his love until you do so, and then there’s you, the girl who is afraid of being turned down again. Trust me, I can make this work and end in a happily-ever-after. It’s what I do.”

  It’s what I do. Those were the four words Leah really didn’t like to hear from Betsy. She’d seen what Betsy could do, what Charmed was capable of.

  “No. I just want it to be simple. Please? Enough damage has been done that I don’t want to play any more games. I’m serious, Betsy.”

  First thing she needed to do was talk to Wade. And then spend a nice day together with Betsy in tow and let her create a feature that wouldn’t destroy her life any more than Charmed already had.

  “I’ll undo all the damage I did. I promise.”

  “What did I say about your promises? One day, Betsy,” she felt the need to remind her. Would probably need to do this over and over again, too. “We’ll sample chocolates at the Copper Mountain Chocolate Shop, go ice skating, take a walk through downtown Marietta, and then enjoy the scavenger hunt. That’s it. You’ll get more than enough footage from that.” Leah needed to remain strong, steadfast, and serious; that was the only way to stop from being railroaded like usual.

  The exaggerated huff on the other end of the phone told her Betsy heard her.

  “Fine. Okay, I’m going to take off the producer-of-Charmed hat and just talk to my best friend. Ready?”

  Was Leah ready? No. She knew exactly what Betsy was going to say. She’d said it already, but Betsy wasn’t one to give up until she got what she wanted.

  “Lay it on me.”

  “You need to tell that man of yours how you feel. I’m serious.”

  “I know.” That was exactly what she was going to do, and she couldn’t wait to talk to him.

  “You know? Yes!” Betsy squealed, forcing Leah to pull the phone away from her ear. “You deserve to be happy, girl. It’s about time. I can’t wait to hug you in person.”

  “When will you and the crew be here?” She needed to cancel her flight. “And just a few people, right? Not a large posse…just one or two, right?” The last thing she wanted was the full crew from Charmed here. Whenever they left the mansion, it was a nightmare—caravans of vehicles, hours of set up, multiple shots and frames and interviews…a simple stroll through a park to feed geese or walk through a downtown to window shop took hours to set up. There was no way she was putting the people of Marietta through that.

  “This is very informal. The goal is to make it look authentic and natural, so there’s only three of us. And…”

  The moment Betsy paused, Leah knew to brace herself. Her stomach muscles tightened with anxiety, and she had to consciously not tighten her grip on the phone as she waited for Betsy to say something drastic, something she was known to do and often.

  “What? Just say it.” Leah wiggled her toes with nervous energy. How bad could it be?

  “I already bought the tickets, and we’ll be there noon tomorrow. I’ve rented a van for our equipment, but my first stop is for hot chocolate and I expect you to be there waiting for me.”

  Leah didn’t know whether to laugh or cry or be upset that her friend would assume she was going to agree.

  “What if I had left, Betsy? I would have been on my plane before you even arrived—did you think about that?” She shouldn’t be surprised, though. She actually should have realized Betsy would have done this.

  “Oh, you were never getting on that plane, girl. Trust me.” Betsy giggled. “Josie and I had it all planned out. Dylan was going to get called away to a last-minute conference, and Josie was going to fake a fall and beg you to stay to take care of her. I was actually kind of shocked when she mentioned the idea, to be honest. Who knew Josie had it in her?” Betsy dropped the bomb like it was nothing, like it was something they both should be laughing at.

  Except she wasn’t laughing. She was flabbergasted.

  “You’re serious? Josie was in on this? When did you talk to her? How long have you both been scheming behind my back? And my brother? What—did everyone but me know you were coming?” How could she have been so blind?

  “It’s not like I can just show up with a camera crew and start taping, Leah—come on. You know stuff like this takes time and preparation.” Betsy couldn’t stop giggling, like this was all one big joke and it was all on Leah.

  She should be upset. She really should be.

  “So tomorrow at Sage’s, huh?” Guess she’d be bringing that gift of home-baked cinnamon buns after all.

  “Tomorrow, girlfriend. See you then.” Betsy hung up without so much as a goodbye. Seconds later, Leah’s phone dinged with a text message.

  Don’t be mad. I promised you I would make it up to you, so really, you should have been expecting this. Mwah.

  Leah shook her head. Yes, she should have known better.

  Her phone dinged again.

  PS. Changed my mind. Let your man say those magical four words first. Bet you an all-expense paid trip to Napa that he does…on Charmed’s dime, of course.

  PPS. I’m serious.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Leah marched into Kindred Place with a smile on her face and her hands full of a very large, very overfull tray of cinnamon buns.

  Kathy noticed her first.

  While wiping her hands on her apron, Kathy tsked at Leah after peeking beneath the cloth covering the gooey desserts.

  “You need to stop bringing those in. I’m getting requests that they be a regular on the breakfast menu, and you know that’s just not happening.” However, she snagged a bun with glee and took a bite, moaning as she did so.

  “Whoever taught you to make these is my hero. No chance I can get your recipe?”

  Leah chuckled. “And give away my guaranteed get-out-of-jail-free card? Not in this lifetime.” She peeked into the dining area and zeroed in on the one person she’d come to see.

  “Ah. I’ve got a few of those blackmail recipes myself. Trust me when I say I’ve needed them a few times since working here, and your grandmother over there is the worst out of all of them.” Kathy looked toward Grams sitting at one of the tables and shook her head with mock dismay.

  Leah believed it. Her grandmother was known for her shenanigans.

  “If I knew what was good for me, I wou
ld go offer these to everyone before they stampede over here,” Leah said, except she didn’t move. She was enjoying watching Grams interact with her friends. It was like she was holding court. She was the only one talking, her mouth and hands moving while everyone paid close attention.

  What was she saying to them?

  What stories was she telling?

  Were they all in on the plan to keep her in town? Was that what Grams was sharing with them all?

  One person at the table noticed her standing there, they nudged the person at their side, who then looked up. Soon, they were all looking at her rather than Josie.

  “Now might be a good time.” Kathy nudged her.

  With a big, bright, and extra bold smile pasted on her face, Leah headed toward the table, tray in hand. She ignored all the amused glances from those around Grams, Instead, she slid the tray to the middle of the table, whisked off the cloth, and then bent down to give her dear, sweet grandmother a kiss on the cheek.

  “Leah.” A surprised Grams jumped in her seat, her cheeks a sudden bright red.

  “My ears were ringing,” Leah teased her.

  “Well…ah…they should have. I was just telling everyone how you were leaving this morning.” The more Grams spoke, the redder her face grew.

  “Like a good granddaughter, I brought you some fresh cinnamon buns. I figured everything I’d brought yesterday would be gone.”

  She quite enjoyed watching Grams squirm.

  “I also thought we could head for a walk before I leave. I’d hate for you to go alone and slip on any ice…the last thing you need is a broken leg or something.” She couldn’t quite quell the smile that appeared at the look of shock and embarrassment Grams couldn’t quite hide.

  “Who squealed?” Grams stood from the table, a sad look at the tray of buns Leah had brought, and entwined her arm with Leah’s. “It wasn’t your brother, was it?” she asked as they walked out of the dining area and down the hallway.

  “Dylan never shares secrets, you know that.” Leah was a little annoyed Grams would immediately assume Dylan. She should know her grandson better than that.

  “I know, you’re right.” Grams frowned. “Betsy. It was all her idea, you know.”

  “Don’t you do that,” Leah scolded her. “Don’t put the blame on anyone but yourself.” Leah opened the door to Grams’ apartment. “I can’t believe you were going to trick me like that.”

  Back in her own home, Grams relaxed a little and didn’t try to appear contrite. “Well, can you really blame me, Leah Eleanor Morgan? I’ve been forced to trickery just to get you to stay after asking you for years to move back home. What else am I supposed to do? I’m not getting any younger, you know.”

  “You could just—”

  “Just ask?” Grams interrupted her. “I do ask. Numerous times. I’ve asked in so many ways that I think you just ignore me now.”

  Leah wanted to argue, but Grams was right. She always did ask. And Leah always had one reason or another to say no.

  “I’m sorry, Grams.”

  “Well.” Grams huffed. “You should be. I miss you.” Grams opened her arms, and Leah happily went into them.

  “Don’t think this excuses you though,” Leah warned as she hugged her back.

  “Well, if you’d listen to reason, I wouldn’t have to go behind your back, now would I?”

  Leah pulled away. She didn’t say anything, just gave her a look, one that said seriously-how-old-are-you-again?

  “Fine.” Grams rolled her eyes. “I would like you to stay though, you know that, right? Seeing you three times a year is not enough. Not at my age. I could croak anytime, and—”

  “Oh, don’t you dare,” Leah stopped her before she could say anything else. “You aren’t even close to being old enough to die, and you know it.” She didn’t like the thought of Grams leaving her. Not now, not ever.

  “Leah, darling, if there’s one thing life has taught me it’s this—karma doesn’t play fair, no matter how much you try to bribe, tempt, or cross your fingers and wish she did.” Grams patted her arm gently and Leah leaned in to give her grandmother a kiss, knowing she was not only thinking about the child she’d lost but her husband as well.

  “Grams, I fully expect you to live a very long and happy life. I will move heaven and earth to see that happen. Even if it means I need to stick around longer.” Leah sat down on the couch and attempted to give the appearance of being completely relaxed.

  Grams stopped in her tracks, her hand half raised. “Do you mean that?”

  Leah enjoyed the look of surprise on her grandmother’s face.

  “Leah, if you’re playing a game with me, girl…”

  “I cancelled my flight this morning.”

  Grams launched herself and pulled Leah up into a fierce hug.

  Well, if she’d known staying would elicit this kind of response…

  “How long?” Grams asked, wiping her eyes as she pulled away. “And don’t you dare make fun of me crying. I’ve missed you more than you realize.”

  “How long depends on a few things.” She sat back down, dragging Grams along with her. If there was one thing her grandmother loved, it was scheming.

  “Please tell me this has everything to do with you and Wade,” Grams said.

  Leah just smiled. It had everything to do with her and Wade. Betsy said Wade needed to respond to her declaration of love and, for once, Leah was in complete agreement with no hesitation. But after talking with Dylan this morning, Leah realized something she hadn’t considered.

  It was possible Wade hadn’t heard her. And if that was true, well…that changed everything.

  Everything.

  “Perfect! What can I do to help?” Grams rubbed her hands together with anticipation and from the sparkle in her eye, Leah knew she already had a few ideas up her sleeve.

  Chapter Sixteen

  I’m not.

  That was the last thing he’d heard from Leah.

  He’d accused her of running. Running from him, from the situation she was in…from everything, and all she had to say was ‘I’m not.’

  How could she not see it?

  She could try to run from him. Try being the optimum word.

  There was no way he was letting her leave Marietta without facing him.

  He’d thought long and hard all night about what he would say.

  He would tell her he loved her. He’d bare his heart and hope that it was enough.

  He pounded on Dylan’s front door and listened for the sound of her footsteps toward the door.

  “Hey man, what’s up?” Dylan answered, his hair a mess, face unshaven, and wearing the tackiest pair of lounge pants Wade had ever seen.

  “Wonder woman?” Wade snickered. “Let me guess…gag gift?”

  Hot pink with images of the Amazonian woman all over the place, the pants were no doubt meant for a woman, so it had to be a gag gift.

  “My secret Santa at KCMC got revenge for a prank I pulled on her at the radio station.” Dylan glanced down and shrugged. “But they’re quite comfy.” He stepped aside to give Wade room to enter. “If you’re here for my sister, you’re too late.”

  Wade’s heart skipped a couple of beats.

  “She’s visiting Grams.” Dylan slapped him on the shoulder, obviously noting Wade’s moment of panic. “She’ll be back shortly. Stick around for coffee; I just put on a fresh pot.”

  Wade followed Dylan into the kitchen where a plate of cinnamon buns slathered in cream cheese sat, along with a mug of coffee.

  “Your sister sure has been baking a lot lately.” Wade took the offered cup from Dylan and took a sip.

  “She stress bakes but trust me, I’m not complaining.”

  Wade caught the pointed look his friend threw him. “You can’t blame me for all her stress.”

  “Actually,” Dylan said, “I can. Her reacting to what you did or didn’t do is what landed her in this whole mess. So what are you going to do about it?”

  Wade
frowned. “I’m trying to get her to stay, that’s what I’m trying to do.”

  “You’re doing a crappy job of it.” Dylan glanced at his watch and downed his coffee. “I need to grab a shower and get ready for work, but feel free to drink more coffee and eat that cinnamon bun while you wait. She should be back soon.”

  Wade paused, his cup midair as Dylan’s words registered.

  “Wait,” he called out. Dylan pivoted on his heel halfway down the hall. “I thought you were taking Leah to the airport before heading into work?”

  “Yeah, and? It’s not like I’m going to come home after dropping her off, you know?”

  Wade felt like a fool. Of course. That made complete sense. He felt bad for questioning him in the first place. “Sorry, man. I just was kind of hoping she wouldn’t be leaving, you know?”

  Dylan shrugged. “I’m not the one you need to be telling, but that’s why you’re here, right?”

  Wade nodded. That was exactly why he was here. To convince Leah to stay and give them another chance.

  Twenty minutes later, Wade was still sitting there when Dylan came back down from his shower.

  “She not home yet?” Dylan sounded surprised.

  “No.” Wade knew he sounded like a petulant teenager, but he didn’t care. Normally, he was a patient man, but today was not a normal day.

  “Why haven’t you gone to find her then? It’s not like you don’t know where she is,” Dylan said.

  Wade scowled. He’d thought about that but every time he’d gotten up to leave, he stopped himself. He knew how much Josie missed Leah, and he didn’t want to intrude on what little time they had left together.

  “Go and get her, will you? Tell her to get her butt back here cause we need to leave.”

  Wade shrugged on his jacket and headed toward the front door. He turned and was about to open his mouth, but Dylan stood there and shook his head.

  “Women, they don’t make sense. I feel for you, I really do. I know what it’s like to watch the one person you love more than life walk away from you. I wish I had the answer for you, but I don’t. So, I’m here if you need to talk. I’ve also got a basement to tear apart if you ever need to join me.”