Page 36 of Playing for Keeps
“He’s brought a bunch of extra customers in today. Once they get a whiff of the smell in here, they can’t resist buying something,” Skye said.
Caroline turned to the woman approaching the counter. “Hello. Have you decided on a sweet treat for today?”
In truth, it was hard to ignore Justin and his easy appeal. She’d always been drawn to him, but she wasn’t the only one. People flocked to him like moths to a flame.
How could she have ever thought she was different? She’d been just another face in his life, charmed by his charisma.
The crowds dwindled as closing time drew nearer. Justin had already completed most of the end-of-day cleaning tasks, and Caroline snuck to the kitchen to prepare for the morning.
Skye tugged off her apron and hung it on the wall hook as she whistled her way into the kitchen. “Man, it’s nice having extra help during the holiday rush.”
Caroline paused where she’d been labeling dough. “We have three workers a lot of the time.”
“I know, but Justin worked double today,” Skyesaid as she stretched her arms above her head. “I’m going to head out. Don’t wake me up when you come in.”
“I’m right behind you,” Caroline said as she pressed the top onto a container of cream cheese icing.
“No, you aren’t,” Skye said over her shoulder as she disappeared through the door.
Justin slipped in right behind her, and the silence of the closed bakery began to hum. Caroline and Justin had spent most of their time together alone back in the day, but now the air between them crackled with an electric charge.
Justin stopped beside her and rested a hand on the counter. “What else can I do?”
He was still here, waiting for instruction as he’d done all day long. Would the man not give up and go home so she could wallow in misery alone? “Nothing.”
“Does that mean you’re about to leave?” he asked.
“Yes. I’m just finishing up here. You’re free to go.”
“Actually, I was hoping I could take you to dinner.”
Caroline sighed. “Everything around here is closed.”
Justin leaned down until the smell of his cologne hit her nose. “I want to take you to dinner. Please let me.”
The weight of the day flooded over her, and her stomach rolled at the mention of food. The exhaustion loosened her muscles enough that she let go of the iron grip she’d held on her defenses.
“Okay, but only because I’m hungry,” she whispered.
The boyish smile on Justin’s face hit her like a fond memory. “Great. I’ll warm up the truck.”
“Where are we going?” She’d been so dazed by the thought of food, she hadn’t wondered where they’d be getting sustenance.
Justin stopped at the door and pulled off his pink apron. “It’s a surprise.”
14
CAROLINE
Riding in Justin’s truck was like living a replay. He had the same vehicle, and everything inside was exactly as it was the last time she’d ridden beside him.
Except the people.
She and Justin had changed, and not even the lingering scent of the year they’d spent together could take them back.
“Where are we going?” she asked for the third time.
“I want it to be a surprise, but I’ll tell you if you insist on knowing.”
