“I don’t know.”

“I thought you were going to talk to the general manager.”

“I did.”

“Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to find new customers? How much money I’ve paid in advertising with my pink lemonade cupcake?”

“I can have it pulled from the menu right away.”

“That’s what you said about the lavender-peach cake, but it’s still right here.” She pointed to the menu.

“That shouldn’t still be there.”

The waitress walked up to them, smiling. “Welcome to Hadley’s. My name is Trisha. It’s great to see you again, Mr. Hadley.”

“Good to see you too, Trisha.”

“What can I get you folks to drink?”

“I’ll just have water with lemon,” Alexis said. “And can you order me some of these desserts? I’d like them brought out first.”

Trisha smiled. “Of course. Which desserts would you like?”

“The pink lemonade cake, the cherry pie cupcake, and the margarita cupcake.”

“Okay. Anything else?” Trisha didn’t bat an eye at her strange request.

“I’ll have a club soda with a wedge of lime,” Owen said. “Thank you, Trisha.”

“You’re welcome, sir.” Trisha walked away, and Owen turned to Alexis.

“So, you’re checking out the competition now?”

She kept a serious face. “I’m not even a bit sorry.”

Owen laughed. “You’re welcome to check me out anytime you want.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Alexis leaned toward him and touched her nose to his, looking up at him. She ran a hand across the stubble on his cheek, savoring its roughness beneath her palm. “Well, I’m checking you out right now, and I like what I see.”

He turned toward her and kissed her. His lips were warm and soft on hers. “I really like you, Owen.”

“I like you too.”

“I have a confession.” Alexis felt bold. She couldn’t believe what she was about to admit.

“Okay?”

“I had a big crush on you back in high school.”

“I know.”

She pulled away from him. “You do?”

“Yep.”

“Did you know back then?”

“You were pretty obvious.”