Hometown Hero

by Susan Scott Shelley

  His forehead crinkled. "I'm really sorry. I'm guessing it's a delivery and not just you taking home some extras?"

  "It was a special order, and it was due to be delivered in twenty minutes." She squared her shoulders, fighting against the tears threatening to push their way into her eyes. Tears didn't solve anything.

  Xavier retrieved wayward items and began stuffing them into the bag she held. Muscles flexed in his arms and back. He fit the build of an athlete, all toned and tight. "Rolling pin, whisk, bowls... Do you always travel with baking utensils?"

  "Only when absolutely necessary. And always when I'm doing a baking demonstration." Murmuring her thanks, she took a few steps toward the safety of the store. "I need to get back inside and find some replacements."

  Xavier pulled the door open for her. She ducked under his arm. He and the dog followed her inside, and he set her box on the counter.

  Katie came out of the kitchen. She glanced at Ashley, and then the man and dog, and her eyes grew wide. "What the heck happened to you?"

  "I had a mishap with the cake." An understatement to say the least.

  "I'd guess so. You're wearing it."

  She winced as she caught sight of her reflection in the window. "Can you grab the lemon pound cake, the gingerbread loaf, and the vanilla cream cake from the display case and load them into the car while I change clothes?"

  Her sister hurried to the cakes. "Sure, sis."

  Imagining dollar signs going down the drain, Ashley rubbed her temples. She couldn't deliver the ordered cake, but the replacements would be free of charge. She wouldn't charge them for the baking demonstration either if they complained.

  Xavier cleared his throat. "You won't charge the client if you can't deliver their order. How much was the cake? I'll pay."

  She took in his scuffed sneakers, jeans worn white at the creases, and threadbare t-shirt. Even if he was a pro athlete, she'd never make assumptions about his financial situation, not when she knew how fast money could disappear when life changed unexpectedly. Her heart softened at his apologetic smile. "No, it's all right. Rocky getting loose and hitting me was an accident."

  The dog barked and she glanced down. He tilted his head, looking at her. Who could stay mad at that face? "No worries."

  She could feel her sister's gaze, but when she glanced at the counter, Katie smiled and lifted the bags with the cakes and then headed out of the room.

  "Here." Xavier spun the wooden rolling pin then handed it to her.

  She repacked the pin and smiled up at him. The pin had been her mother's. She always brought it to baking demonstrations, for good luck. "Well, thank you for helping me clean up out there."

  His smile warmed even more as he took her hand and held it in his. "I really am sorry about everything."

  "Accidents happen." Her skin tingled from his touch. The dog barked again and drew her gaze down once more. He whined and pulled against Xavier's hold. "I think Rocky is ready to go."

  Xavier stooped and adjusted his grip on the dog's collar. Hair, the color of black coffee, curled out from beneath his cap. "I'm really sorry he ran you down. He thinks he's a lap dog and forgets his size and his manners."

  Ashley chuckled. Gorgeous was one thing, but gorgeous and a sense of humor, was irresistible. But not right now. She needed to focus on her cake delivery, not some man with soul-stirring eyes and a voice that washed over her like rich cream. "We need to get together to talk about the competition. This isn't a good time, but soon."

  His long, enigmatic stare pulled at something primitive, private, and deep within her. "Since you won't let me buy the cake, can I take you to dinner?"

  Her mind spun like a mixer on high speed. "Right now, I can't think past getting to my appointment and starting my baking demonstration."

  He reached for one of the store's business cards from the stack on the counter and tucked it into his back pocket. Then took another, along with a pen from the register, and scrawled his name and number on the back and pressed it into her hand. "Then I'll give you a call, or you call me, and we figure out a better time."

  Ashley nodded as her fingers closed around the cardboard.

  Xavier quickly glanced at the dog and shifted it away from the display case. "Nice to meet you, Ashley. Rocky thinks so, too." His eyes crinkled at the corners as his smile deepened. With a wave, he and his wayward dog exited the store.

  She hurried up to the apartment to change clothes. She set the business card with Xavier's information on her dresser and took a second to trace her finger over the bold, black script. Nerves tingled her stomach as she remembered the feel of his strong hand holding hers. They would need to get together soon. The competition was a month away. The fact that the network had chosen her was huge. Celebration was in order. She couldn't wait to tell her sister.

  But facing the music at the gardening club came first.

  Hopefully, those instant grandmas would be understanding and not use the mishap as a sign to start patronizing Blackstone's Bakery.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Of all the times for Rocky's leash to break... Xavier strode back to his house, his fingers curled in a tight grip around the remainder of Rocky's leash. His long strides made quicker by his impatience with himself and his rambunctious rescue dog. The pretty brunette carrying the box had immediately caught his attention. And then Rocky had broken free and knocked her down. "Great first impression," he admonished the dog. "We'll have to make it up to her."

  Something close to recognition stirred when Ashley's golden eyes met his... But he knew they couldn't have met before. He'd never have forgotten those eyes. Her classic oval face, olive skin, and her voice—her rich, soothing, jazz club singer voice—shot slivers of awareness straight through him.

  He tugged his cap down further on his head. She hadn't said no to dinner, but she didn't exactly say she'd be thrilled to see him again either or that she was happy he would be her partner. Instead, she'd shaken his hand, even gave his a gentle squeeze. Her skin was soft, buttery soft....

  Stop.

  He didn't have time to wonder over a gorgeous brunette with mesmerizing eyes. Not with the ten thousand other things pulling at his attention: preparing for his first co-hosting gig on the league's TV network's daily news show, handling the last minute details with his foundation's upcoming Spring 5k run, getting in his workouts and conditioning, not to mention his family and his entirely too energetic dog. And now a commitment to bake live on national TV.

  The dog looked at him and barked. Xavier shook his head and laughed. "You're right. She's probably sorry that she's stuck with me as her partner."

  He changed direction and headed toward his brother's place. Ryan would make him feel better. His little brother always put a positive spin on things. And Ryan could cook anything, and often had a stocked fridge. Maybe he could convince his brother to make dinner and share some baking tips.

  Not for the first time, more likely the millionth, gratitude that his family lived so close to each other filled him. He rang the bell and then rubbed the dog's head. "Remember, you need to be on your best behavior for Uncle Ryan. No more knocking over lamps, okay?"

  The door swung open. Ryan greeted him with the biggest smile he had ever seen. And teary eyes.

  The tears immediately raised Xavier's protective instincts. Ryan may have been twenty-five, and Xavier may have been thirty, but he'd looked out for his little brother ever since Ryan had been a baby, kicking ass when needed. He would be happy to do so again. His hands closed into fists. "What's going on?"

  Ryan waved him inside and bent to rub the dog's head. "Happy news. Come in. Everson's here."

  A sharp whistle pierced the air. Everson appeared in the doorway that led to the kitchen, a container of bone-shaped dog treats clasped in his hand. With a bark, Rocky trotted into the kitchen to happily accept his treat.

  Xavier closed the door at his back and followed Ryan into the living room. "Ry? What's the news?"

  "Everson, come here." R
yan held his arm out to the larger man and Everson's arms quickly encircled his torso, joining the two as one. "We just got engaged."

  "Hey, that's great. Congratulations!" Thrilled for them, he hugged his brother, and then his teammate. "You didn't say anything when I saw you earlier today."

  "Well, I thought it was best to ask Ryan first." The gridiron giant smiled and gazed at Ryan with so much love in his expression. "And lucky for me, he said yes."

  Xavier grinned at the pair. They were perfectly matched. "Does anyone else know?"

  Ryan barely shook his head, he was so caught up in Everson. "It happened, like, an hour ago, so no. We've sort of been basking in it."

  "You mean you told me before you told Dad? And before you told Leo? Ry, he's going to think I'm your favorite brother now." Xavier couldn't help teasing. The brothers were all close, but Ryan the youngest brother and Leo, the eldest, had a special bond. Then again, as the middle children, Xavier and Shane did too.

  Ryan laughed right back. "No one else burst in on us. We were going to call everyone tonight."

  The tips of his ears burned hot as Xavier put two and two together. He'd clearly barged in on a private celebration. "I'm sorry. Let me get the dog and get out of your way."

  "No. Stay," Ryan said.

  Gesturing to the couch, Everson added, "Really, it's fine."

  Xavier sank onto the cushion. He'd have to make this up to them. Maybe buying a cake from Ashley would be a good start. That way, he'd make up for ruining her day too. "So, Rocky and I met the baker I'll be partnering with."

  Ryan sat beside him and patted the cushion until the dog joined them. "How did that go?"

  "Rocky sort of knocked her down and ruined a cake delivery. So, it could have gone better." He launched into a detailed account that had his brother and future brother-in-law alternately cracking up and groaning in sympathy.

  Ryan ruffled the dog's hair and then leaned against Everson. "I can't believe the team wants you guys to bake. It's your off-season. You worked so hard during the year, and your bodies went through a lot of abuse. Like I said to Everson when he came home today, you deserve time to relax and be away from football. Mini-camp and training camp will be here before you know it."

  "It's cool, Ry. If I can win that money..."

  "You could donate it to Penn's cancer research, or any of the breast cancer charities."

  "Exactly." His gaze wandered to the photo of his mom on the bookshelf. The last family photo they'd taken before she'd died. He hoped she would be proud of what he was trying to accomplish with the foundation. "I'm hoping that I'll get to talk about the foundation when they film the competition."

  Everson draped his arm around Ryan's shoulders. "I'm sure we will. That's why Mills chose us, right? But, dude, when I called the bakery that they assigned to me, the guy had no idea that they were even supposed to have partners."

  "Same. Ashley was pretty surprised."

  "Bet she'll be even more surprised when she realizes that you can't bake at all." Ryan grinned and then tilted his head back to address his fiancé. "You either."

  Xavier groaned, imagining one more brick stacked against him. "She's probably going to expect that I have some idea, right?"

  Ryan nodded. "I would think so. She wouldn't expect you to be an expert, but she might think you at least have a passing interest. Lucky for you, you have me. I'll give you a crash course, and maybe even flash cards if you need them."

  The thing was, Ryan would. Sweetly, and without malice. He'd help, as always, to make sure that Xavier and Everson had the best chance. The Brennan brothers always stuck together.

  "I'll take you up on that, but not tonight." He stood and called for the dog. "I'm heading home now. And I'll act completely surprised when you guys call us with the news. Get us all on the group video chat so you can tell us all at the same time."

  "You don't have to go. You can stay for dinner."

  "Nah. You guys need some time alone. I'll see you for family dinner on Sunday as usual." He hugged them goodbye and headed out. When he glanced back, as the door was closing, Ryan and Everson were already reaching for each other.

  Xavier started the short walk home. Seeing his brother so happy and settled made him happy. It was the same when Leo had married Kelsey. He'd never given the matter of finding someone to love much thought. Until he'd turned thirty. The milestone birthday coupled with signing his latest contract had changed his perspective. The contract might be his last as a football player. Suddenly the future, the post-football future, was no longer far away. Hell, it was practically right in his face. The days of partying were behind him, had been for a few years now, but even so, his reputation hadn't completely caught up to his now drama-free lifestyle.

  Rocky barked and pulled him toward a squirrel racing up a tree. Laughing, he directed the dog toward home. Thoughts of the future needed to take a backseat to more immediate concerns. Like his crazy dog and his crazy family, and that he somehow had to learn how to bake, or at least something about baking, before he saw Ashley again.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Ashley carefully brushed luster dust onto the petals of a rose adorning the five-tier ivory fondant tower that stood on the table before her. Her hands and shoulders ached from the hours of work, but she felt wonderful, alive, and happy riding the high that always accompanied a cake well-done. She put down her brush and stepped back to survey the finished cake.

  The once blank icing canvas now resembled a romantic garden. Dozens of blush-pink roses and delicate orange blossoms garlanded the cake.

  Katie circled the table, checking for flaws and imperfections. "Looks good. You've outdone yourself. The client is going to love it."

  "I hope so."

  The bell over the front door jangled.

  Ashley glanced at the doorway and rolled her neck. "Can you check on that please?"

  "On it." Katie dashed into the hallway.

  Alone again, Ashley scanned the cake with a critical eye. The sound of footsteps crossing the floor grew louder as they came up behind her. She didn't look up, intent on inspecting one last flower. "Who was it?"

  The footsteps came closer. "Just me. No dog, this time."

  Xavier's voice, deep and as rich as the most decadent dessert washed over her. She slowly turned around.

  Dressed in dark, perfectly tailored pants and a pale blue button-down shirt, the tight end stood a few feet away. "Wow, that cake looks amazing."

  In the week since she'd last seen him, he'd been on her mind far too often. Sweaty in her baker's coat, she inwardly cringed, imagining her appearance. Strands that had worked themselves loose of her ponytail hung in her face. She lifted a hand streaked with the colors of her handiwork to push them away, and stopped just short of transferring the icing to her face. She stuck her hand behind her back. "How's Rocky? He didn't get sick from eating the icing, did he?"

  "He's got an iron stomach."

  "That's a relief." She smiled at him and wondered what he was doing there. Then realized she'd never called him to schedule a time to meet about the competition. "I'm sorry I didn't call you. We had a lot going on this week." Not a lot of bakery orders, but a visit to a new bank, and yet another loan application, and a day of stress when one of the ovens had needed an emergency repair.

  "No worries. I'm here because I wanted to place an order for a cake."

  Uncomfortable under his intense gaze, she shifted her weight from the balls of her feet to her heels. Why did her mind turn to jelly when he was within ten feet of her? "Of course. We can make anything you want."

  He turned his attention back to the cake and walked over to examine it. "You made these flowers? They look so realistic." He lifted a finger to touch one of the extras left on the table.

  "That's what we were going for." The hours of work, every ache she had, was worth watching the admiration in his eyes. They stood, mere feet apart. She blew out a breath and tossed her head in a failed attempt to shift the hair off her face.

&nb
sp; He shifted, closing the distance between them until they were only a step apart. His rapt attention focused on her face the way she'd imagine an artist contemplating his muse.

  She studied his square jaw, firm mouth, then her gaze locked with his green eyes and her heart skipped a beat. He slowly brought his hand to her face, lifted the hair out of her eyes and tucked the strands behind her ear.

  The incidental contact set her nerve endings sizzling. She focused her attention back to the reason he'd come in. "You wanted a cake?"

  His hand lowered to his side. The intensity smoldering in the green depths receded like the sea calming after a storm. And he nodded. Faint lines at the corners of his eyes crinkled and his face lit up when he smiled. "My brother just got engaged to his boyfriend. The cake is to celebrate them. It doesn't have to be huge. It's for a family party."

  The announcement warmed her heart. Cakes celebrating love were her favorite things to bake. "Congratulations to the happy couple. That's wonderful."

  He finally shifted a few steps back. "We think so. Everson and Ryan are perfect for each other."

  She wiped her hands on a towel, then turned on the faucet and scrubbed them under the hot water. As the soap bubbles went down the drain, she committed the names to memory. "Let's go into my office. I have my notebook and calendar in there."

  He followed her into the small space and took a seat in one of her guest chairs.

  She hadn't heard a peep out of her sister. Knowing Katie, she was probably lurking outside the door. Ashley opened her notebook. "How many people will be at the party?"

  "About twelve of us. Unless my dad or brothers invite more people. Let's say twenty to be on the safe side."

  "Do Ryan and Everson have favorite colors or favorite cake flavors?"

  "Ryan likes gray and black, but he's a really bright and happy person. Everson's a little more serious. But I really don't know about favorite flavor." He bit his lip. "It's supposed to be a surprise. If I text them to ask, they're going to think I'm drunk. Or it'll give the surprise away."