Never Say Match (No Match for Love Book 9)

by Lindzee Armstrong

  Mason gave Cassidy a want me to make him leave? glance. “I can send your mom into town when I get back. Let her know you need help.”

  “I’m staying.” Jase placed his hands on his hips, mimicking Mason’s stance. “It’s my choice what I do while at the ranch, and today I’m choosing to help Cassidy.”

  If she kept protesting, she’d come off as a jerk. Jase hadn’t done anything to earn her ire—not really. She should give him the benefit of a doubt. Shawn had promised that Jase was a good guy.

  “Okay then. Thank you.” She tried to sound grateful, but the words came out more grudging than anything else.

  Mason nodded slowly, his jaw set, eyes unreadable. “I’ll get going then.” He tipped his hat and left, leaving an oppressive silence in his wake.

  Now what? Cassidy shifted from foot to foot, glancing at the cupcakes to avoid looking at Jase. “You didn’t have to stay and help.”

  “I know, but I wanted to.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I didn’t know about Seth. I’m sorry if my presence has brought up bad memories.”

  The air flew from her lungs, like she’d been thrown from a horse. “What?”

  “Seth. I didn’t know he was your ex-fiancé.”

  “Did Shawn call you?”

  Jase’s brow crinkled. “No. Mason let it slip. He thought I knew.”

  “Oh.” She reached up, playing with the end of her braid. “Yeah, you seemed confused when I mentioned him yesterday.”

  “He lied in those interviews. I can’t stand Seth. He’s a self-serving parasite.”

  The corner of her mouth twitched with reluctant respect for Jase. “Really?”

  He moved forward, and the spark between them ignited. “Absolutely. I hope I never have to work with him again.”

  His cheeks dimpled in a genuine smile, and she had the ridiculous urge to smile back. She wanted to believe him.

  But actors were experts in lying.

  “I … I should’ve guessed as much. I know better than to rely on anything Seth claims.”

  “I’m not like him, and I don’t want to fight with you while I’m here. Can we start over?”

  She twisted her hair around one finger. That morning, she’d been determined to ignore Jase. But here he was, offering an olive branch that she very much wanted to take.

  I can be cordial to him, Cassidy thought. No reason he should be punished for Seth’s bad behavior.

  “Starting over sounds nice,” Cassidy said. “Thank you. And thanks for helping me today.”

  “Of course.” He took off his cowboy hat and set it on a table, his gaze traveling around the shop. “You’ve got a great business here. Did you do this all yourself?”

  Pride flowed through her and she nodded. “Most of it.”

  “How long ago did you open?”

  His easy questions surprised her as much as her easy answers. “Four months. Valentine’s Day weekend was the grand opening.”

  “Wow, that’s recent.”

  “I didn’t put my plans into action until after.” She didn’t need to define what after meant—she could see in his eyes that he understood.

  “He was an idiot,” Jase whispered, stepping closer. She tipped her head back to see his face. “I would never have given all this up for L.A.”

  She did take a step back then, busying herself with cramming a few more red velvet cupcakes into the display case. Cordial was one thing. Allowing herself to develop a crush was another. “You don’t enjoy life in California?”

  “I’ve never really had anything to compare it to. But Oklahoma seems like a nice change of pace.”

  Cassidy snorted—she couldn’t help herself. “You would pick life as a rancher over being a movie star?”

  “I don’t know. My mother is a Hollywood icon—has been since before I was born. I fell into this life. Now I’m not sure if it’s the one I want to keep.”

  Cassidy cleared her throat and wiped her hands on her apron. “Well. Thank you for helping me today, anyway. I need to clean out the fridge and freezer in the back. Can you keep an eye on things up here and come get me if a customer shows up?”

  “Sure thing. I’ll watch this store like nobody’s watched it before.” He winked. “I’m good for more than taking off my shirt on the big screen.”

  Cassidy’s stomach trembled, and she quickly disappeared into the back. Jase was proving to be nothing like she’d expected.

  CHAPTER SIX

  What was he doing? Jase shook his head at his own stupidity. Had he seriously given up a day of learning about ranch life in favor of babysitting a cupcake shop? He must be losing his mind.

  But Cassidy needed him. And he couldn’t look into those worried gray eyes, see the stress lines creasing her forehead, and not help.

  Jase kept an eye on the front of the store while Cassidy took care of things in the back and dealt with the electrician. Jase tried to make himself useful, but the shop was spotlessly clean and tidy. Eventually, he gave up trying to look busy and sank into one of the armchairs at the front of the store. He spent thirty minutes on his phone researching ranching terms, then found himself on a property website, looking at acreage for sale around Sunset Plains.

  What was he doing? He clicked on a five-acre plot of land not far from Star Ranch. Yes, Oklahoma was a lot more peaceful and idyllic than he’d expected it to be. But just because it felt nice to escape California for a while didn’t mean he was ready to give it all up.

  He flipped through the listing photos. A tiny, run-down, and dilapidated house sat on the west side of the property. The pictures couldn’t hide how chipped and faded the blue 1950s cabinets looked. Garish pink tile in the bathroom made him cringe, and the flooring consisted mainly of plywood, like someone had ripped out the carpet and never bothered to replace it. But Jase could tear that house down and build a new one to suit his needs and preferences, no problem. All it would take was money and time.

  He flipped to the next picture, which showcased a small stream meandering through tall grasses. He closed his eyes and imagined lying on a blanket, the warm summer sun caressing his skin as a horse drank his fill from the water. A woman snuggled close against his side, laughing at something he said. Blonde hair tumbled from the braid slung over one shoulder and tickled his face.

  His eyes flew open. What was wrong with him? He barely knew Cassidy.

  The bell on the front door jingled. Jase quickly shoved his phone back in his pocket and rose. A middle-aged woman, her gray-streaked hair pulled back in a severe bun, let the door swing shut behind her. She paused when she saw Jase, her eyes lighting with recognition.

  “Oh my gosh!” She let out a girlish giggle and rushed forward, holding out her hand. “Are you Jase Larson? I have seen every single movie you’ve ever been in. I just love you!”

  The woman’s appearance was like biting into a cupcake and tasting mashed potatoes—neither were unpleasant tastes, but you didn’t expect them to go together. Jase cleared his throat, trying to slip into his movie star persona. He should’ve anticipated that customers might recognize him, but he’d been caught off guard. “Thank you so much for the support. I’m so glad you’ve enjoyed my films.”

  She giggled, her hands fluttering as she patted her hair. “What on earth are you doing in Sunset Plains, Oklahoma?”

  He couldn’t lie, so he decided to tell her the truth and hope she kept his confidence. He leaned forward and looked around quickly, then flashed her a winning smile. “I’m out at the Erickson ranch researching a role for a bit, but I’d appreciate it if you kept that quiet.”

  Her cheeks glowed pink as she positively preened. “Don’t worry, I know how to keep a secret.” She winked, then fumbled in her purse for a piece of paper. “Can I have your autograph?”

  “Of course.” Jase took the grocery receipt she’d pulled from her purse and signed it. “Now, what can I help you with today?”

  Cassidy’s cowboy boots alerted Jase to her presence, making a soft click against the
laminate flooring with each step. “Mrs. Collins? I thought I heard your voice.”

  Mrs. Collins clutched the signed receipt in her hand. “I heard about the sale and rushed right over. What happened, dear?”

  Cassidy explained about the power outage, but Jase paid more attention to the way she lit up when talking about the bakery than the words coming out of her mouth. She spoke with her arms, gesturing wildly as she relayed the morning’s events. Her eyebrows bounced up and down as her eyes widened with the tale, and her braid swung against her back with the movement. The stress of the unexpected power outage was evident in the line of her brow, but the way she easily spoke to Mrs. Collins and the sparkle in her eyes said she was completely content here at Cupcakes and Cowboys. She loved her bakery. Was passionate about it the way he used to be passionate about acting.

  “I hope Anabeth isn’t too upset with me,” Cassidy said, the tension in her voice bringing Jase back down to earth. “I wish I could have helped her out with the wedding cake.”

  Mrs. Collins patted Cassidy’s hand, her lips curved upward in an understanding smile. “Anabeth will get over it. I know it’s hard for you.”

  Cassidy blinked, and Jase caught the sparkle of tears. She walked behind the counter and pulled out a bakery box. “Let me get you your cupcakes and cookies.”

  Mrs. Collins glanced at Jase, a sly smile turning up her thinly painted lips. “The real question is how you got Jase Larson to work for you. I didn’t realize you were hiring celebrities.”

  “I’m just here for the day,” Jase said with a shrug. “Cassidy needed help, so I’m providing it.” Why were fans always so shocked when a celebrity acted like a human being?

  Cassidy’s soft southern drawl washed over him like a warm shower. “Jase is staying at the ranch for a few months to prepare for an upcoming movie. He was nice enough to help me out today.”

  “One month,” Jase corrected her.

  Cassidy raised an eyebrow.

  “The production timeline has been moved up. I’m only staying for a month.”

  “Oh.” Did he detect a note of disappointment in her voice?

  “A whole month. Maybe I’ll see you again, Jase Larson. Anabeth would love to meet you, I’m sure.” Mrs. Collins took her credit card back from Cassidy and grabbed the pastry box. “Have a good day, you two.”

  As soon as the door shut, Cassidy turned to Jase. “I thought you were staying at the ranch for four months?”

  “Me too. But my mother—the producer—called last night, and everything has changed.”

  “Oh.” He heard the unspoken question in her voice, but suspected she was too polite to ask. Or maybe he was inventing interest where they was none.

  “She doesn’t approve of method acting and thinks I’m wasting my time ‘shoveling manure.’” He made air quotes with his fingers and rolled his eyes. “We start shooting in four weeks.”

  Cassidy frowned, a crease forming in her brow. “Now I feel even worse about taking you away for a day.”

  He wanted to pull her into his arms and assure her he didn’t mind. “Don’t be. I wanted to help.”

  “Well, thank you.”

  Jase was starting to recognize Cassidy’s tells, and playing with her braid when she was uncomfortable was one of them. Time to change the subject. “So, who’s Anabeth?”

  “A girl I went to high school with. She asked me to make her wedding cake, but I turned her down.”

  Jase looked around at the empty bakery. Business didn’t exactly appear to be booming, and only four months in, surely Cassidy still experienced cash flow issues. “Why?”

  “I don’t do wedding cakes.” And with that, she disappeared into the back of the bakery.

  Jase cursed under his breath. Did Seth have any idea how much damage he’d done?

  Mrs. Collins apparently couldn’t keep a secret because word got out that Jase was in town. The shop filled with anxious townsfolk eager for a look at a movie star. For once, Jase didn’t mind the unexpected attention. People might have come to look at him, but they stayed to buy items from the overflowing display case.

  Jase signed autographs and posed for pictures, but mostly he watched Cassidy. She knew everyone, and everyone knew and loved her. Her face glowed with pride as she rung up each customer, handing over pastry boxes of cupcakes and cookies. He was happy to have contributed to that happy glow.

  Around two o’clock, an electrician pushed his way into the crowded store.

  “Will you be okay by yourself for a while?” Cassidy asked, raising her voice.

  Jase swallowed, staring at the crowded store. Cassidy had given him a crash course in using the cash register on her tablet and on filling orders, but he still wasn’t sure he felt comfortable on his own. That was stupid, though—he could fill boxes with dessert and run credit cards while still smiling for photos and signing autographs. “I’ll be fine.”

  Cassidy nodded and disappeared into the back. For the next hour, she made only brief appearances. Jase wanted to ask how things were going with the electrician, but there simply wasn’t time. The shop grew more crowded and the temperature level rose as sunlight poured through the large picture window at the front of the store. At least poor lighting wasn’t an issue.

  A low hum filled the room, and cool air wafted up from the vents. A cheer filled the shop as the overhead lights flickered on. Jase grinned and handed a customer a box of cupcakes. The power was back on.

  But Cassidy didn’t reappear. It was another hour before she led the repairman to the front, thanking him for his time. Instead of relief, her face was lined with worry.

  “Everything okay?” Jase muttered as he ran another credit card.

  Cassidy’s slumped shoulders were answer enough. She smiled at the customer, then spoke in a low voice. “The lightning fried both the fridge and freezer. He said it’d cost more to repair them than they’re worth.” Her lips pursed into a tight line. “I need to call the insurance company and see if new appliances are covered. Are you fine by yourself for a little while longer?”

  “Sure,” Jase said.

  The crowd thinned out and the display cases began to empty. When Cassidy came back to the front counter an hour later, the shop was nearly empty. Jase had just finished ringing up an elderly man, and a mother sat with her daughter at one of the tables, but otherwise there was finally a lull in business.

  “How did it go with the insurance company?” Jase asked.

  Cassidy grinned. “They’ll cover it if I take pictures and send the electrician’s report to them. I still have to pay the deductible, and any difference in cost since I bought those used and they aren’t worth a ton, but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be.”

  Jase wanted to hug her, but instead he stuck his hands in his pockets. “That’s great news.”

  Cassidy nodded, the relief coming off her in waves. “How did it go up here?”

  He motioned to the display cases, which were nearly two-thirds empty. “I think we can safely say it’s been a successful few hours.”

  Her eyes widened and she let out a low whistle. “Wow. Maybe you aren’t so bad to have around after all.”

  It felt like a victory.

  At six o’clock, Cassidy locked the door and flipped the sign to closed. “Phew,” she said, sinking into a chair. “That’s been the busiest day since opening week, I think.” She nudged his foot with hers. “I suppose I can thank you for that. Mrs. Collins must’ve spread the word. She owns the pharmacy a few doors down.”

  “I’m glad I could help.” He just hoped photos of him at a cupcake shop in Oklahoma didn’t go viral and alert everyone to his current location.

  “Want something?” Cassidy motioned to the nearly empty display case. “It’s the least I can do to repay you for your help.”

  He’d been dying to try a cupcake all day. If she’d inherited her mother’s talent in the kitchen, her desserts promised to be divine. “Sure.”

  Cassidy pulled a red velvet out of the di
splay case and handed it to him. “The red velvet is always the last left. I think I need to go back to the drawing board on the recipe.”

  The cupcake held a perfect spiral of cream cheese frosting, with dark chocolate shavings as a garnish. Jase peeled back the wrapping and took a giant bite, groaning in delight. The cake was moist and dense, a perfect blend of cream cheese and red velvet. “This is amazing.”

  Cassidy smiled, taking a cupcake for herself. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “Seriously. No need to rework this recipe. It’s perfect.”

  Her cheeks glowed pink and she ducked her head. “Well, I’ve always liked it. Maybe people just aren’t as big red velvet fans around these parts.”

  “You’ve got a good business going here. I can’t believe you do this yourself every day. Do you have any employees?”

  Cassidy licked a bit of frosting off her lip, mesmerizing Jase with the action. “Just one. She comes a few afternoons a week, but she had today off.”

  Jase couldn’t help admiring Cassidy for going after her dream. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to work for it. Jase wasn’t sure he had the same courage. The five-acre plot popped into his head again, and he quickly brushed it aside. Burnout was normal. It didn’t mean he should give up acting for a quiet life in Oklahoma.

  Cassidy finished her cupcake and wiped her mouth with a napkin. “Ready to go shopping? I’ve got to order new appliances and stop at the store or I’ll have nothing to sell tomorrow.”

  “Ready,” Jase said.

  “Let’s go then.” Cassidy shut off the lights, then locked the door behind them.

  Jase climbed into Cassidy’s truck and it roared to life.

  “We’ll have to go into Tulsa,” Cassidy said as she headed out of town. “It’s about an hour drive. Sorry about that.”

  “No problem,” Jase said, leaning his head back against the headrest. “I’m not in any hurry.”

  For the first time in his life, he felt at home.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Cassidy pulled onto the highway just outside of town, her headlights cutting through the falling darkness as she headed toward Tulsa. Tension crackled through the cab of her truck, and she fought the urge to glance over at Jase. She wondered if he’d be staring at her or at the passing trees.