“Good morning!” she said in her brightest voice. Her heart was beating rapidly, looking for some sign of…interest.
“Morning,” he said as he walked in. TMM’s voice was sort of like rich, dark chocolate and it always seemed to filter through her body, warming her on the inside.
“Cold out there, isn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
She poured his coffee and gave him his usual muffin, and he laid out the exact change. He walked away while her mouth was still open, ready to continue the conversation. He hadn’t done a double take at her in her new clothes, makeup, or actual combed hair today either. She would not be deterred. It was a minor setback, that was all.
She watched him covertly, thinking up her next move. She’d hang the flyer on the community board above the cream/sugar/coffee station right when he was about to leave. He always cleared his table before leaving—another totally endearing quality. The jingle on the door prompted her to look like a normal merchant and not a stalker. She groaned inwardly as Marlene Mayberry, town mayor, eternal busybody walked in, followed by the rest of the morning crowd. It was time for this day to begin. She began filling orders, soon losing track of TMM’s actions.
“I hear there’s a baby shower coming up, Gwen. I’ll be sure to look for my invitation in the mail!” Marlene said as she lingered at the display counter, trying to decide between a muffin and the new homemade chocolate protein bars they were carrying. Gwen already knew, based on her ordering history, the muffin would win out.
“Well, we still have loads of time,” Gwen said, standing in front of the muffin stand, tongs ready. Marlene always asked about what was happening in their lives—well, anyone’s lives.
“Wonderful, wonderful. How about you, dear? Any plans on walking down the aisle soon?” she asked as she finally pointed to the muffins.
Gwen gritted her teeth and forced a smile. “Nope, just taking my time, enjoying being single.”
Marlene handed her the exact change since she always ordered the same thing. “Well, don’t wait too long. One day you’ll be in your twenties and the next you’ll wake up and realize you’re forty!”
“I don’t think Gwen has anything to worry about, Marlene.” She looked up to find Ben Matthews leaning against the counter. Firefighter Ben. Hot Firefighter Ben who’d dated Lily for a while. He had nicknamed Gwen “Sweets” in high school, and he continued to use the nickname now, years later. She had no complaints. She would have entertained dating Ben since she knew nothing happened between him and Lily, except for the fact that there was a brooding, mysterious woodsman who had captured her interest. Now Ben, with his easy smile, dark, disheveled hair, tall, hot body—not to mention heroic profession—just didn’t do it for her. The spark was missing. The spark she felt whenever her hand brushed TMM’s as she handed him his mug of coffee.
Marlene was all flustered and smiling at Ben, completely forgetting her doomsday forecast for Gwen. Once she’d sputtered off, he turned to Gwen.
“Morning, Sweets.”
“Good morning, Ben! You came in at the perfect time. I was ready to pluck my eyeballs out with the tongs.”
He laughed. “No problem. No one needs advice from Marlene, especially in the morning.”
“So true,” she said. “How are things with you?’
“Good, just busy at work. You’re looking especially beautiful this morning.” She paused as she filled up a paper cup of his usual coffee. He noticed. Why did he notice and TMM didn’t even give her a second glance?
“Well thank you,” she said, handing him his order. “Listen, um, I’m holding a speed dating night next week. Would you be interested in attending?”
The look on his handsome face told her clearly that no, he would not be interested. He pushed himself off the counter and sighed. “If you’re hosting, then yeah. I’ll be here.”
“Ah!” She clapped her hands. “Thank you so much! Here and here,” she said, handing him a chocolate chip cookie and then a flyer. “It’s on the house.”
He laughed. “Thanks, Gwen. You know, the only reason I’m even entertaining a speed dating night is because you’ll be there.”
She wished she had feelings for him, and not the loner who was sitting with his head buried in the newspaper.
…
Luke lowered the newspaper and tried to not look like he was watching Ben the Moron Firefighter. Seriously, he didn’t get the appeal of that guy. He also didn’t like that he was after Gwen…stop thinking like that, Luke. You’re not after Gwen. Gwen can have her own life. Besides, Gwen would one day hate him when she found out the truth, so for the both of them he needed to stay away.
Luke tried not to scowl as firefighter extraordinaire, according to the blabbering mayor, sauntered over to Gwen. He also tried not to scowl into his newspaper after she laughed at one of his undoubtedly dumb jokes.
That Ben guy was always lurking around. Always cheerful. Always making Gwen laugh.
A real loser.
He pretended to be looking out the window, but was just trying to catch their reflection and see what the life-saving loser was up to. He was currently leaning against the counter as though his legs were too weak to support him. His gut churned when he saw him pick up one of those red flyers Gwen had stacked on the front counter. Of course Ben would be available.
He did grin when he heard the mayor ask if her single adult children could attend. Ben and Gwen were stumbling over their words and he guessed her kids were just as obnoxious as she.
Just when he thought he was going to leave, he spotted Ben jotting something down on a red flyer, something that might be a phone number. Dammit. This was not supposed to bother him. What, because he couldn’t have Gwen no one could? None of this should matter to him. He was relieved nonetheless when Ben walked—swaggered—out of the shop followed by the loud mayor. The place was now almost empty again and he forced himself to focus on the newspaper. Not that he was interested, he just didn’t feel like leaving Gwen yet.
He stared through bloodshot eyes at the newspaper, or tried to anyway. He was going to force himself to do just that, and not check out whatever new look Gwen was sporting today. He’d known the moment he’d walked into this place months ago that she was gorgeous. He’d been attracted to her immediately. Like, the kind of attraction that sent his blood pumping and his thoughts wandering to places they shouldn’t be. But today…she was a whole new level of hot.
Against his better judgement, he lifted his eyes from the headlines he’d had to reread five times this morning, and glanced over at what she was doing. She was currently hanging some red paper on the bulletin board that was hung over the cream/sugar/coffee station. It was too far away for him to read what it was, but he wasn’t interested in the sign. It was Gwen that he was interested in. Or checking out this new version of her. She was wearing a pair of body-hugging skinny jeans that highlighted a very cute ass and a sweater that clung to spectacular breasts that he’d already suspected were hiding under the baggy clothes she usually wore.
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat and tried to refocus on the miserable daily news. Except his coffee was done. The paper was pretty much read, the good sections anyway, and he’d inhaled the muffin an hour ago. Yeah, it was time to go, time to get on with his usual routine. He’d drive back to his rented cabin, dress for a winter jog, go back home, shower, and then sleep until two hours before his next shift started.
He stood, glancing over to make sure Gwen wasn’t still at the coffee creamer station and gathered his plate and cup. He eyed the red flyer she’d been pinning up, wishing he was wearing his glasses. But as he approached he made out the headline: FINDING LOVE WITH THE CHOCOLATIERS! Once he dumped his garbage, he read the sign closely, a sinking feeling in his gut. It looked like Gwen was hosting a speed dating night at the shop. That’s what that firefighter had been blabbing about. Did that mean she was looking for someone? The firefighter?
“Are you free next Friday night?”
Crap. He hadn’t heard her approach. He turned to look down at the cute brunette he’d been avoiding for weeks. Standing this close to Gwen only intensified what he’d been trying to ignore. Up close her eyes were the color of fine brandy, her skin flawless and smooth…and her mouth was the most kissable he’d ever seen. Stop it right there, man. Time to leave. He coughed. “I work nights.”
The disappointment across a face that had been so hopeful made him feel like an ass. It also confirmed what he’d already suspected—their attraction was mutual. Hell, that only made things worse.
“Well…”
“I’d better get going. Thanks for the food. Good luck with the event.”
He turned and gave her a wave before leaving the shop.
Good luck with the event? What a prick he was. So fine, he’d rather have some plague than attend a speed dating night, but it killed him to say no to her.
His day was always downhill from here, always downhill from when he left her.
Chapter Three
“So, TMM has blatantly rejected me.” Gwen took a sip of wine and waited patiently for words of sympathy from her sisters-in-law.
Julia sat back in the comfy booth at The Mountainside Inn for one of their weekly get-togethers, and narrowed her eyes on her. “I don’t believe you. Did you ask him out? Tell me right from the beginning exactly how this all went down.”
Sheesh. “Have you been taking lessons from Chase on how to interrogate people?”
Julia and Lily laughed. “I think we know you have a flair for the…dramatic, so we just want to get all the details so we can accurately assess the situation,” Lily said.
They paused as a platter of loaded nachos and another platter of tortillas and artichoke dip was placed on the table. “Oh, this is exactly what I need,” Gwen said, eying the food. “Because, really, I might as well eat my way into a coma since the only guy I’m interested in rejected my invitation.”
“Okay. Begin. Leave out no details,” Julia said, grabbing a chip and dipping it.
Gwen didn’t even have an appetite. She watched her sisters-in-law dive into the food. “I had just finished hanging up the speed dating flyer and then he came up to toss out his garbage and I caught him looking at the sign…so then, because I’ve decided to be more assertive and go after what I want, I asked him if he was free Friday night.” Her face was inflamed just thinking about the humiliation when he basically turned his back and walked out of the shop.
“And?” Julia asked.
“He said no!” She grabbed her wine glass and gulped a few times.
Lily held a loaded nacho close to her lips. “He just said no?”
Gwen sighed and hunched forward, eyeing her now empty glass of merlot. “He said he’s working.”
“That’s not the same as rejecting you!” Julia yelled, a little too loudly, judging by the glances they drew from nearby tables.
“Agreed. What’s the man supposed to do?” Lily added, grabbing more food. “Quit his job?”
Gwen rolled her eyes and eyed the artichoke dip. “He could have said that we could go out one night or…anything. He just walked away and did that wave I once thought was endearing but now find infuriating.” She stabbed a chip into the dip.
“Maybe he’s shy,” Julia said.
“No, I’ve already entertained that possibility. He doesn’t strike me as shy. He’s…quiet. Not shy. There’s a difference. It’s like he’s choosing not to speak rather than feeling too shy to speak.” She stuffed the loaded chip into her mouth.
Julia frowned and pointed a chip in her direction. “What’s his job?”
Gwen shrugged and slumped down in her seat. “I have no idea.”
Lily groaned. “You didn’t ask?”
Gwen threw up her arms. “He walked away. I wasn’t going to go chasing after TMM.”
Julia paused the conversation to order another bottle of wine for the table. “Does TMM have a name?”
“No…but I know his car. What if I wrote down his license plate number? Do you think Chase would look him up for me?”
They both paused and looked at her. That’s when it dawned on her—she was pathetic and juvenile. This TMM thing had gone on long enough. “You know what? Don’t answer that. I’m done with the Muffin Man. Done. I will meet someone at my stupid singles night. Clearly TMM and I aren’t meant to be. He didn’t even look at me…in any way and I was wearing my new cute clothes.” She didn’t add how disappointed she’d been. She’d felt stupid. She’d taken extra time with her hair again that morning, had bothered with mascara and the whole thing. She’d worn her cute clothes, even her cute bra. He hadn’t even given her a second glance.
“I’m not going to say to give up on him, but I think you should be open to the guys you meet next Friday. You could meet some great guys. Who knows, you might even have trouble choosing which one you want to date first!” Lily said.
“I don’t want anyone else.”
Julia drank the last sip of wine. “If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be. If not, I have someone perfect in mind for you. He’s a realtor I met last week.”
Gwen held up her hand. “I’m going to stop you right there, no set ups.”
Julia reached for the wine bottle. “He’s a really great guy.”
This was what she’d been dreading. The pitying set up attempts by her friends. Not going to happen. Gwen frowned and eyed Julia and her wine glass. “What’s with the wine consumption?”
Her face turned the color of red they’d just consumed. “Nothing…”
“So bad at lying,” Lily said with a laugh. “Out with it.”
Tears suddenly appeared in her eyes. “Okay, don’t say anything, but as of Monday, Chase and I are going to almost maybe start trying for a baby.”
Lily and Gwen reached across the table and hugged their friend, knowing what a huge leap this was for her. They were all laughing and crying. “I’m so happy for you,” she whispered.
“Me too. We’ll be pregnant at the same time!” Lily said.
Julia toyed with the stem of her wine glass. “Well, we’re not actually trying. We decided to not prevent anything from happening.”
“I’m sure Chase thinks he’ll have you pregnant next month,” she said with a laugh.
Julia rolled her eyes. “He did say something exactly like that. But listen, let’s talk some baby shower stuff. I was at Cassy and Edward’s last night and we’re thinking we can easily set up the buffet we’d planned in their dining room. So tomorrow how about we all meet and select the rentals, linens, and flowers?”
Lily hugged Julia. “Thank God for you two. I feel pulled in so many different directions and I can barely focus on the planning.”
“We’ve got your back,” Gwen said. Speaking of which she needed to add to her shower to-do list.
“So does Maggie. She’s insisting on coming with us.”
They all laughed again. Everyone had found a new way to live after the tragedy they were all connected by. They had found a new path, a new way to happiness. Except for her. She was still drifting, still figuring out who she was now. Who she was beyond the girl who had to be strong enough to pick up the pieces, to pick up her family when they were down. She needed to stop being the one without a life. Or at least she needed to stop looking like the one with no life.
…
Luke tried to pull the door to The Chocolatiers open, but was surprised when it wouldn’t budge. He frowned, glancing down at his watch. Gwen was always open by now. The sign was flipped to OPEN and the lights were on inside. He peered through the door and didn’t see any sign of her. Usually she was behind the counter.
Just go home. He knocked on the door. When she still didn’t appear, he banged on it with his fist. Seconds later, she emerged from the kitchen, confusion stamped across her gorgeous face. Now that Gwen had this new look going on, he enjoyed seeing what her new clothes would be for the day. Not that he cared about her clothing selection, it was more about the way she looked in
them. Today he couldn’t see much because she had a pink Chocolatiers apron on top of some dark jeans. Her hair was up in a knot, her face looked flushed, and her lips were a pretty, very kissable red.
She unlocked the door and swung it open. “I’m so sorry! I totally thought I had unlocked this. I’m in the back working on a few things,” she said, talking while she walked behind the counter. She immediately started pouring his coffee.
“No worries,” he said, trying not to check out her cute butt while she continued talking and filling his order.
“It’s been so crazy around here and I thought I’d get in here early to knock a few items off my to-do list, but instead I’m making a total disaster,” she said, finally standing still and looking at him. The muffin was on a plate and his coffee in a cup.
He liked hearing her speak. Gwen had an energy about her that was contagious. In another lifetime he would have wanted in on that. She was bubbly without being irritating. “Well, hope it works out for you.” He was an ass. That wasn’t what he wanted to say, but if he said what he wanted to say, things would take a totally new direction and he couldn’t have that. Bad enough he let himself come in here every day.
He placed his money on the counter, grabbed his order and walked to his table, not before seeing the disappointment flicker in her brown eyes. He sat at his usual spot and once again pretended that the newspaper was more important than whatever it was that Gwen was up to. He heard the swinging of the kitchen door and knew that she’d gone back in there.
The Doctor's Redemption (Shadow Creek, Montana) Page 3
