Batter Up

by Robyn Neeley

  Well, almost everyone. He swiped his tongue over the roof of his mouth.

  What had Emma put in the batter? Whatever it was, it still burned like hell.

  He probably deserved it. He should have played it cool and not asked for a magical cupcake right out of the gate. By far, the stupidest thing he could have said. It’s just as soon as he looked up and saw those beautiful green eyes again—well, he didn’t know what was coming out of his mouth. She could have asked him if he wanted arsenic, and he would have gladly said yes. Magic or not, there was something about the cute and quirky Emma Stevens that left him spellbound.

  His cover was blown. The image of her crossing her arms while kicking him out of the bakery flashed through his mind. There’s no story here, Mr. Levine.

  There certainly was a story. That he was sure of. The fact that this woman—cute or not—had brainwashed an entire town into believing she held the answers to their happily ever afters? It was preposterous. And that was his angle.

  He needed a new strategy. Tomorrow, he’d go into town and interview as many locals as he could. Perhaps he’d meet up with Tom and start there. That guy seemed sensible. The tavern Jason drove by on his way home might be a good place to start. Men liked to talk after a few beers. Surely one of them could tell him a little more about Emma.

  He chuckled. What he really needed to do was cozy up to some of the women. Those were the real talkers. He ran his fingers through his hair. Maybe a trip to a salon for a trim should be his top priority.

  “Hey, stranger. I was wondering where you disappeared to.”

  Jason whipped his head around. Caitlin had reached the end of the dock. She was wearing denim shorts and a light blue tank top with white strings down the middle that barely held her cleavage in. Modest, she was not. Then again, he already knew that from her prancing around the house in his buddy’s shirts. “Oh, hi, Caitlin.”

  “Expecting someone else?” She sat down next to him and arched her back. “What a day.”

  “Brandon get off this afternoon?”

  She sighed. “Not the way I was hoping.”

  He smiled flatly. This woman had a one-track mind. “I take it his plane left on time?”

  “Yes,” she pouted and removed her flip-flops, dropping her feet into the lake. “Oooh, that’s cold!” She pulled them back up onto the dock, flicking drops of water off her red pedicured toes. “He’ll be back soon.”

  “Oh really?” Brandon hadn’t mentioned he’d be returning to Buttermilk Falls. It didn’t really surprise Jason. “When’s he coming back?”

  “On Monday.”

  Jason smiled. Man, his friend was seriously into this brunette. She was beautiful. A little too high maintenance for Jason’s taste, but he could see why Brandon was enjoying her company.

  Now that Brandon was gone for a few days, he hoped this meant that he would have the cottage to himself. “Thanks again for letting me stay here.”

  “No problem. My parents were excited to hear the place would be rented out. Stay as long as you like.”

  He looked out at the water. He only planned on being here one week—enough time to learn more about Emma’s “gift,” interview the town residents, expose her for the fraud she was, and file the story. His job was in Miami. Eventually, he’d have to go back.

  “So, Caitlin.” He leaned back on the dock, propping himself up with his elbows. “Do you know Emma Stevens?” He watched her wiggle her freckled nose. Was that disgust all over her pretty face? It sure looked like it. “Not a fan, I take it?”

  “Let’s just say she’s not my favorite.”

  “How come?”

  She shrugged. “Stupid high school stuff.”

  He smirked. “And you’re still holding a grudge five years later?”

  She laughed. “Try ten.”

  He mentally did the math. It had been fourteen years since his senior year, that must make Emma around twenty-eight. “Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

  “It wasn’t just high school. She also dated my ex-boyfriend, practically moved in the minute we broke up. He came to his senses and dumped her earlier this year.”

  So, the pretty bakeshop owner was single. An interesting fact that Jason filed away. “It’s such a small town. You must run into each other all the time, no?”

  “Yeah, we’ve gotten good at avoiding one another or looking the other way. I’m surprised I haven’t seen her snooping around since you and Brandon arrived.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Caitlin pointed behind her. “She lives next door.”

  Jason turned and gazed at the small white cottage with light pink window trim. Its owner didn’t appear to be home. Emma Stevens was his neighbor? Well, this was an interesting turn of events.

  “She must still be at the Sugar Spoon. Her family owns the bakery.” Caitlin swung her legs around and put on her flip-flops. “Good thing I hate sweets.”

  “She works late, huh?” Jason needed to pump Caitlin for all the information he could on his pretty blonde neighbor.

  “Yeah, it’s Monday night. All the eligible men in Buttermilk Falls will be there,” she said. Jason caught the undeniable sarcasm in her voice.

  “Why tonight?”

  “It’s Batter Up night.” She rolled her eyes. “The guys go watch the baseball game while Emma whips up her magic.”

  “Oh, right. That’s how Tom and Bridget got together.” He played it cool. He hadn’t told Caitlin the real reason he was in Buttermilk Falls. As far as she knew, he just wanted to extend his summer vacation and wasn’t in any rush to get back to Miami. He was a little surprised that Brandon hadn’t opened his big trap, but on the other hand, his best friend and the vixen brunette had been using their mouths for other things the last few days.

  Caitlin stood and brushed off any dirt off the back of her shorts. “If you ask me, it’s all hogwash. Magic schmagic. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to do matchmaking in this town.” She threw her hands up in the air. “We’re all practically related anyway. How about I order some dinner before I leave? Do you like Mexican?”

  “No, thanks. I’m good.” There was no way he could risk eating anything spicy that could potentially set his mouth on fire again.

  “Okay then.” She started to leave the dock. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  He looked back at the water. So, Emma’s spell casting happens on Monday nights? It wasn’t something you could just order whenever you wanted. He glanced down at his watch. It would probably be a bad idea to show his face in the bakery tonight—not after this afternoon’s debacle. Better to let Emma cool off.

  He sighed. Maybe he was the one who needed cooling off? Seeing the attractive bakeshop owner today stirred a longing inside him he’d forgotten he was capable of feeling. That sensation came back again upon hearing she was single and lived easily within ten feet of where he was staying.

  Looking over at her cottage, he suddenly didn’t feel any rush whatsoever to hurry over to the Sugar Spoon. No. His story could wait. Right now, he only had one question that needed an immediate answer.

  “Hey, Caitlin,” he called out.

  She spun around. “Yes.”

  “How would your parents feel if I rented out the cottage for the rest of the summer?”

  6

  “You like him.” Abby wedged a slice of lime deep into her Corona bottle, watching it splash into her beer. “Admit it.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Emma crinkled her nose, grabbed a large blue tortilla chip, and dunked it into the chunky mango salsa. The salt from the chip mixed with the sweet mango soothed her anxiety. She’d nearly eaten the whole bowl by herself.

  Abby wiggled her finger. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. You thought Jason Levine was just as sexy as I did. You’re not fooling me, dear cousin. It’s why you can’t stop talking about him.”

  “Please, that man is a jerk.” Emma wiped her mouth with a paper napkin and reached for her margarit
a. On the rocks, with salt and just like she liked it. It was Wednesday Happy Hour, and Abby and she had stopped into the Buttermilk Tavern to grab a drink before the Summer Fling auction.

  “So, it doesn’t bother you that he’s staying with Caitlin in her parents’ cottage?”

  Emma ran her finger along the rim, licking the salt. Her suspicion had been confirmed yesterday, when she came home and saw Jason on the dock. “Not in the slightest.”

  What was strange was she hadn’t seen Caitlin’s car in the driveway since Monday. Not that she was paying attention. Okay, maybe she was a little.

  Abby grabbed a chip. “Well, maybe she just stops over to be hospitable.”

  “Hospitable? That’s a G-rated way to describe it.” Emma shook her head. “Honestly, I don’t care.” She needed to forget about the arrogant reporter hooking up with her high school nemesis and concentrate on the task at hand. Tonight was a big step for her. She’d planned on bidding on a bachelor—that is, if her nerves didn’t get the best of her.

  The other problem: Ever since her encounter with Jason on Monday, she couldn’t get him out of her mind. The way her fingers had tingled at just the touch of his hand had not gone unnoticed. As Abby paid for their drinks, Emma stared out the window. Why was he attracted to Caitlin? It couldn’t be her personality. It had to be physical.

  It didn’t really matter. This man was trying to expose her. She sighed. Her mom had been certainly right about his sexy dimples and cute butt. She’d give her that.

  “You ready?” Abby’s question jolted Emma out of her thoughts.

  “More than you know.” She stood and grabbed her purse.

  Abby gave Emma’s arm an encouraging squeeze. “You look great. Let’s go get us some flings.”

  Emma smiled and peeked at her reflection in the window. She had decided to get dolled up for the auction in skinny jeans, strappy high heels, and a pretty pink satin top. Cascading blond curls fell below her shoulders. It’d been a while since she had made an effort. The male heads that she had turned when they first walked into the bar signaled she’d done well.

  They walked the short distance to the Elks Lodge where the Summer Fling was taking place. Earlier in the day, Emma and her mother had delivered a selection of red velvet cupcakes, double fudge brownies, and sugar cookies for the event. If Emma chickened out on bidding, she could always seek solace in the back of the room with one of her yummy cupcakes. Those decadent treats would certainly make her feel better. They had on more than one occasion.

  Opening the glass doors, they entered the crowded lobby—all women decked out in cute summer outfits.

  Abby laughed. “Step aside, ladies! The Stevens girls have arrived!”

  “Abby!” A young brunette Emma didn’t recognize hugged her cousin. “You ready to drop some cash?”

  “Yes! I mean it’s for a good cause after all.” She turned to Emma and said in a low voice, “We’ve so got these women beat.”

  “Maybe . . .” Emma scanned the line, recognizing many faces from the neighboring affluent town. “They might have larger wallets.”

  Abby shook her head. “I don’t care what it costs. I didn’t get a fling last year. It’s not happening again.” She ran her finger across her lips. “So, do you know any of the guys participating tonight?”

  “Not sure. I forgot to ask Bridget.”

  Abby swatted her on the shoulder. “Emma, you didn’t do your research? Tsk. Tsk. You always do your homework. How are you going to know which guy is your match?”

  She laughed. “Abby, I think you’ve forgotten; it’s a summer fling. I doubt any of the men in there are for anything long-term.”

  “Tell that to Jessica and Matt.” Abby was referring to the recently engaged couple who were a fling last summer. Such a cute pair. They’d placed their wedding cake order at the Sugar Spoon just last week.

  “Well, I don’t even know if I’ll bid on anyone,” Emma said. Maybe she should have had that second margarita to sustain her earlier confidence. They reached the check-in table being manned by Betty from the Star Lite and Bridget.

  “Emma! Abby! So glad you’re here.” Betty came over from the other side of the table and hugged them both. “Two of Buttermilk Falls’s prettiest young ladies.”

  Emma could smell a little alcohol on Betty’s breath. Someone’s having fun tonight. Good for her. She looked over at her newly married friend whom she hadn’t quite forgiven for bringing the investigative reporter into her life. If Tom appeared tonight, she was going to give him a piece of her mind. “Hey, Bridget.”

  Bridget sprung up from the table. “Finally! I’ve been waiting for you two. Here are your nametags and paddles. You’ll raise it high when you want to bid.” She waved a pink heart-shaped paddle in front of them. “I hope you brought your wallets.”

  Emma smiled, rubbing her fingers over the pink, glittered paddle. “I don’t know if I’m going to participate.” She started to hand her paddle back, but Abby intercepted.

  “She’s been saying that all night. Let’s go. Our flings are waiting for us.”

  Her cousin pushed her into the lodge’s main room where a mixture of strong floral perfume nearly knocked Emma unconscious. The women from the lobby were quickly gathering inside and taking their seats. Squeals and laughter came from all directions.

  Emma glanced around. The room itself was spacious with deep wood paneling. Along the wall were various award plates and ceremony pictures. She thought back to the many summers spent in this lodge with her mom and grandparents for pancake breakfast fundraisers or Friday night Fish Fry. She missed those times. Maybe she and her mother could come here for dinner one Friday night this summer. That might be nice.

  She scanned the front of the room. A small black stage and podium had been set up where each bachelor would strut his stuff for a few minutes while the bidding took place. Emma suspected Betty would take on the role of auctioneer. At least, she did last year. The well-liked waitress adored the spotlight. With her high-pitched voice and fast rambling, she was pretty good at it, too.

  Abby tapped Emma with her paddle and nodded to the entrance. “Well, look who decided to join us.”

  Emma turned to see Caitlin and Jason strolling through the hall to two empty seats in the front row. “Why would they come here?” Emma croaked, watching as Jason took a seat and draped his arm around her high school rival’s chair.

  Abby smirked. “You’re jealous. I knew you liked him.”

  “No, I’m not.” Emma gripped her paddle, wishing she could practice her backhand with Caitlin’s head as the ball.

  Emma turned, motioning for Abby to take two empty seats toward the back. “For the last time, I am not interested in Jason Levine.” She picked up her program off the chair, sat down, and crossed her legs. “I think they’re perfect for each other.”

  Abby took her seat. “You can’t be serious?”

  “Totally.” Emma nodded. “Queen Stuck Up and Snooty Reporter. I bet they have a lot in common.” She looked down and studied the program, pretending what was going on in the front row didn’t bother her in the slightest. The program’s fine print blurred on the page as her stomach twisted in a tight knot. Was it too late to sneak out the back door? The last thing she wanted was to spend the next two hours watching two people she despised fawning all over each other.

  While Betty took the stage to welcome bidders and explain the rules, Emma couldn’t pry her eyes off of Jason’s back. He seemed to be having fun, joking with the bachelors lined up on stage and laughing with Caitlin.

  She spotted an iPad on his lap. This couldn’t possibly be research for his story. Why did he find the goings-on of this town so fascinating? She sighed. He’d probably try to pin the outcome of tonight on her. She’d bewitched the bachelors, making them more appealing to the women so they’d bid against each other or something ridiculous. Perhaps she should hang low for the next hour and then dash out during intermission before he saw her.

  Without warning, Jason
turned around. His eyes locked immediately with hers, as if they were the only two in the room. His lips instantly curled up into a sexy smile. Her heart began to gallop and she broke contact, concentrating on her glittery pink paddle on her lap.

  Remember, Emma. He’s the enemy. God, she hated to admit it, but if he shot her another glance like that, she’d consider surrendering.

  The first hour flew by with dozens of men parading on stage while single ladies fought over them. Within the first twenty minutes, Abby managed to snag a young veterinarian working at the animal shelter for the summer. With his short blond hair and square jaw, he was certainly handsome, and completely her cousin’s type. It didn’t hurt that he had brought a cute cocker spaniel puppy up onto the stage. Abby was a sucker for animals, which was a good thing since she’d be donating a nice sum to the animal shelter for her fling with the cute vet. Emma suspected her cousin would ask her if she could pick up some extra shifts to pay for her bid.

  Betty announced a ten-minute intermission and Emma stood. While Abby went to the front of the room to introduce herself to her fling, Carter Manning, Emma headed to the back dessert table and grabbed a cupcake. Leaning against the wood panel, she pulled the silver wrapper down and took a bite. She closed her eyes, enjoying the delicious treat. Her mother always knocked these red velvet cupcakes out of the park. Pure bliss.

  “Quick. Tell me who I’m going to marry?”

  Her eye lids flew open. Jason stood in front of her, grinning from ear to ear.

  “You’re going to die alone.” She took another bite. “Miserable and alone.”

  “Ouch.”

  She shrugged. “You asked.”

  He reached over and grabbed two sugar cookies, his arm brushing hers. “Maybe these are a safer bet than your cupcakes.”

  She turned away. “Don’t count on it.”

  He smirked and walked back to his seat. Emma watched him, biting her lower lip. God, even his stride was sexy. What was it about this man that turned her on? Clearly, he was a first-class jerk. Although, Bridget had been quick to say the other day that he was a nice guy.