Page 9 of Worth the Risk
I step into Thistle and Sage and am greeted by the smell of cinnamon and fresh bread and Anna.
“Good morning! You’re up early.” Anna is smiling at me from her spot behind the counter.
“I am, I heard if I wanted to get the good stuff, I had to be here early.”
“That is absolutely true. Winslow has just got the front fully stocked, what can I get for you?”
“Well let’s see, my mom says the cinnamon rolls are the best, so can I get one of those and also a cup of coffee?”
“Coming right up!” She busies herself with getting my pastry and coffee and I take the time to look around the little shop, wondering if I’m going to get the chance to see Winnie this morning. I made sure to be the first one here before they have their rush, hoping to say hello. “Did you want to eat this here or do you want me to put it in a box to go?”
“I’ll eat it here, thanks Anna.”
“Yep. Here ya go. Let me know if you need anything else.”
“Uh…Is Winnie busy this morning?” She smirks.
“Winnie is always busy, but I can check to see if she has a minute if you want.” I give her a wink.
“I’d appreciate that.” She only blushes a little at that. I sit down at a table in the corner and dig into this amazing smelling cinnamon roll while I wait. There’s a clatter in the back, then I hear Winnie curse, I can’t help but chuckle. I’ve always known she was beautiful, but yesterday when I saw her, in her own bakery, living out her dream I was hit with it all over again. Feelings I’ve buried for a long time bubbled up to the surface and I forgot why I haven’t acted on them for a few minutes. Then Colt called and there was one reason.
“Hey, Rhett.” Winnie breaks through my thoughts with her greeting. “What on earth are you doing up and here so early on a Saturday morning?” I take her in. She looks sleepy and adorable.The side of her face is a tiny bit red and swollen. “I’m assuming you were out late last night.” She says it in an light but accusing tone.
“Well I was told that getting here early was necessary if I wanted one of these.” I hold up the last few bites of the cinnamon roll I just devoured. “....and I went back to the hotel shortly after you tripped on the entry rug.” I throw out and fight my smile when I picture it. She relaxes slightly, her tense shoulders lowering the slightest bit.
“Saw that did you? I figured you were a little too busy to notice me with your date sitting next to you.” There’s a small level of snark detected if I’m not mistaken.
“I don’t think anyone missed it, Winnie. You tend to attract some attention.” Her cheeks pink at my words. “And she wasn’t my date. I had only just met her when you got there last night. Colt invited them there.” That seems to put her at ease and I think I like seeing her a little jealous.
“I think you had another hour before that would have been a worry about long lines, but I really appreciate you coming in so early.”
“This cinnamon roll was more than worth it.” I wink and take another sip of my coffee. She sighs.
“Can I tell you something?”
“Anything.” Well that didn’t sound desperate. She smiles softly.
“I kind of keep waiting for the other shoe to drop.” She says quietly.
“What do you mean? From what I hear, you’re killing it.” That earns me a wide smile.
“I guess I just worry that this won’t last and eventually people will stop coming.” Her admission takes me by surprise, not only that she thinks that way but that she would confide in me. Shehasn’t talked to me like this in years. I’ve always wanted to know what was going on in her head. I clear my throat.
“You’re one of the best people I know, Winnie.” She blushes at my words. “There’s a reason everyone in this town turns out every day of the week. As amazing as they are, I know for a fact it’s not just for the cinnamon rolls or any other baked goods.” She averts her gaze.
“Thank you for saying that, Rhett.” I laugh.
“I’m not just saying it, it’s the truth. You’ve had everyone we know wrapped around your pretty little finger since you came to town.” She rolls her eyes but takes the compliment. Then she meets my gaze.
“The whole town huh?” It’s a loaded question. One I’m surprised she doesn’t already know the answer to. It’s also one I feel like she wouldn’t ask if she was with someone.
“I don’t know a single person that wouldn’t do anything for you.” My statement hangs between us feeding into the tension we’ve let build. I think maybe it’s getting too intense for our first conversation alone in years so I add, “I can’t go a block without someone telling me how sweet you are. I’m sure Colt has had to give dirty looks to any guy that looks in your direction.” It’s a cowardly way to ask, but I have to know if she’s seeing anyone, who it is, and if it’s serious. She laughs outright.
“Oh, you have no idea.” Her response gets under my skin and I clear my throat before I ask…
“Anyone serious?” She just looks at me for a handful of seconds before sighing and giving me an answer.
“Mm no. Not as of last night anyway. It didn’t really work out with my boyfriend.” She half laughs. “We broke up last night.”
