Page 17 of Worth the Rush
“I’d love to,” I say, closing my laptop.
“Perfect.” He leans onto the door frame. His chestnut-brown hair slides onto his forehead, and his chocolate eyes assess me, making me feel unexpectedly warm. I grab my corduroy jacket and stand.
“Thanks for the invite, I was going to have to go in search of something soon,” I say, and he laughs.
“I noticed you hadn’t left your office all day and figured that was the case. Are you getting some work done?”
“I am. I have a couple of ideas that I’m excited to bring up in our next management meeting,” I answer, a little shocked at the excitement in my voice. Jack grins back at me.
He steps in front of me to open the door, “I’m excited to hear all about it.”
“Thank you,” I say as I pass by him into the restaurant. “It smells amazing in here.”
“Yeah, that’s partially the chef we have, he’s amazing and for some reason, he likes working here when he could work anywhere he wants. It’s also the baked goods. We get those from the town bakery, Thistle and Sage.”
“That may be a place I need to visit.” Today, actually. I need to run into town anyway. I’ll leave after our lunch, so I can make it back before dark. I don’t need a repeat of last week’s events. Even though I have thought about mine and Alder’s verbal sparring match more than once today. I need to get a grip on my wandering thoughts. It’s a recipe for disaster.
Two hours later I’m loading up the few groceries I bought in downtown Silverthorne. There are Christmas trees and lights in every direction. I’m not big on the holidays. Mostly because Sullivan Rutherford isn’t. He prefers to spend holidays alone or working. But I find myself smiling at the town's holiday charm. Walking the sidewalk, I notice the various window displays in all the shops. They range from snowmen skiing to Big Foot snowboarding.
I see the sign for Thistle and Sage, and cross the empty street. Opening the door with a chime, I’m immediately enveloped by the smell of coffee and freshly baked bread.
“Hi, welcome in!” a woman calls from the corner of the shop. I would have missed her if it wasn’t for her beautiful curly hair. When she stands, I see that she’s covered in flour. The petite brunette smiles kindly at me and then moves to step behind the pastry case. She trips on—well, nothing, and I instinctively reach out toward her, wanting to protect this small woman. She’s at least a good six inches shorter than my five foot nine. Thankfully, she catches herself on the counter.
“What can I get for you?” she asks, a little out of breath. I smile, her caramel-colored eyes drawing me in.
“Hi, well, I just came from The Edgemont.” I point with my hand in what I hope is the direction of the mountain and resort. “I had lunch there today and was told that the pastries and breads came from here.”
“They do! I make all the pastries, breads, and desserts. My boyfriend’s— no, my fiancé’s, that’s new.” She gigglesbefore continuing. “Sorry, myfiancé’sbrother works there, so he comes in to pick up orders for the restaurant. He should be by today actually. Soon, come to think of it. Were they out of something?” she rambles, and it’s—endearing.
“You’re the owner then? I had one of your cinnamon rolls and just wanted to see what else you had here.”
“Yes, I’m Winnie Parker.” She wipes her flour-coated hand on her apron and reaches over the counter to me, and I take it in mine.
“Ivy Rutherford. Nice to meet you.”
“You as well.” She beams. “Are you visiting then?”
“I am—er well kind of.” I struggle to explain the situation.
“Would you like a latte while you look around? We have a seasonal caramel pecan right now. Or a spicy mocha?”
“The caramel pecan sounds amazing. Thank you.”
“You got it,” she replies and gets started on it. I glance around the shop. It’s so cute. The industrial meets with the natural wood perfectly, and all the holiday decorations make me feel like I’m on a movie set. The door chimes, and in walks a man who can only be described as one of the most handsome men I have ever had the pleasure of seeing.
“Hey, honeybee,” he says with a smile.
“Hey, Coach,” she calls back with a grin. Winnie steps out from behind the counter again, and no sooner does she clear the edge of it that this man sweeps her up and is kissing her like he’s been starved for her. My mouth may be hanging open while I just stare at them. I should look away, but I can’t bring myself to do that. This couple is H.O.T. hot. He sets her down, breaking their kiss and pushes a curl from her heart-shaped face.
“How was your day?” he asks her, and she looks dazed as she answers, and damn, I don’t blame her.
“Good. I got my list made for the lighting ceremony, and I’m just making some final updates to my recipes,” she tells him. I decide I’ve been staring long enough and turn to look out the window to give them some privacy when Winnie says my name.
“Ivy, this is the fiancé. Rhett, this is Ivy. She’s staying up at The Edgemont,” she explains and then goes to grab the steamed milk to pour into my latte.
“Hi, Ivy. It’s nice to meet you. Are you enjoying your stay? The lodge is always a little magical at this time of year.” I have to remind myself not to get lost in his eyes, seeing as Winnie probably wouldn’t be okay with me ogling her fiancé.
“It’s nice to meet you too. Honestly, this is only my third day here, and yesterday wasn’t the best day I’ve ever had,” I confide. “It’s really beautiful here though,” I add, and oh my gosh, am I blushing? How embarrassing.
