After three mugs of strong coffee, Kylie was still foggy. Last night had consisted of too much tossing and turning, and far too little sleep. Again. As if that weren’t enough, the smell of her own baking was making her slightly nauseous.
The thing was, she’d been so disappointed when Landon had told her he wasn’t sure about his future. The hurt had spread through her like wildfire as the realization that somewhere in the back of her mind, she’d wanted Landon to be the one. When had that happened? Since before she’d left Iowa, or since he’d walked back into her life?
There was a chance that he could end up quitting the rodeo in a year, build himself a fine ranch, and check all the boxes on her list. But that would mean taking a flyer on maybes.
On the other hand, he’d truly listened to her back in Iowa, understood what she’d needed and he’d waited a year before coming to find her. With the way she’d left, that was pure consideration. Just like Landon. He thought before he acted, considered the consequences, and not just for himself.
She remembered many times when he’d been there for her, whether it was helping her make dinner, or, more importantly, how he’d known to back off when she was confused or hurt by Gary. He’d been a real friend, and she’d taken advantage of his sincerity and kindness, even though she’d known he wanted more.
But what if she decided to explore what they had between them and ended up shattered? Again. It was possible. Maybe she was being too cynical, but would he have even bothered to seek her out if his broken leg hadn’t kept him from competing?
Although, that didn’t sound like the Landon she knew. Had known. Of course, she would never have imagined he’d become so cavalier about his plan.
So, she could take a risk, even with him not being certain about...things, and it might surpass her wildest dreams. Possible? Perhaps.
But she wouldn’t know if she didn’t try.
The mix of fear and excitement that swept through her at the thought was far more intense than anything she’d ever experienced before. Even starting The Cake Whisperer, which was still a pretty big deal for her. The only thing that would allow her to make this giant step was that it was for a short time. Two weeks. At the very least, at the end of it, she’d be wiser.
Of course, that would mean letting Landon know where she stood, which made the fear outweigh the excitement. At the ripe old age of twenty-six, she had literally no experience to fall back on. Gary had been it, and oh, that just made her want to weep.
The oven timer went off, and for a while, all she could concentrate on was getting the cakes to the cooling racks.
Kylie rubbed her throbbing temple and sighed.
Only nine-fifteen and she already needed to restock the display case. Evidently Landon was good for business. Folks in Blackfoot Falls loved their routine, yet customers who normally didn’t come into the bakery on Thursdays had shown up the second she opened. Everyone had questions about him.
She’d played down their relationship, ignored the raised eyebrows, even as she imagined she could still feel the way his warm breath had brushed against her lips.
They’d almost kissed. But this time, it had been different. Maybe they should’ve gone for it, but no. She hadn’t been ready last night.
“Hey, how about one of your specialty coffees to go?”
Landon’s voice made her jump, and she bumped her hip hard against the counter.
“You scared the hell out of me,” she muttered, rubbing her hip.
“The bell rang when I came in.”
She took in his worn jeans and faded blue shirt, the sleeves rolled back, exposing his muscled forearms. He certainly looked like he was ready to get right to work.
“Why are you eyeing me like that?” he asked, laughing. “I didn’t scare you on purpose.”
“Where are your crutches?”
“Don’t need them for this distance.”
“Did you do your PT exercises?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m a man of my word.” He sounded chipper. It was awful.
Dragging her gaze away from him, Kylie wiped her hands on her apron. “You had a lot of physical activity yesterday. Don’t feel as though you have to start right away. We haven’t found you a helper yet.”
“That’s okay. I need to swing by the hardware store. Maybe the owner will know someone.”
Kylie turned to get a tray of fritters she’d set on the back counter. “Oh, I should give you money.”
“Nah, not yet. I’ll keep the receipts. You left the garage open?”
“It’s never locked. Another great thing about living here. I feel so safe.”
Landon frowned. “Better not get overconfident. Even small towns have crime. And I heard you’re having more tourists visiting town.”
“That’s true. Hopefully, that will also help my coffee bar business.”
“You’ll make it a success, Kylie. I have every faith in you.”
The dark blue of his eyes tugged at her, drawing her into the place where logic disappeared. She almost wished the counter wasn’t between them.
He glanced around, and said, “I really could go for a good shot of caffeine. Just skip all the frothy stuff.”
“Well, you’re welcome to the regular coffee, which I made on the strong side. But I’m not set up to make espresso or anything like that. Not until Joe finishes.”
Landon gave her a patient smile. “How long have we known each other?”
“What does that— Four years. Why?”
“You think I don’t know you? I bet you already have one of those fancy coffee stations. You ordered it a minute after you came up with the coffee bar idea.”
“Are you implying I’m impulsive?”
“Nope. Enthusiastic.” Amusement crinkled the corners of his eyes. “Am I right?”
Kylie sniffed. “I just got it yesterday. I haven’t even had time to take it out of the box or read the instructions yet.” She’d glanced at them, though, and the operating manual looked intimidating, probably because she was tired.
“Hey, I was just teasing.”
“Smart-ass,” she muttered under her breath.
Landon cut loose a surprised laugh.
“Oh, be quiet. The stupid instructions are longer than War and Peace. Try reading them with little sleep and a giant headache.”
He cocked his left brow at her. “Trouble sleeping, huh? Any way I could be of service?”
She figured her glare was answer enough.
“Listen, I have some time,” he said, just as someone opened the door. “Let me have a look at it.”
Frowning slightly, Shirley entered with the binder of birthday cake photos she’d borrowed.
“Good morning,” Kylie said.
The woman darted a look at Landon, who turned and nodded at her, before he stepped to the side.
“I came by yesterday afternoon but you’d closed early.” She laid the binder on the counter, clearly annoyed.
“I apologize for that,” Kylie said, and grabbed a to-go cup. “I put a sign out in the morning but next time I promise to give more notice.” She poured the coffee and grabbed some cream. “Here you go, Shirley, on the house.”
“Mornin’. We met the other day.” Landon cranked up the charm. “I must say, you look mighty fetching today.”
“Oh, for pity sake...” Fighting a smile, Shirley waved him off. To Kylie she said, “You look out for this one.”
“Oh, I do. Believe me.” Kylie met his eyes. The flutter in her chest made her turn abruptly to Shirley. “So, did you decide on a cake?”
“I have it narrowed down to two. They’re all wonderful. You’re very talented.”
“That’s what I keep telling her,” Landon said as he came around the counter. “Excuse me, ladies. I’ll get out of your way.”
Kylie watched him continue into the kitchen. “Wait. Are you going to—”
“Yep.”
“You don’t know where—”
“I’ll find it.”
“Of course you will,” Kylie muttered, rubbing her left temple.
Shirley stirred her coffee, but her gaze was on Kylie. “That young man sure is sweet on you.”
Kylie felt her cheeks heat, and she eloquently said, “Uh...”
Shirley just smiled.
Kylie held her tongue, opened the binder and saw the two marked pages. “Ah, these cakes are both very popular, especially for large parties,” she said, and went on to list the options.
Shirley listened, asked a few questions, and thankfully, dropped the subject of Landon.
If only Kylie could be so easily distracted. He wasn’t making too much noise but she could hear him moving around in the kitchen and she had to force herself to concentrate on Shirley’s order. Before they were squared away, Patty from the motel dashed in to pick up a box of cherry turnovers to take home.
After the women left, Kylie made her way into the kitchen. The espresso machine was set up on a small out-of-the-way section of the counter near the sink. On the floor was the box it had been shipped in, all the wrapping material stuffed neatly inside.
Landon’s nose was buried in the manual, but he looked up the second he realized she’d joined him. “This is some contraption,” he said, and returned to scanning the instructions. “It has a built-in grinder with five settings, an auto-cleaning and descaling feature...”
“I know.”
“It makes espressos, cappuccinos, lattes...even plain ol’ coffee.”
“Uh-huh,” she said, holding back a laugh.
He glanced up again. “Right. You know.”
“I do. And I have the empty bank account to prove it.”
“How much did this sucker set you back?”
Kylie sighed. “Too much.”
“What? A grand?”
She cleared her throat.
“More?” he asked, his brows rising.
She picked up the carafe and put it in the sink. “This is low end. Some of them go for four thousand.”
“That’s crazy.” He watched her reach for the dish detergent. “I already washed it.”
“What?” She followed his gaze to the carafe. “You must really want that espresso.”
“Nah.” He set down the instructions. “I just figured I’d make myself useful—hey, how about I make you something? Feel daring?”
Her breath caught. Although his tone hadn’t been the least bit suggestive, something in his eyes triggered a warm flush that spread through her body.
Oh, this was just plain silly. She’d better make a decision quickly.
“Maybe later,” she said, switching her attention to the clock. “We’ll end up getting interrupted.” She swung her gaze back to him. “I mean, you know, before I can enjoy a cup in peace.”
“Good point.” He studied her closely, as if sensing the tension thrumming inside her. “You want me to move this?”
“It can stay there for now.” She stared at the large espresso machine, thinking up something to say that would cut through the sudden awkwardness she felt. “Oh, and thanks for setting this up.” When she finally risked looking up into his familiar face, a smile came easily. “It’s been nice,” she admitted, surprised when his brows lowered. “You know, having you around. It’s nice.”
Landon sighed. “You’ve gotta stop doing that, Kylie.”
“Doing what?”
“Treating me like a brother.”
“I just said it was nice having you around. How is that...” She trailed off, knowing he was probably right. “Old habit, I guess.”
“Are you afraid you’ll feel guilty if this thing between us turns out to be something?”
Unprepared for his directness, she hesitated. “I suppose it’s possible, but I really don’t know.”
“You haven’t been in contact with Gary, so I doubt that’s the problem.”
“Aren’t you two still friends?”
“Not for a long time.”
Her heart sank to her stomach. “Because of me?”
“I can’t say that wasn’t a factor,” Landon said, with the candor she’d always admired. “But mostly it’s the drinking. Every time he gets plastered, he whines about missing you and how the judging is rigged. His rodeo career is over. Everyone seems to know that but him.”
Kylie sighed.
“Don’t take that on yourself. He created the problem, not you.”
“I know. I really do.”
“I hope so.” Landon caught her hand. “You went above and beyond catering to him. So much more than he deserved.”
“You mean I was a doormat.”
“No,” he said, trying to tug her closer.
Kylie wouldn’t budge. The lack of conviction she sensed in his response disappointed her. The truth would hurt but it was what she needed from Landon.
“Sometimes it appeared that way,” he added slowly. “But I think something else was going on with you.”
Startled and curious, she let down her guard. Another slight tug and she was close enough to feel his breath on her face. “What do you mean?” she asked, not at all sure she wanted to know the answer.
“I think you might’ve let Gary get away with so much because you felt guilty about being attracted to me.”
She looked down, certain her cheeks were flaming. “We never crossed the line.”
“Of course not. I’m not saying that. But refraining didn’t keep me from feeling like crap.”
His admission helped to calm her. She had felt guilty and angry and frustrated and so much more, all of which she’d thought she kept hidden, just to stave off arguments. But she’d learned a lot since then and no matter what happened, she wasn’t ever going to be a doormat again.
He nudged her chin up. “You were never unfaithful.”
Oh, but those shocking thoughts as she’d lain in bed each night... “You know what,” she said, her face heating at the memories, “we’ve talked about Gary enough. Let’s leave the past in the past. Yes, I felt something for you. That needs to be enough for now. And if that makes you feel as though you made the trip here for nothing, I’m sorry.”
The bell announced a customer.
“Excuse me.” Kylie nearly tripped in her haste to leave the kitchen.
A pair of Sundance guests who’d come by earlier in the week stood at the display case. “Hey, any chance you received that espresso machine yet?” The tall blonde dragged her gaze away from the chocolate cupcakes. “I’m seriously jonesing for a—”
Her gaze skipped past Kylie. Eyes widening, a smile lifted her lips.
The other woman looked up from the case with a gasp. “Landon Kincaid?”
Kylie already knew he’d walked out behind her. This wasn’t the first time she’d seen the way women responded to him. But that these city women could so easily recognize him? Kylie had meant to look him up online last night, but she’d forgotten.
“In the flesh,” he said. “You must be rodeo fans.”
The blonde extended her hand. “I’m Bridget.”
After wiping a palm on his jeans, he reached over the counter.
“I’m Leah and definitely a fan,” the brunette said. “I saw you ride in Oklahoma the day you got hurt.”
Landon winced. “Yeah, not my finest hour.”
“All I could think was, poor baby.” Leah seemed to be having trouble letting go of his hand. “You’re still going to make it to the finals, right?”
With a slick move, he extricated himself and gave Leah a smile that was sure to smooth over any hurt feelings. “Count on it, darlin’.”
Kylie tried not to roll her eyes. Or gag at how thick he was laying it on. It wasn’t like him to be flirty, and it bothered her more than it should.
“Oh, good. I already have my tickets. I’ll be sitting right up front.”
“We both will,” Bridget added. “What about tomorrow night? You’re coming to the dance, right?”
Landon cocked a questioning brow at Kylie. “I don’t know anything about it.”
“They were late posting signs. But Rachel—she runs the Sundance where we’re staying.” Bridget lowered her voice. “We’re not from around here, but you’ve probably guessed that,” she said with a flip of her blond hair, oblivious to Kylie standing right there. “Anyway, according to Rachel, it’s really fun. Like an old-fashioned barn dance. Promise you’ll come.”
Quietly fuming, Kylie wondered how they’d like Pepto-Bismol lattes. She could make them look real pretty and taste like peppermint.
“And since I’m your number one fan,” Leah said, “you should really save the first dance for me.”
“Well, darlin’ you seem to have forgotten. I’m still using crutches.”
Bridget gave him a very purposeful smile. “Don’t you worry, you can lean on me all you want.”
Kylie had listened to all she could stomach. “Sorry, ladies, no special coffees available yet. May I get you something else?”
A loud horn sounded from outside.
Leah glanced back. “Damn, I forgot. It’s Rachel. A group of us are going to Glacier National Park.”
“She sure has been testy lately,” Bridget said, sighing. “We better go.”
The women started walking backward as if they couldn’t bear to look away from Landon. “Tomorrow night,” Leah said to him. “Don’t forget.”
“Or tonight...come next door to the Full Moon,” Bridget added. “I’m buying.” She opened the door but paused and frowned at Kylie. “Are you two brother and sister?”
“No,” Kylie said, folding her arms across her chest.
Landon looked at her and grinned.
Rachel wouldn’t let up on the horn so the two women scurried out the door.
“Guess I didn’t make the trip for nothing after all,” he said the second they were alone. “Huh, sis?”
Kylie unclenched her jaw. “I hate you right now,” she muttered and headed into the kitchen, shutting out his laughter.