Page 20 of Just Desserts in Pelican Point
“Damn right she does,” Emma says.
Marcus’s eyes stay on me for a second longer, searching, making sure. Then he leans down and kisses my forehead. Just once—enough to short-circuit every part of me.
“I’ll be back soon,” he murmurs.
Then he’s gone.
And I’m left staring after him, my mouth hanging open like a woman kissed by a hurricane disguised as a man.
Emma fans herself. “Okay. We’ve officially entered new territory. You don’t forehead-kiss someone unless you’re all in.”
I blink. “What?”
Sophie smirks. “You’re in it now, Jules. Whether you’re ready to say it, label it, or whatever.”
I scowl at her. “I’m not saying anything.”
“Yet,” Joselyn adds helpfully.
I roll my eyes, but the weight in my chest feels lighter. “You guys are relentless.”
“We love you,” Sophie says simply. “And we’re proud of you. You handled yourself today with so much grace and strength. And now you’ve got a man willing to install your security system personally?”
Candace lifts a brow. “That’s small-town love language right there.”
We all laugh again, and this time it feels real. Steady.
I wrap the blanket tighter around my shoulders and sip my wine.
I’m okay and I’m not alone.
Chapter8
Julie
I’m elbow-deep in pastry dough when Sophie breezes through the front door of Seaside Sweets like she owns the place. The bell jingles overhead, and her heels click across the tile with dramatic flair. She’s dressed in wine-country casual.
"Julie, please tell me you didn’t forget what tonight is," she says, leaning against the counter and snagging a mini fruit tart without asking.
"If by 'forget' you mean 'I know it’s game night and I’m trying to find a way to fake the flu,' then no, I didn’t forget."
Sophie rolls her eyes and pops the tart into her mouth. "Monopoly, babe. Don’t bail. Joselyn already threatened to flip the board if she lands on Free Parking and it’s empty again. We need your optimism, and your baked goods," she adds with a wink.
"What time?" I ask, already mentally cataloging what I can whip up after closing.
"Seven. At the winery barn. And bring a date."
I blink. "A date? Why do I need a date?"
She shrugs, casual as you please. "Why not? Everyone else is coupled up. Joselyn’s bringing Brennen, Emma’s dragging Miles away from his wine cellar, and I think Candace might bring Ryan if he gets back from the city in time. I’m not saying it has to be romantic... but come on, live a little."
I laugh, rolling my eyes. "Where exactly am I supposed to find a date in the next ten hours? Should I hold open interviews at the espresso bar?"
"Only if you want to put me in charge of screening candidates. I have a very thorough questionnaire." She grins and heads toward the door. "Think about it. I expect muffins and a man tonight. In that order."
She disappears with a swish of her skirt, and I stare after her, shaking my head.
A date. Yeah, right, but the thought lingers as I move through the rest of the morning rush.
