Page 4 of Maple Sugar Mix-Up
“On the ball?” I snorted. “What happened?!”
“He outbid me.”
“You promised!”
“I know,” Paul groaned. “It was just…”
“Tell me this wasn’t some complicated scheme to rope me into a date,” I growled.
“No, no. He was a former patient and he really wanted the maple candy and… Look, I’m sorry, really. It’s just one date. He’s sweet.”
“Thanks a lot,” I muttered.
“One date. It won’t be the end of the world.”
“Yeah, yeah. See you at work.”
I hung up with a groan. Who was this omega? I had the plainest candy and the cheapest, most boring date, and he bid on it anyway?
Not to say an evening in a quiet coffee shop wasn’t an ideal date inmyopinion, but I didn't think it would have been that appealing to most people. This was going to be nothing short of embarrassing.
With a sign, I sagged down onto my couch, trying to avoid the spots where the uncomfortable springs poked up. I tried to remind myself that Paul was right; it was just one date. One night and then done. With that in mind, I sought out the last couple pieces of maple candy and munched on them to make myself feel better.
Chapter Two
Ashton
There weren't really any dates or candies that particularly caught my eye. I wondered if maybe I should just go ahead and make a donation instead of trying to bid. I didn't really want to go on a date anyway, but I had averysoft spot for this particular Children's Hospital, so I really wanted to make a contribution.
I was surprised I hadn't done so before, it wasn't as if they didn't accept donations any time. I guess it just hadn't occurred to me.
Then I saw it.
A box of maple candy that lookedexactlylike the little ones my Nana used to make. Right down to the ivy shape.
I drew closer, half-wondering if I was hallucinating. But no, it was delicate, delicious looking ivy leaf shaped maple candy. I inhaled deeply and could almost smell it through the plastic wrap. Cooking and baking wasnotmy strong suit and even though Nana had showed me a few times, I could never get the temperature for the candy quite right.
A grin spread across my face as I checked the note card. Coffee and sandwiches at a coffee shop I happened to be quite fond of. That sounded lovely. Not to mention a far cry from the more extravagant dates available for the bidding. Some of the date plans struck me as either desperate or overly eager to impress; neither was a trait in an alpha I wanted a night with, just for the sake of some maple candy.
I hesitated, wondering one more time if I really wanted to go through with the bidding; it wasn’t as if the candy would taste just like Nana’s.
Someone stepped up next to me, inspecting the table. I glanced at him, then took a second look. He was familiar…
Ah!
“Dr. Sullyfield?” I guessed.
He looked at me curiously. “Hello.”
I cleared my throat, embarrassed. “You probably don’t recognize me…”
“Oh!” he gasped, eyes widening. “Of course I remember you! My goodness, how long has it been?”
“Seven years.”
“I didn’t recognize you at first, you look uh… I mean…”
“I probably looked a lot different at death’s door,” I said with a weak smile.
