She turned a suspicious look in his direction.
“What?” And then he thought of something to tempt her. “I even remembered to bring a thermos of hot chocolate.”
“You did?” Her eyes lit up. “Why didn’t you say that first?”
He laughed. “I wonder what else I can get you to agree to in exchange for hot chocolate.”
“You’ll never know.” She opened the door and hopped out. She turned back to him. “Well, come on. The horse is waiting.”
He didn’t have to be invited twice. He cut the truck engine and climbed out. With the keys pocketed, he followed Jillian to the sleigh. Blake was standing there waiting for them. A big grin covered his face as he handed over the reins.
“Thanks,” Avery said. And then softly he added, “I owe you.”
“That you do.”
They climbed in the sleigh and then Avery covered Jillian with a heavy lap blanket. “Are you ready?”
She nodded, clutching the thermos. “I am now.”
And then they were off, gliding over the snow. The snow muffled the sounds. And though the moon was hidden behind the clouds, it was still bright out. As they made their way through the field, Avery glanced over at Jillian. She was nestled beneath the plaid blanket and still clutching the thermos. She looked stunning. He should have brought her out here a long time ago.
“What are you smiling about?”
Jillian’s voice drew him from his thoughts. “Who’s smiling?”
“You are and you know it. So what’s up?”
“Nothing. I’m just enjoying the evening.” It was so much more than that, but he really didn’t want to risk ruining this moment. He’d worked so hard to pull it together. He wanted to savor their time together.
For a while they glided along in silence. He had a particular destination in mind. It didn’t have a name. It was just a spot where you could see for miles. And at night, it was like visiting a planetarium with all of the stars twinkling overhead.
“Are you warm enough?” he asked.
She nodded from inside her big, fuzzy hood. “I’m perfect. This is amazing. Do you take the sleigh out very often?”
He shook his head. “This is my first time. I usually come out here on horseback.” He slowed the horse to a stop before turning to Jillian. “I wanted to do something special for you. A way to thank you. You’ve always been there for me and my family, whether it was helping me with the Bake-Off or being the best nanny in the whole world.”
“You…you really think that?”
He’d obviously done a lousy job of communicating his thoughts in the past. He would have to do better going forward.
“I’m sorry I didn’t make that clear before.” He stared into her eyes. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me and my family.”
His gaze dipped to her lips. They were shiny and full. And he was overwhelmed with the desire to kiss her again. So what was holding him back?
They were all alone on this snowy evening. And as he’d come to discover while he was planning this evening, it was a very romantic setting. If he were ever to have a chance with her, it would start beneath the starlit sky. But should he risk it? Should he put himself out there again?
It wasn’t like he was asking her to marry him. It was a kiss—a simple, no-strings-attached kiss. It was a starting point.
He rested his arm over the back of the sleigh. His heart started to pound hard in his chest. He’d kissed a number of girls over the years on the rodeo circuit and he’d never put this much thought into it. But none of them had meant as much to him as Jillian. He leaned toward her.
Suddenly Jillian raised the thermos between them. “Hot chocolate?”
He settled back in his seat. Had he read the signs wrong? Was he that rusty where women were concerned?
She undid the lid on the thermos and poured the steamy cocoa into the plastic cup. She held it out to him. “Looks like we have to share.”
He accepted the cup and took a drink. He could feel the warm liquid as it moved down his throat and settled in his stomach. It must be colder out here than he’d thought.
He handed back the empty cup. “Are you sure you’re warm enough?”
She nodded. “I am. This lap blanket is super warm. Here.” She adjusted the blanket so it could cover his legs too.
She was so close to him that he caught a whiff of her strawberry shampoo. His fingers itched to reach out and see if her hair was as silky smooth as it appeared.
Tempting fate once more, he moved his hand. As she leaned oh so near, smoothing out the blanket, his finger wrapped around a long blond lock of hair that had slipped out of her hood.
And then he had a most unwelcome thought—Glenn. Avery didn’t know how involved those two were, but enough that Jillian had kept the bouquet of flowers from him. And Glenn seemed intent on keeping her.
So that left Avery here poaching on another guy’s girl. That was something he refused to do. When she turned a questioning gaze his way, he realized that he could no longer act on his thoughts of kissing her. And then he realized he still had her lock of hair wrapped around his finger. He immediately released it and lowered his hand to his side.
Jillian straightened. “There. Isn’t that warmer?”
Oh yes, he was definitely warm now. He cleared his throat. “Um, yes. Yes, it is.”
She smiled as though pleased with his answer. “Would you like some more hot cocoa?”
“Sure.” He didn’t want it. Not really. But it would give him something to do with his hands. He glanced up just then and noticed that the snow clouds were parting and the moon was visible. “Look at that.” He pointed toward the sky.
The moonbeams lit up the earth around them, reflecting off the fresh layer of snow. It was so bright out that it was almost like daylight.
“This is so beautiful, like a postcard,” Jillian said. “Thank you for sharing this spot with me.”
This was his chance to convince her that she had other choices—other than Glenn. When she turned back to him, he dipped his head and caught her lips with his own. His heart was pounding so loud now that it echoed in his ears.
Her lips were smooth and warm. Desire pumped in his veins. He longed to devour her with a passionate kiss, but he used all of his restraint to move slowly.
She didn’t move as though surprised by his kiss. Surely she couldn’t be that surprised. Could she?
And then she pulled back. She avoided his gaze. “We shouldn’t do that.”
It was on the tip of his tongue to ask why and then he remembered Glenn. Was it really possible she still had deep feelings for that guy?
“Sorry.” He wasn’t sorry. Not really.
“I’m the one who’s sorry. It’s just that—”
“Don’t.” He couldn’t bear to hear about Glenn. “I shouldn’t have done it. Can we still be friends?”
“Of course.”
He needed to smooth things over and not leave it at this awkward juncture. “Thank you again for helping me with the Bake-Off. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you.”
“I’m sure you would have managed.” She handed over a fresh cup of cocoa.
“I don’t think so.” Having this generic conversation after what had happened between them felt so strange. But refusing to give up his newfound connection to Jillian, he continued. “I checked out the online videos and they just didn’t work for me. But you’ve taught me a lot.”
“I did?”
He nodded. “You taught me that you don’t have to follow the directions exactly but you can take chances and switch things up.”
She smiled broadly. “I’m glad you think I helped. I hope you’ll think the same thing when we tackle the cake phase of the competition.”
“Whoa! Slow up. We’ll deal with the cookies first.”
“Are you ready for the first round of the Bake-Off tomorrow?”
He took a drink of the cocoa, enjoying the warm, rich taste. “I guess I’m as read
y as I’m ever going to be.”
“Just do it like we went over in the kitchen and you’ll be a shoo-in to win.”
He almost choked on another mouthful of cocoa. He swallowed hard. “You are certainly a dreamer.”
“No. I’m serious. I liked the changes you made to the cookie recipe.”
He handed her back the empty cup. “I wouldn’t have even known I could do that if it wasn’t for you.”
“I guess we make a good team.” Jillian poured the rest of the cocoa in the cup.
This was the moment for him to vocalize the one thing that he’d come out here to say to her. “I agree. I know that after you quit working for me that our friendship…well, we didn’t see each other much. I’m sorry I let the distance grow between us. I hope this time we’ll not lose contact again. I enjoy our friendship. I hope you feel the same way.”
She didn’t say anything at first, as though she were processing his words. “I would like that.”
“Good.” With the cocoa all gone and the chill in the air starting to seep in, it was time to turn back. “We should get going.”
“Oh. Do we have to? It’s so beautiful out here.”
“Blake will be waiting for us so he can secure everything for the night.” Avery found himself disappointed they had to call an end to the evening. He’d enjoyed it much more than he’d ever imagined, even if the kiss hadn’t ended as he’d planned. “We can do it another time.”
Her eyes lit up. “Really?”
“Sure. You name the time and I’ll make it happen.”
With a big smile on her face, she said, “I’ll hold you to it.”
And so he got the sleigh turned around and they headed back toward the barn in a peaceful, friendly existence. There was something about her that drew him in. He didn’t know if it was her undeniable beauty or something much deeper, like the quiet strength she exuded. But Avery couldn’t help but feel he’d missed out on the opportunity of a lifetime—not just indulging in a passionate kiss beneath the moonlight but also having a chance to build a real relationship with Jillian—a chance to kiss her every day for the rest of her life.
As soon as he realized the direction of his thoughts, he halted them. Theirs was a case of bad timing. First, he was tied up learning to be the guardian of his siblings. And now that he was free, she was involved in an on and off relationship with Glenn. Frustration balled up in Avery’s gut, dimming his good mood.
Chapter Fifteen
Here went nothing.
Or here went everything.
It all depended on how he looked at it.
Avery’s muscles were tense and his gut was wrenched into a nervous knot. He told himself not to let the event get to him. It wasn’t like this was his first time performing in front of people. Every time he stepped in the arena at the rodeo, thousands of people were in attendance. He’d learned how to block them out. So why wasn’t it working now?
Perhaps it was because he didn’t feel confident about his baking skills. And now he had to do it from beginning to end in front of people he’d known all of his life. Talk about pressure.
Most of all, he missed Jillian being next to him. She’d claimed it was because she had to man her stall at the event. He glanced down at the black band on his wrist with Harry’s House printed in white. He had been one of her first customers.
The wristbands were a good idea. He just wished he could trade places with Jillian. He could sell the bands while she did the baking. It would have been for the best, but there was no backing out now.
He wondered if Jillian had arrived already. So many people had arrived early that it surprised him. It appeared it was going to be a sold-out crowd.
After circling the cafeteria for the second time, he neared the doorway to the kitchen. When he heard his name called out, he paused. His heart picked up its pace. Was it possible Jillian had changed her mind and would be close at hand to cheer him on?
He turned, searching for Jillian in the crowd of people. And then he spotted Joanie, Harry’s younger sister, waving at him. He made his way over to her.
“I wanted to wish you good luck.” She smiled. “What are you going to bake for this round?”
“Cowboy cookies with a few personalized modifications.”
“Sounds intriguing. I’m sure you’ll do great.”
“Thanks.” He glanced around, hoping to find Jillian in the crowd, but he didn’t see her anywhere. “I better get inside.”
“Before you run off, do you want to buy some raffle tickets?” She held up the red tickets.
“Sure. Why not?”
“How many would you like?”
He shrugged. He really didn’t care about winning, he just wanted to make a donation. He pulled out his wallet and yanked out a wad of small bills, wishing he had more money on him. He’d make sure he brought more with him for the next round.
After Joanie counted out the money, she tore off the appropriate number of tickets. The tickets were paired, one for the entrant and one for the drawing later that evening. He folded his tickets and tucked them in his back pocket while Joanie placed the matching set of tickets in a box for the drawing.
He scanned the room once more, trying to find Jillian. And then he spotted her. She had set up a small stall with a banner that read: Tangled Charms supports Harry’s House. On one side of the banner was the silhouette of a house and the other side had a saw and hammer crossed. It was just like the design on his wristband.
As though Jillian sensed he was staring at her, she glanced in his direction. Suddenly his worries over tonight’s competition slid to the back of his mind. All he could think about was going to Jillian and making sure things were still all right between them.
He’d taken a step in Jillian’s direction when Jane McCullough stepped in front of him. “Hi. I was wondering where you were.”
“I just arrived.”
“No problem. Your workstation is this way.” She indicated the opposite direction from Jillian’s stall.
“I was just going to step over there.” He motioned to Jillian, who appeared to be watching his exchange with Jane.
“I’m afraid it’ll have to wait. We need to get you in your apron and set up at your station. This competition is set to start shortly.” She took his arm and starting walking.
He had no choice but to follow along unless he wanted to make scene. He glanced over his shoulder, but Jillian was now distracted with some customers.
He grudgingly followed Jane into the kitchen. He hadn’t been back to Marietta High School since his brother and sister had attended. And even though they’d graduated less than a year ago, it still seemed as though a lifetime had passed.
Jane walked very quickly. Luckily, his leg was actually feeling a lot better. But everyone, including his physical therapist, had warned him not to overdo it. Little did they know he was already considering heading back out on the circuit to win some money. He just had to do everything he could to buy the Crooked S like Howard would have wanted.
*
Jillian was more excited than she’d been expecting.
With everyone seated to watch the baking competition, there were no more customers to buy the wristbands; so Jillian had moved toward the front where she could get a good view of the bachelors. There were eight of them in total. She smiled when she realized they all looked as though they would rather be anywhere but standing in front of half of the town.
Just then Mrs. Monroe said, “Okay, bachelors, start your cookies!” Then she rang a little bell.
Everyone cheered and the baking began.
Jillian was so excited for Avery. Even if he didn’t win, she was proud of him. It took a lot for him to get up there in front of everyone. She finally squeezed her way up to the front of the room. She walked by Avery’s station just as he was browning the butter. He glanced her way and smiled. She could tell by the stiff smile and the worry in his eyes that he was nervous about the competition.
One of the contest co
ordinators stopped to ask him something just as the butter started to bubble. Jillian noticed how Avery stopped stirring. He moved away from the stove to grab a piece of paper. Oh no! She wanted to rush over and continue stirring for him. She knew from experience just how easy it was to burn the butter. But there was nothing she could do. With this being a competition, there could be no interference. But who was to say she couldn’t signal him?
She moved until she was in his line of sight and then, as discreetly as she could, she motioned toward the butter. When he got her message, his eyes opened wide and he rushed back to the stove.
Jillian walked back to the craft stall that she was manning with Suzanna. She could only hope the butter was okay. Because she knew Avery could bake these cookies—she’d sampled one, then another, followed by a few more. After all, it was her job as his mentor to make sure they were tasty.
“Well, how’s it going over there?” Suzanna asked.
“I don’t know.”
“Oh no. That doesn’t sound good.”
“It’s just that Avery got distracted and I’m afraid the butter burned. Hopefully I’m wrong.”
“It’ll be fine. You taught him well.”
Jillian was surprised by how invested she was in this competition. After all, she was just an instructor, albeit a reluctant one at that. But the atmosphere of the townspeople was contagious. They were all excited about the competition and cheering everyone on. Perhaps she would have favored Avery, even if he wasn’t her student.
At last, Avery pulled a tray of cookies from the oven and replaced it with a new tray. Jillian quietly watched from the sidelines as he set the timer. They’d worked hard to figure out just the right amount of time to bake them, but she’d forgotten to mention that the baking time could fluctuate with a different oven. She hoped Avery would think of that.
And now that the cookies were pulled from the oven, she waited and wondered how he did. When a small smile lifted his lips, she knew they hadn’t burned. She knew he could do it.
“And now while we wait for the cookies to cool,” Mrs. Monroe said, “we’ll pull the ticket for the honeymoon suite at the Graff Hotel. Are you ready?”
Sprinkled with Love Page 14
