Page 37 of Marry Me

Allison took a steadying breath. “Mark this down as a conversation I never thought I’d have. Evaluating my make-out session with my really attractive wedding planner.”

“Substituteclient, and I’m right there with you. I think I probably broke the cardinal rule of wedding planning.”

“Thou shalt not kiss the bride.”

“Bingo.” She felt the need to fan herself. “We should maybe stop talking about kissing now.”

Allison sat a little taller. “Why is that?” She smiled.

Oh, someone was finding their confidence and it made Megan’s everything stand on alert. God.

“Because it’s highly distracting. I have a leisurely day to stroll through, and you have a nuthouse shift.”

“Nutcase.”

“Fine. You’re a nutcase.”

They shared a smile. It had been a good coffee date. Short in nature, somewhat productive, and the unforeseen bonus flirting that had her head spinning. Megan drove away feeling lighter than when she’d arrived. In fact, as she moved through the grocery store and then that cute little shoe store nearby, she thought of very little else. By midafternoon, she did something impulsive, paused her errands, and followed Google Maps to the damned Nutcase.

The shop was located in an outdoor strip mall and had a cute little sign in red featuring a squirrel chowing down on an oversized nut. Inside the store, it was small, with lots of healthy choices to buy straight off the shelves, as well as a counter farther in where you could order fresh menu items. Salads, soups, a premade sandwich option, and lots of bars. Three tables lined the far wall for those who chose to eat in the store. Very quaint.

Megan was able to peruse the space unnoticed, along with two other customers, one who waited at the counter for service.

“Hi, there! Sorry to keep you waiting. What can I get you?”

Ally.

It was fun to watch her in her natural habitat as an unnoticed observer. Exuberant, welcoming, and—yes—hot as hell, even wearing a red visor with a large squirrel on the front. Megan held a package of energizing trail mix in front of her face and pretended to study the list of ingredients as Ally and the customer continued to chat.

“I don’t know what kind of mood you’re in, but our customers’ favorite menu item is definitely the Dash Bar. Hot oatmeal in bar form. You can take them home in a box of six, or I can make one for you fresh in the oven.”

The woman nodded enthusiastically. “My friend was telling me about them. That’s why I stopped in. I’m a huge oatmeal fan but never have the time to sit with a bowl. I’d love to try the hot version.”

“Your friend has the best taste. I’ll be right back.”

Ally disappeared, and Megan worked her way to the counter, picking up a few of the fresh snacks along the way. Everything looked amazing, but the price tags were a little out of this world. Thirteen dollars for a medium-sized pack of trail mix? She was beginning to see why the store might be in trouble. Allison reappeared with a brown bag she presented to the customer, her eyes landing on Megan as she handed it over. “Well, look at that. A new customer,” she mused, pointing obviously. “Welcome to the Nutcase, ma’am.”

“Thank you for having me,” Megan said. “I’m a squirrel fan, so I stopped in.”

The customer in front of her waved good-bye, leaving them face-to-face across the counter. “I’ve selected my purchases.” She slid the trail mix and two granola bars across the counter. “I’ll also take a Dash Bar. I hear they’re all the rage.”

“Coming soon to a BeLeaf near you.” She knocked on the counter for good measure.

“Now I’ll definitely need to try one.”

“Hot?”

“I just heard that’s the best way.”

“God, yes. Wait here and prepare to have your life changed.” The life-changing part was the way Ally watched her eat the bar, minutes later. She took her time, enjoying the cinnamon and spices and Allison’s eyes on her mouth. Since when had a cereal bar been so sexy?

“What’s the verdict?” Ally asked, removing the visor. Her hair was up in a ponytail, which showed off the column of her neck.

Megan blinked, trying to stay focused on the moment. It tasted like hot, fresh oatmeal in her hands. “This is some Willy Wonka magic.”

Ally grinned. “My dad spent a lot of time perfecting that recipe. Trying it out on the customers for a couple of years until he got it just right.” She gestured with her chin. “There’s nothing like it out there.”

“I can tell how proud you are of your parents.” She popped the last bite of the Dash into her mouth and used the napkin to dab the corners.

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