Baking From The Hart (Once Upon A Romance, book 10) (Once Upon A Romance Series)

by Laurie LeClair

  “Move? Away?” Danny’s raw voice caught everyone’s attention.

  “Last resort, buddy. Not going there, if we don’t have to, okay?” Her gentle reassurance with him may have eased him, but not Noah.

  “Leave everything you know?” he asked under his breath, stunned to fathom she would have to pack up and go just to survive.

  “It’s not like we haven’t done it before,” she muttered to him. “Oh, look at the time. Max and Annabelle, we still need to go over your ideas for your wedding cake.”

  For the rest of the time with the Whitfield family, Noah watched her. Side by side, they all pitched in, clearing the table, washing and drying dishes, and putting them away. She joked with Danny, pretended to arm wrestle with Joey and lose to him, and did everything in her power to make it seem as if she were just fine.

  However, Noah noted the shadows in her eyes, the weary look deep down.

  Could he help her? Did he dare?

  Chapter 15

  The strained silence in her van echoed in her ears. Why did she offer to drop off Noah at his car? It seemed only natural for her to do so, considering one of the Whitfields would have to do it or they’d call him a cab. With both hands on the wheel, she checked the rearview mirror before merging into the highway lane. Thankfully there weren’t too many cars on the road tonight.

  “You drive like a grandma.”

  His out-of-the-blue statement made her laugh so hard she had to swipe away tears. “I’m cautious. Most days I have Lola with me.”

  “Your delivery sidekick?” The grin in his voice warmed her down to her toes.

  “Super Lola. Goes anywhere auntie takes her, spits up at all the wrong times, and sneezes right after I feed her. Every dang time.”

  “Is that why you want kids?”

  She cleared her throat. “What’s so bad about them that you don’t?”

  “Did I say that?”

  “Ah…” She tapped a finger to her temple. “Two nephews. No other answer. See, I remember since I was sitting by your side.” And had to keep my hands to myself! Highly aware of his strong thigh, body heat, and his every move, to boot!

  “Can you possibly go any slower? I don’t think the others can keep up with you at this high rate of speed.”

  “Quite the comedian, Mr. Blackstock.” She pressed her foot down slightly, picking up another few mph. “Better?”

  He leaned over to check the gauges. “Make it another ten and you might pass the latest driving test.”

  “Are you always this way when other people drive?”

  “Just with you.”

  “Ha! I doubt that.”

  “That’s because I’m usually the one driving. Seriously, you could be a little more daring.”

  “I’ll pass and leave that one to you. By the way, you still didn’t say if you want kids or not. Do you always dodge uncomfortable subjects?” She flicked on the blinker and, when the coast was clear, she got over another lane. A horn, loud and long, blared as the sports car flew by.

  Silence reigned.

  Gretchen longed to jump in and fill the gap. But she held back; part of what Rico taught her was to listen and wait. People said more sometimes without even speaking. At the time, she thought he was looney tunes, but now she realized he was right.

  Noah’s heavy sigh whistled through the strained air. “I am the only son of an only son and his only son and so forth. For generations, the vineyards have been lush with grapes, the land fertile. The Blackstock family lived and breathed it in. And they were rewarded with the fruit of their labors, literally. In that, we rejoice. Now, the end of the male line is me. Do I procreate out of duty alone? Do I dare turn my back on tradition and produce no one as the male successor?”

  She turned her head to see him in the shadowy interior of the old van. Just as quickly, she returned to gaze upon the road ahead. Gretchen waited a beat before she asked quietly, “Or are you punishing your family?”

  “That’s ridiculous…”

  “Is it?” She gulped. “Think about it. It’s a way to control the situation. Not comply.” Guiding the van down the exit ramp, she asked for directions.

  He gave her what she needed to turn down different streets and come upon Whitfield’s Bar.

  “Here we are, Mr. Blackstock. Safe and sound. No bumps, bruises, or broken bones.” She halted behind his SUV, shoved the gear into park, and turned to smile sweetly at him.

  Reaching over, he brushed back her hair.

  Tingles rushed through her from her scalp to her spine.

  Noah leaned closer. “My delivery driver? Jane Doe perhaps? I could tip you.”

  His raspy voice sent shivers through her. She bit her lip and his eyes lingered there, warming her more. “Save your money.”

  “Oh, I wasn’t thinking in terms of cash.” His mouth was so close now.

  Gretchen trailed her fingertips down his strong jaw, liking the slight bristle there. “What do you have in mind?” Was she flirting again? She never flirted! Yikes, only with him.

  He tipped her chin up and lowered his head. “You. Me. Sweetness.” Then he claimed her lips, not as gentle as before, but firm and determined, drinking and dipping his tongue in. He let out a growl, making her shiver with want.

  A low knot of desire unfurled in her center. Was this what it was like to want someone? To ache for them?

  “Don’t leave, Gretchen.” He drank more deeply, touching her, savoring her. “You see things. You know things about me no one else does. Or cares.”

  She melted into him, like liquid heat. The yearning grew stronger, almost painfully so. “Noah…this is so wrong. The contest…”

  “I’ll take care of it—”

  Loud knocking sounded on the passenger window. “Noah! Is that you?!”

  Gretchen froze. Noah stilled and then twisted around. “Bethy? What the hell?!”

  The door flew open and this tall, dark-haired woman stood there. “Seriously? You’re doing it in a van? What are you, a teenager? Have a little more class than that, Noah Blackstock.”

  “You know her?” Gretchen’s voice caught and broke as she pulled completely away.

  He blew out a breath and drew his hand through his hand. “Gretchen Hart meet my sister Bethany Beatrice Blackstock.” Turning his head, he stared at his sister, asking, “How did you find me?”

  She held up her phone. “You forgot your phone. I called. This nice guy Danny told me where I could find you.”

  “What in the world is going on in there?” A woman’s voice, sharp and filled with disgust, made Gretchen cringe.

  An older couple came up behind the younger woman.

  “Mother? Dad? You’re here. And together?”

  His parents?! The divorcees? Family 101 just got a whole lot more complicated!

  ***

  Early the next morning, Noah stormed into King’s with his parents and sister trailing behind him. “I’m good here. You guys can shop, how’s that?”

  His smile, tight and frozen in place, did not deter his sister.

  “Mom, I’m sure you’d love to check out the jewelry. Dad, the men’s department is right over there.” They seemed to brighten up a bit and head off in opposite directions. “Brother dear, do you mind?”

  “I do not owe you or anyone else an explanation, sis. In fact, it’s you who needs to explain why in the world you would bring those two and sooner than you said.” He could have at least prepared for that. Instead, he’d been caught necking in a van with Gretchen.

  “They insisted?” For the first time ever, she looked unsure of herself. “It’s the trust fund.” She winced. “There’s lawyers aplenty in Dallas, right? Plus, I didn’t get a chance to tell them, so, I said you needed to talk to them about something important.”

  Dawning struck like a lightning bolt. “You have got to be—Bethany, tell me you didn’t imply I found someone and there was an impending announcement?”

  She clamped her lips shut and gave him a saccharine-sweet smile.<
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  “That’s why they were giving Gretchen the third degree last night? And me, after I finally tore them away from her and sent her home?” He cursed under his breath.

  “Oh, that’s bad.” She stepped back and bumped into someone. “Sorry.” She turned around and faced the guard.

  “Yo, Mr. Noah, everything all right here?” Bruno pushed back his security cap and raised his eyebrow.

  “Bruno, my sister Beth. She interferes. A lot.” He dragged a hand down his face. “Look, I have to meet with the execs and judges before the finals for the contest begin today.” He walked backward, pointing his two index fingers at Bruno and then his sister. “Thanks, Bruno. Bethy, you are on your own with the folks. Keep them occupied and away from me. Gotta run!”

  He turned and raced through the store, hitting the escalator and sailing up to the next floor. All the while, his head pounded with the horror. His parents thought he was settling down. How was he going to keep them from seeing Gretchen today? Or drilling her with more awkward and embarrassing questions?

  Could he keep them separated? Not likely!

  This was going to blow up in his face. And Gretchen’s.

  Noah couldn’t hurt her; she’d been painfully hurt more than enough in her lifetime. Can I stop this train wreck? Fear squeezed his chest until he couldn’t suck in air.

  ***

  Gretchen’s knees shook as she walked behind her newly assigned station for the contest. It had to be in the front, right? Out of the seven, here she was in direct range of the lens. Reaching out, she brushed her shaky hands over the butcher block counter, to the neat row of glass jars filled with ingredients, and to the round bright-yellow container holding a multitude of utensils. Leaning over, she spied the sparkling oven and squinted to see the dials and buttons.

  “Hmmm…” That would take some getting used to.

  “Isn’t this awesome, Gretch!” Jana stood at her own station, adjacent to hers. Her excitement bubbled over and she squealed.

  Giggling, Gretchen nodded her agreement. She went to her assistant, giving her a tight hug. The girl didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Entering the contest wasn’t a way to ruin Gretch’s chances; she saw that now in her friend’s face. Jana needed to go after her own dreams, too. “Luck, Jana.”

  “Oh, Gretch. That means so much to me.” Pulling back, she looked in her eyes. “I didn’t want you to hate me.” Tears shone. “But I think Harrison does.”

  What she saw knocked the breath out of her. “Jana! You love him, don’t you?”

  She nodded shyly. “Him and Lola. You’re like a sister to me, too.”

  “Oh my gosh!” She cupped her hands over her mouth, trying to stomp down the cries.

  For years, she’d wanted nothing but the best for her brother. Even when he’d fallen fast and hard for his ex, she didn’t stop his headstrong ways. Heartache followed. And she’d sacrificed to give Harrison and Lola a life. Now, sweet Jana truly loved him; she could read it in her eyes. But, he held on to the pain and mistrust, spoiling any chances of happiness. Just like you do, Gretch! She swallowed hard at that crushing realization.

  “Don’t give up on him. He’ll come around.” In her heart, she prayed he would; he’d be turning his back on the best thing that could happen to him: love and devotion from a woman who cared for him and his beautiful daughter.

  “And you need a life of your own, my friend.” Jana’s gentle reminder didn’t sting as it usually did.

  The arrival of the judges taking their seats behind a nearby table drew Gretchen’s attention. Noah’s stony features spoke volumes. Yikes! Bad mood alert! His family’s sudden appearance did not go over well, it seemed, even after she’d departed last night.

  Seeing first hand, rather than hearing just his side, made Gretchen understand him and his desperate need to be free of the drama. Maybe neither one of them could overcome their underlying mistrust for people and the institution of marriage. A well of sadness swept through her at that thought. Were they doomed?

  “Places contestants!” The man’s voice sounded over the intercom. A hush blanketed the area. “Judges set?”

  Noah and Marcus nodded. Dolly waved.

  “We’re going live in five!”

  As he counted down, Gretchen went to her mat. The quiver in her cheek returned with a vengeance. No, not that again! Down, girl!

  Shoulders back, she stood straight, just as Rico advised. Beyond the cameras and lights, she glanced at the growing audience. There had to be over a hundred people! The jumpy sensation in her middle danced. Beads of perspiration gathered near her hairline. She swiped her hands down her crisp new King’s apron.

  Gretchen looked away, hoping to find a friendlier, less anxiety producing object. She sought out and discovered Noah. Groan! God, he was so incredibly handsome with his dark hair and that green-eyed stare. She gulped. Hard. Her throat closed. She tried again. He disengaged and she could breathe again. Phew!

  “Hello, everyone! This is the divine Rico coming to you live from King’s Department Store in Dallas, Texas.”

  Somehow she’d known he’d be the announcer, but still it was a shock to see him there in all his pink-suited glory. He was made for the spotlight.

  Suddenly, he stuck the mic in her face. “Folks, this is our very own Gretchen Hart from Just Desserts. Sweetie, tell us what’s the best thing about your desserts.”

  They’re good? “No calories?” She giggled.

  The audience laughed and clapped. Rico fanned himself with his hand. “Girl, keep whispering sweet nothings to me.” He sauntered to the next station, curling his finger to bring along the camera.

  The hard knot in her belly loosened a tad. She’d passed the first test. One down and a zillion more to go! Great! Not really, but it’s time to shine.

  ***

  Their task—to make four varieties of cookies—for the first round seemed easy peasy. Only her oven didn’t want to cooperate, so Gretchen spent half her time on bended knee, gazing upon the blobs of dough until they puffed and turned a golden hue.

  The familiarity of mixing, stirring, and creating took the edge off and she blocked out many of the distractions, clanging metal, and mutterings of the other half-dozen contestants. However, every so often, Rico would announce the time left.

  “Ten minutes!” His cry rang out.

  “Again? Seriously, Rico, can you put a sock in it?” Her voice traveled over her mic and the audience laughed out loud. Gretchen jerked her head up to see them all watching her and then down to the device attached to her shirt. Her groan carried, too. “Sorry,” she squeaked out.

  “Girl, you are hilarious!” He came over and smacked her on the arm. “Did anyone ever tell you that?” His stare, hard and long, told her another story.

  “Not in this lifetime.” Another round of laughter rushed to her.

  “Yeah, I didn’t think so.” His reply came back with hearty chuckles. He winked at her.

  Test two down. If only she could keep the momentum going.

  As luck would have it, her oven seemed to conspire against her. She had her macaroons plated and drizzled with chocolate, her triple chocolate macadamia ones finished with a melted white chocolate in a small round bowl to dip them in, and her peanut butter cookies with perfect lines adorning them. Now, if only her sugar cookies, shaped like King’s crown logo, would just bake correctly, she’d have a few minutes to decorate them with the special lavender-hued crystals of sugar she’d prepped earlier.

  She didn’t have a minute to spare as she leapt into action and grabbed the cookie sheet, slamming the oven door shut. “Ouch! Hot!” she muttered, dropping the metal pan on the cooktop. However, the crash carried, just like all the other contestants’ grunts and murmurs did, too. Better for viewing pleasure.

  “And we are in the home stretch, guys and gals! Ten, nine…” Rico waved his arms, egging the attendees to join in. Their loud voices blended and rose.

  That fluttery sensation in her belly went wild, like a thous
and butterflies flapping their wings inside her. Her fingers refused to let go of the sprinkles of sugar. She shook her hand and a splay rained out. “Nooo, not like that.” Gretchen hurried, pressing her fingertip to the excess and picking up the specks.

  “Five…four…”

  With her chances of getting it perfect dwindling, she rushed to plate the required dozen and put it on the awaiting stand.

  “One!”

  She threw up her hands and backed away. Ugh! It could have turned out so much better. Now, she worried whether the cookies would taste good enough.

  Glancing over at Jana, she caught her friend’s defeated look and the way she put her hand out and turned it slightly back and forth. Iffy, at best.

  The worst scenario would be they were both tossed out in round one. No, not that.

  “Going to a brief break while the judges make their way to the contestant stations.” Rico fanned his face.

  The red lights on the invasion of cameras flicked off. Gretchen sagged against her counter. With little energy left, she had no clue how she’d survive the next four-hour round. Adrenaline crash!

  The long night tossing and turning, mulling over what had happened with Noah and that amazing kiss, hadn’t helped any. Lola’s unusual cries had her walking the floor with her while Harrison worked on his latest project in his work shed. The poor man—burning the candle at both ends—got less sleep than she did lately.

  But Noah’s words, that he’d take care of it, still nagged her. What had he meant?

  “Up and Adam! Shake a leg!” Peg, with the clipboard, called out right near Gretchen’s ear.

  She jumped, pressing a hand against it. “I’m awake. But I just lost my ability to hear.”

  Chuckles abounded.

  “The mic is still on, isn’t it?”

  “Yeppers.” Peg patted her on the shoulder. “You’re first, so liven up. Makeup! SOS over here. Pronto!”

  “Thanks, Peg.” Sarcasm dripped. Just tell me I look like crap, why don’t you?

  “Supersize it!”

  Gretchen giggled. Yep, she just did!