Page 34 of Known By You
Her eyes were wide.
I cracked up. “Yeah, I hear it now. Sorry.”
A smile broke free on her face and she laughed. “Thank God you heard it, too, and better yet, you didn’t mean to sound like a creep.”
I held up my hands, pure innocence. “I didn’t. I swear. I just mean, when you taste the donuts, you’ll be even more impressed.”
“Fair enough.”
We settled into a comfortable silence between us, but the buzz of the place brought plenty to observe. Quite a few of the people seated at tables were tourists or people I didn’t know, but Jamie Morris strode in to grab a box and shook my hand as he exited, and then two others said hello before Aidan Wallace requested I tell Wilder hello.
“First, was that Jamie Morris? And second, do you know literally everyone in this town?” She watched Aidan exit the store.
I grinned. “It was indeed. He’s a good dude. And no, I don’t. But I do know a lot of people.” I shrugged. “I’m a friendly guy.”
“You are that.”
“Hey, guys, glad to see you! Kenny, thanks for bringing Elizabeth in for her first visit!”
Elise stood behind the register, a bright pink apron on and her hair pulled back into a high ponytail. She looked fresh-faced and happy, and I wanted to give her a high five for finding her passion. Glazed hadn’t been open all that long and she’d been killing it. There was nothing better than seeing someone do what they loved.
“My deepest honor,” I said, pressing a hand over my heart. “Dailies?”
She pointed to the smaller board behind her, the letters bright pink over the white background in contrast with the black and white of the main menu.
“Maple bacon. Not my favorite, but it seems to be a crowd fave.” She smiled. “If you’re not into toppings, I suggest a classic glazed or one with vanilla or strawberry frosting. The classics.”
“I’ll take a glazed, a maple bacon, and a Mexican chocolate.”I would likely have a sugar crash, but later Kenny could deal with that.
“And you?” Elise asked while another employee slotted my donuts into a wax-coated bag.
“I’d love a glazed and a strawberry frosted,” Liz said, eyes still roving over the case full of delectable offerings.
“Perfect. Anything else for you guys?” She rang us up when I said no, and then we stepped aside. Once we had our donuts in hand, Elise waved.
“Hope to see you again, and Liz, let’s get lunch sometime or something!”
The crowd had only grown while we ordered, so after Liz acknowledged Elise’s suggestion, we slipped out.
But not before Cookie snuck in. I instantly turned to see if Elise had noticed. Little spots of color burned her cheeks, and she had her head ducked, but I’d bet a hundred bucks she’d seen him slipping in.
“Hey, this is practically my home away from home since it’s basically Barbie Land in there. What’s your excuse?” I asked Cookie.
He just narrowed his gaze and said, “Hungry.”
I raised a brow.Mmhmm. I just bet you are.
We walked the few steps between Glazed and Joe. “On to get coffee, and then we head to our breakfast spot.”
“We’re not eating here?” she asked as we slipped into Joe.
“Nah. I feel weird eating donuts here since they have their own delicious breakfast offerings, plus, my goal is to help you fall in love with Silverton and I don’t know how long you’re going to give me, so I’ve got to make a good showing.”
“Very strategic of you,” she said with a soft smile.
Ethan Carter was ringing up at the register settled onthe dark wood counter in Joe and he sent a wide grin to Liz. “Well, hello, Elizabeth. Kenny.”
The guy was charming and handsome and had one of the best brothers on the planet. I considered him to be a friend. He was also looking a little too happy to see Liz and I didn’t like the way his eyes were lit with interest.
