"You can get one."
"No, I'm full. And since I don't run miles every morning like you do, I need to have some restraint."
"You could go with me."
"Oh, no, I couldn't," she said, shaking her head. "I am not a runner. I will do yoga, a spin class, maybe the elliptical, but running…not my thing. It's too boring."
"I don't think it's boring at all, especially not when you're outside. You get to breathe in clean air and enjoy nature at the same time you're exercising."
"Yeah, but there's weather to deal with. It's too hot or too cold or too rainy. And I have never felt that rush of endorphins that runners talk about. When I try to run, all I can think about is how tired I am, and I've only gone like half a block."
"You ran farther than that when you were chasing Cameron."
"But that was because I had a goal."
"So that's what you need to run…something to run for."
"I played soccer when I was younger. I like running after a ball and kicking it in a goal. But to run just to run…" She shrugged. "Not really my thing."
"Well, it doesn't have to be. It works for me, whereas trying to turn myself into a pretzel in a yoga class sounds painful and not at all interesting."
"The positions are to get your mind ready for meditation."
"Yeah, okay."
"I take it you don't meditate."
"Actually, I have done some meditation."
She raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"
"In the Marine Corps. There are certain jobs and skills that require absolutely no movement. You have to be able to control your breath, your brain, be completely still. While it wasn't the same kind of meditation you're probably talking about, it was similar."
"I can see you being very good at controlling your breath."
"Should I take that as a compliment?"
She smiled. "You should. I meant it that way. I'm scattered. My mind jumps from one thing to the next. I always seem to have a million ideas at the same time. Focus is something I have to work at."
"Maybe all those ideas are what make you creative. Don't try to stifle them too much."
"As if I could."
He liked how easy it was to talk to her, how open she was about her strengths and her weaknesses. He also liked how the sun captured her face and how the breeze lifted her hair and warmed her cheeks. Looking at her could become a lifelong obsession if he wasn't careful.
"What?" she asked. "Do I have lettuce in my teeth?"
"Not that I can see."
"Then you're staring, because…"
"It's hard not to when you're around," he admitted.
A nervous gleam entered her eyes. "Really? You're the one with the compelling gaze that makes it hard to look away—not me. Donavan said all the girls in high school used to talk about your intense eyes."
"And I thought it was my muscles, damn," he joked.
"I'm sure your body got some looks, too." She cleared her throat. "I guess we should go. I should get back to the bakery, and I'm sure you have work to do as well."
"Yes, I do. Thanks for lunch," he said, as they got up.
"Thanks for going with me to Cameron's."
"I really do think you should leave that situation alone now that Cameron's dad is back."
"I will…unless there's a reason not to."
"Well, I'm out. I don't need to get more involved with Travis."
"I understand."
He opened the door of the truck for her and then walked around and got behind the wheel. Fifteen minutes later, he was parking in the driveway of her old house. He saw the yearning look she gave the home, but she didn't ask to come in.
"Will I see you at the movie fest again tonight?" she asked. "They're having the costume contest featuring famous couples or lovers from books and movies."
"What are you going as?"
"No one. I'm just manning my table."
"And you're not wearing a costume for that? Doesn't sound like you're getting into the spirit of the event; I'm surprised."
"Can I tell you a little secret?"
He wanted her to tell him all of her secrets, but that was dangerous, because knowing someone's secrets could be a huge burden. "Go ahead."
"I don't like dressing up that much. I do it on Halloween and that's it."
He smiled at her guilty expression. "That might be the sanest thing you've said to me."
She laughed. "So you're not a costume guy, either?"
"I don't think you even have to ask that."
"But you wear a uniform for work."
"That's different. That's part of the job. It's not a costume. The materials that we wear can actually save our lives."
"I was just teasing," she said. "I wear an apron to bake, and that might not save my life, but it does save my good clothes."
"Exactly. But to answer your original question, I don't think I'll be going. Romantic movies aren't my thing."
"Well, I might not like costumes, but I do love romantic movies. In my book, there is nothing wrong with happily ever after."
"I think there's a lot wrong with that phrase. It sets too high of a bar."
"I like a high bar, Roman. You can't get it if you can't dream it. That's what my dad used to say."
"You know what my grandfather always says?"
With a frown, she said, "I don't think I want to know."
"Dreams are for suckers. Don't waste time wanting something—go out and get it. Work hard. That's all that matters."
"I don't just think; I also act," she reminded him.
"That's true," he said with a smile. "I almost forgot. You definitely act more than you think. So you don't need my advice. You're a force to be reckoned with."
"Thanks. I guess I'll see you around. Don't forget to come by the bakery sometime and get your cookies."
"I won't."
Their gazes clung for a long moment. He wanted to kiss her good-bye or at least give her a hug, but any move felt fraught with complications.
Damn!
He'd never been so indecisive about his actions, but as he watched her walk away, he knew he was hesitating because Juliette was important.
He wanted her, but he also wanted her to keep living in her sweet, happily-ever-after world, and the two ideas didn't seem to go together. So he dug his hands in his pockets and watched her leave, wondering how long he could stay away from her. Because her car had no sooner rounded the corner when he started to miss her.
Eight
The festival began at six p.m. Saturday night. Juliette arrived at the coffee and dessert tables to find Sara wearing a hoop skirt dress that made it appear as if she'd just stepped off the set of Gone With The Wind.
"Let me guess—Scarlett," she said, as she set down a large plastic container of baked goods.
"Of course," Sara said, doing a little twirl. "It was my favorite movie. And I loved Scarlett because she was beautiful, bold, and passionate. But I have to admit I don't know how women ever wore these hoops. I keep bumping into things."
She smiled. "I have no idea, either, but you look good. So do you have a Rhett Butler showing up tonight to be your partner?"
"As a matter of fact I do. He's a guy I met at the coffee shop a few weeks ago," Sara said with a happy smile. "His name is Tim Mueller. He's the manager at the hardware store, and he's super cute. We've only been out a few times, so it's still really new, but I have a big crush on him."
"That's fun. I would love to meet him."
"He should be here soon. Where is your costume?"
"Dressing up as half of a couple didn't seem that exciting," she confessed, not willing to admit to Sara what she'd told Roman earlier that costumes weren't her thing. "But I'll be behind this table most of the night so hopefully no one will care."
"How are sales of the Wish cookies going?"
"Flying out the door so fast I can barely keep up. Do you want one? It's on the house."
"I would love one."
She opened
up the bin and pulled out a baggie with two cookies wrapped in red ribbon. "Enjoy."
"You're so sweet. Do you want a coffee?"
"Maybe later. I better get set up," she added as more people poured into the park and a group of teenagers hovered a few feet away, looking longingly at her desserts.
"I can help you," Sara said. "I'm all ready to go."
"Great. What's the first movie tonight?" she asked as they set out her desserts.
Sara laughed. "Funny you should ask. It's Romeo and Juliet."
"Awesome," she said dryly.
"So if anyone asks about your costume, just say you came as yourself."
"Good idea."
"Speaking of Romeo and Juliet," Sara said, giving her a sly smile. "How are things going with you and Roman?"
"I wouldn't say there's a me and Roman."
"Really? My friend, Tami, said she saw you at the Burger Palace with Roman today."
"We did have lunch there," she admitted. "That was just a couple of hours ago. The gossip mill churns fast."
"It goes even faster around eligible and appealing men. I've heard all kinds of rumors about Roman since he got back. What do you think of him? Is he the dangerous bad boy everyone says he is?"
There was an edge to Roman, no doubt about that, but he was a lot more complex than Sara's description. "He's interesting. Complicated. And I suspect very few people know who he really is. He doesn't let people in."
"It sounds like he's letting you in. It also sounds like you have a crush."
"Oh, no, don't be silly," she said, avoiding Sara's questioning gaze. "We're just friends."
"Really? You're friends with the guy who's helping his grandfather tear down your old house?"
"It's not Roman's fault. I can't blame him for helping his grandfather." She shook her head at the gleam in Sara's eyes. "Stop matchmaking."
"Why? It's fun."
"I like Roman, but we're not having some great tragic love story like Romeo and Juliet. We're not taking poison and dying for each other while our families feud."
Sara laughed. "That's good. Because I don't want you to die. Your desserts are too good."
"Thanks, and I have my priorities straight. I'm building a business right now. That's my focus. Speaking of customers…"
Sara nodded and got behind her table as the head of the movie festival stepped up to the microphone next to the big screen to announce the opening of the festival and the schedule of events.
Romeo and Juliet would begin the night, followed by the costume contest, and then the movie The Notebook. The organizer encouraged them to get their coffee and desserts before the movie began and almost immediately the line at her table doubled.
For the next hour and a half, she was swamped with customers. When it finally began to slow, she asked Sara if she'd mind watching her table for a few moments, while she went back to the bakery to get more cookies.
As she walked through the trees, her gaze caught on the big screen, and she stopped to watch for a minute, her interest caught by the passion on the screen. While she didn't want the tragedy—she'd had enough of that—she did want the big love story, the greatest love of all time kind of moment.
Her parents had had it. They'd been madly in love with each other; they'd told her so dozens of times. She definitely wanted what they'd had.
"Well, isn't this appropriate?" a man said. "Juliette watching Juliet."
She turned to see Doug Winters approaching. He wasn't wearing a costume, but he looked more relaxed than he usually did, out of his usual suit and tie, wearing jeans and a jacket. "Hi, Doug. How are you?"
"I'm good. Tell me, did your mother watch the movie while she was pregnant and then name you after it?"
"Yes. She loved the movie, but it has never been a favorite of mine. Two kids killing themselves for love? I might be a romantic, but that's stupid."
He grinned. "A girl after my own heart."
"Love stories should be happy," she added.
"I agree. I'm glad I ran into you. I'd like to take you to dinner. What about tomorrow? Are you free?"
She hesitated. While Doug was attractive and charming, she didn't feel anything else for him, certainly not the butterflies that zipped around inside her when Roman was nearby.
Plus, there was all the bad blood between Doug and Roman, and she didn't know how she felt about Doug's actions in any of it. Although, to be fair, she hadn't heard his side of the story. Maybe she should.
"If tomorrow is no good…" he began.
"No, tomorrow is fine," she said, making a quick decision. "I'd like that."
"Good. Where shall I pick you up?"
"I live over the bakery."
"That's convenient."
"It is."
An awkward pause followed her statement, which didn't bode well for dinner the next night.
"So, six," he said.
"That's perfect. I was just going to run back to my store to get more desserts, so—"
"So I'll see you tomorrow." He put his hand on her arm and gave it a squeeze, then walked in the other direction.
As Doug left, she saw Roman standing nearby watching her. She was shocked to see him. He'd made a point of saying he wouldn't be coming to the festival. He gave her a brief nod, but before she could move in his direction, he turned and walked away.
Frowning, she wondered why he'd given her the brush-off.
Was it because of Doug? Had he seen them talking together? Was he jealous?
A shiver ran down her spine as she debated what to do.
She should let him go…shouldn't she?
* * *
Juliette was interested in Doug.
That pissed Roman off more than he would have imagined. But seeing Doug with his hand on Juliette's arm, giving her that smooth smile that so many people fell for, made his blood boil.
He'd been a fool to come to the movie fest, to go looking for her, but after lunch he'd thought about her all the damn day, and he just hadn't been able to stop himself from seeing her again.
"Roman, wait."
He heard her voice behind him and picked up his pace.
"Roman, stop," she called again.
The last thing he wanted to do was stop and talk to her, especially since he was behaving like a damned idiot. But he could hardly keep going with her chasing him down and calling his name every other minute. The people nearby were already looking in his direction.
So he stopped and waited for her to catch up. "What?" he asked shortly.
"Why are you running away from me?"
"Do you have to talk so loud?" he countered, moving away from the moviegoers and deeper into the trees. "People are trying to watch the movie."
"And you didn't answer my question. What's going on? Why the cold shoulder?"
"You were busy; I didn't want to bother you."
"I wasn't busy; I was talking to Doug, but you saw that."
"Are you going out with him?" The question left his mouth before he could stop it.
She hesitated. "He did invite me to dinner tomorrow night."
"And you said yes?" He shook his head. "Okay, fine, do what you want."
"I will do what I want," she snapped back. "But why are you so mad?"
"I told you about the fire—about the way he hung me out to dry."
"You did tell me your side of the story. I'm curious to hear his."
"So you can decide if I'm lying? I thought you believed me." He'd been crazy to think she'd taken him at his word.
"I don't think you're lying, Roman, but it sounds like there are things you don't know."
"You mean things you don't know. You always have to stick your nose where it doesn't belong. This isn't your business, Juliette."
She frowned. "If you could stop seeing red for a minute, you might be able to hear me when I say that my real interest in having dinner with Doug is to ask him about the fire and the rumors floating around about you. Do you really want to live in this town with a cloud hangi
ng over your head?"
"I'm not going to be here that long, and while I am here, I'll deal with it. This isn't your fight, Juliette."
"You're my friend. I fight for my friends."
As he looked into her fiercely beautiful blue eyes, he felt the ice around his heart start to crack. Juliette wasn't like anyone he'd ever met before. Was she telling the truth? Was the date with Doug about him? Or did he just want to believe that?
"Friends, huh?" he muttered, not exactly happy with the description of their relationship.
"I think so. Don't you?"
"I don't know." Actually, he did know. The last thing he wanted to be was her friend.
Driven by a mix of emotions and a desire that had been smoldering since he met her, he impulsively leaned forward and kissed her parted, surprised mouth. She tasted like sugar, vanilla, and coffee—three of his favorite things. He wanted more.
He cupped her head with his hands, taking another kiss while he had the chance.
Her surprise turned to acceptance, to passion. Her arms came around his neck, as she kissed him back with the same kind of enthusiasm she brought to every other part of her life.
Now he was the one who was surprised…and maybe a little rattled. He'd crossed a line he probably shouldn't have crossed. He should pull away, but it wasn't easy to end the best kiss of his life, even though he knew it would only lead to liking her more than he already did—which was probably too much.
But all he could think about was how long he could go on kissing her before he had to come up for air.
Finally, she pulled away and they stared at each other with the heat of their breath creating swirling clouds in the cold night air.
She put a hand to her mouth. "That was—unexpected."
"Was it? I've been thinking about it for a while," he murmured.
"You have?" Wonder filled her blue eyes. "I didn't know."
"Didn't you?" he challenged.
"I—I don’t know what to say."
"Well, that's a first," he said dryly.
She made a face at him. "Really? You kiss me like that, and then you're sarcastic?"
He grinned, liking how real it always was between them. "Sorry, but you usually have plenty to say."
"You surprised me."
"It was just a kiss—a kiss between friends, right?"
Sweet Somethings Page 9
