Page 51 of Firecracker

He quickly put his own things away, then returned to her place. “Let’s shake it, babe. You have to work at four.”

“We’re not going to spend two hours at Whole Foods!”

“Yeah, you’re right. Much as I love food, and don’t even mind shopping for it, I can’t handle that much. In and out. Let’s rock and roll.”

They ended up being at the store longer than he planned. Arden walked around with big, bright eyes, smiling and exclaiming over the olive bar, the baked goods, the huge selection of wines and produce and chocolate. “Oh God, I’ve missed shopping here.” She sighed, clutching a wedge of cloth-bound cheddar cheese. “I have to try this.”

Again, she was careful in her purchases, and a lot of the things she bought were snacks and appetizers like she’d served the other night, as if she expected to feed people again. It seemed like she loved doing that.

Usually, he was happy to buy what he needed and get out, but watching Arden drool over prepared salads and pizzas and unique crackers was enough to keep him entertained for hours. He ended up driving Arden to work since they’d run out of time, plus she’d done a lot of walking and would be on her feet all night.

“I’ll pick you up when you get off,” he said as he pulled up in front of Shenanigans.

She blew out a breath and turned to him. “No. You won’t. You work in the morning. And…and…”

“What?”

“Tyler.” She bit her lip and met his eyes. “I don’t…you’re…aw,shit.”

“Spit it out, princess. What are you trying to say?”

“I just…”

Wow, she was really stumbling. He cocked his head and waited.

“My husband died,” she said in a near whisper.

His head jerked back. “I know.”

“I’m not interested in…in anything…in dating…you know.”

He kept his face neutral despite the feeling of being punched in the gut. But hadn’t he already thought that? Wasn’t he supposed to be taking things slow, showing her that they could be good together?

Had he pushed too fucking hard today? It was the flowers. Had to be the flowers. “Okay.”

But he wasn’t giving up that easy.

“You don’t have to look after me all the time. You don’t have to drive me to work and pick me up. I’m a grown woman and I’m trying…I’m trying t-to…” She stalled out. “I have to do this on my own. It’s…important.”

“Arden. I know you’re a grown woman. Believe me.” Oh hell. That probably wasn’t the right thing to say. “Okay, let me be frank here. I don’t like playing games. I’m attracted to you.”

She stared back at him.

“And I have the feeling it’s mutual.”

She swallowed.

“I get that you’re maybe not in a place to explore that right now. So I’m not gonna push it.” He held her gaze. “But I’m not giving up either.”

Her eyes remained big and unblinking. Then she hopped out of his SUV and disappeared into the pub.

Shit.

* * *

Arden rushed into Shenanigans, her face hot, her hands shaking.

What the hell was that?

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