Joe couldn’t believe an entire week had flown by so quickly. Piper had laid off the personal questions, and life had taken on an easy routine. After his morning run, he showered and showed up at the Poppin’ Fresh Bakery with the papers for his business and those pertaining to the fundraiser in hand. Only this morning, there was someone sitting at his corner table.
A frown pulled at his face. He’d staked a mental claim on that table. For now, it was his only office. He knew the thought was ridiculous. It was a table. But from that corner seat, he had a clear view of the entire dining area plus the counter. When Piper was out and about, he could soak up her beauty. He could admire the way she put people at ease with her charm and how she made them smile. If there was ever a natural saleswoman, it was her.
Piper glanced up from the cash register, making eye contact with him. He couldn’t just stand there and wait for the man to finish perusing the sports page and eating his pastry. Joe took a seat on the other side of the room, but he didn’t like it. It took him a moment to realize why. His view of Piper was restricted.
Just his luck, his crew was doing work on the shared wall between his shop and Piper’s. The banging of hammers and the drone of power tools from the renovation echoed through the bakery to the point of distraction. Joe shook his head, amazed Piper wasn’t throwing a royal hissy fit. If the roles had been reversed, he was certain he’d be at the end of his tether by now.
Piper was quite the standup lady. Not to mention the way she had a warm pastry and coffee waiting for him each morning. But he knew there was more to her gesture than just kindness. He could feel her eyes on him each morning as he devoured the still-warm bear claw. He knew what she wanted—an order for his coffee shop. But no matter how tasty her baking was, he was going to run his business exactly the way he wanted. He refused to be railroaded by a guilt trip. Why couldn’t she understand his need to do things his own way?
He only had so much willpower. It was so bad these days that by the end of his run, he was already envisioning the melt-in-his-mouth pastry waiting for him. At this rate, if he was around the bakery much longer, he’d gain at least twenty pounds. His doctor would give him a stern lecture, warning him about the risk factors for heart disease and his already borderline blood pressure. They had to finish up renovations on the coffee shop. And soon.
“Thanks for stopping by.” Piper’s sweet voice rang out. “I’ll be looking forward to those dance recital pictures.”
The bell above the door chimed as the customer left.
Now, Piper would be heading his way. She’d be armed with a bear claw. This time, he’d resist. He’d tell her that he’d appreciate it if she’d quit serving them to him every morning. He’d be nice and apologetic, but he’d set up some boundaries.
He’d just pulled his stack of papers from his attaché case when Piper rounded the corner with the expected bear claw minus the frosting and steaming hot coffee. The coffee was okay. It was black. No cream or anything bad for his diet.
As for the pastry, he’d politely push it away. He was ready. He could do this.
“Good morning.” Piper set the pastry in front of him along with the caffeine. “Beautiful day for a run.”
The smell of cinnamon rose up and filled the air. His stomach rumbled. He should have eaten before he came over. It would have made this so much easier.
“It was a great morning. Nice and cool.” He stared down at the bear claw.
His mouth watered. What would it hurt to eat just this one? Tomorrow he could tell her that he didn’t want any more of her mouthwatering creations. Yeah, that was it. He’d do it tomorrow.
He picked up the bear claw and took a healthy bite.
Piper interlaced her fingers and stared at him as though waiting for him to say something. She wanted him to admit he was wrong about them not jumping into business together. Suddenly, the pastry didn’t taste quite so good. He returned the half-eaten bear claw to the napkin.
“Don’t you have anything to say?” Her voice lacked patience.
“About what?”
“The pastry I serve you every morning just the way you like without frosting.”
His shoulders grew rigid. He should have known this moment would come sooner or later. His taste buds had been hoping for later. “Thank you.”
She stood there wearing a frown, her arms crossed and her right hip jutted out to the side. She obviously wasn’t going to let the subject rest. “And?”
Certain he wouldn’t say what she wanted to hear, he decided to play dumb. “What else do you want me to say?”
“How about mentioning that you like my baking. And don’t deny it. You practically inhale those bear claws.”
That’s what she wanted? A compliment? He felt like a total dunderhead. How could he have totally forgotten his manners? His mother had taught him better than that. Seemed like every time he was around Piper, his mind short-circuited. Well, this was one problem he could and would fix. Easily.
“I’m sorry. I’ve totally forgotten my manners. The bear claws are quite delicious. Thank you for going to so much trouble to have one waiting for me each morning. Worrying about the coffee shop opening on time has me totally distracted.” It sure wasn’t the only thing distracting him—not by a long shot.
“You’re that worried about it?” She eyed him up as though trying to decide if he were leveling with her or not.
“I am. I have flyers ordered, and I took an ad out in the local paper.” And this was where the conversation would get difficult for him. This was the best opportunity to say what must be said. “As for the pastry, you really shouldn’t go to such trouble. The coffee is more than enough. Speaking of which”—he reached for his wallet—“this is for you.” He held out what he hoped was enough to cover the food and coffee that he’d consumed, but Piper stepped back, refusing to take the cash. “If it’s not enough, I have more.”
Her brows scrunched together into a formidable line. “What is it with you? Can’t you accept that I like to do things for people without expecting to make a buck?”
He’d insulted her. Again. His lips pressed together in a firm line. It was all his fault. For so long, he’d argued and fought over money with Denise and her attorney that it seemed he’d let everything come down to dollars and cents. He’d forgotten there were other, more important things in life. Piper was giving him a wake-up call.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean—”
“Save it. You meant everything you said.” Disappointment reflected in her eyes, causing guilt to stab at him. “I’ve got work to do.”
“What about the plans for the fundraiser—”
“It can wait.”
Piper strode away. He could practically see the steam pouring from her ears. He slouched back in the chair. When would he ever learn how to deal with women? He’d been so certain that she’d been out to trap him into letting her sell her products in his shop that he hadn’t even stopped to realize he’d never complimented or thanked her for the pastry and coffee.
His forehead landed on his palm as he realized how insulting it must have been for her when he’d waved money in her face. If he wanted to deal with the public on a daily basis, he was going to have to do better than this.
As he gathered his stuff, he realized he couldn’t just leave things like this. There had to be a way to make this up to Piper, but how?
The bell chimed above the door. He glanced up to see Piper’s mother walk in. Her nose had an upward tilt, as though allowing her to look down on the rest of the world. Or was it just her daughter whom she looked down on?
Every muscle in his body tensed.
Joe didn’t even know Piper’s mother. He hadn’t so much as spoken one word directly to her, and yet he didn’t like her. Not at all.
From the little he’d observed, she was all about appearances, from her short platinum blond hair stylishly cut and combed until every strand was just so, to her perfectly manicured nails, to her finely pressed clothes. Everything about her screamed perfectionist.
Joe couldn’t turn away, much less leave. After witnessing the rudeness of the woman the last time she was in the bakery, he hoped she’d be friendlier this visit, but he wouldn’t so much as wager his coffee on it. He’d be worthless the rest of the morning without a dose of caffeine.
Joe shifted his seat to the side and opened his laptop. The vantage point from this table didn’t allow him to see Piper behind the counter, but he could see her mother. Not wanting to openly stare, he pretended to compare the list of volunteers Mrs. Sanchez had drafted into duty to a spreadsheet on his computer. In truth, his full concentration was on the conversation between mother and daughter.
“Piper, tell me it isn’t true. Please. It just can’t be.”
“Slow down, Mother. I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.”
“The rumor. It’s all over town.”
Piper shook her head. “You should know better than to listen to gossip—”
“But this is different. It’s about you.”
“Me?” Piper’s voice lowered. “What are they saying?”
“That you agreed to bake the cake for David’s wedding.”
“Oh. That. It’s not a rumor. It’s the truth.”
Piper’s mother gasped.
“Mother, relax. It’s all going to be fine. Laney and I talked.”
“You talked?”
Piper smiled. “Don’t look so horrified. I thought you’d be happy.”
“Happy? Are you kidding?”
This was the most entertainment Joe had experienced since moving to Whistle Stop. He fought back a smile at the way Piper had turned the conversation around on her mother and had taken charge.
“Mother, is that all you wanted?”
“What? Um...no. I came here to tell you what a great job you’re doing planning the festival. I heard about the wedding cake at the same time they were buzzing about how much fun Autumn Fest will be.”
“Don’t forget,” Piper said, “I’m not planning it alone. Joe is doing his part, too.”
“Oh, you don’t need some outsider—”
“He’s not an outsider. He’s from Whistle Stop. You know that. You’re in the quilting circle with his mother.”
“Hmpf. From what I hear, he bailed on his family. He left his poor father to work himself to death on that ranch—”
Joe’s spine grew rigid. That’s what people thought? That his father died because of him? Why hadn’t his mother spoken up and clarified things? Then again, his mother never spoke up—ever. His hands clenched. Wait. That wasn’t right. There was one time—one tenuous time.
“Mother, enough!” Piper lowered her voice. “Joe’s life is none of your business, and I’d prefer if you didn’t spread unfounded gossip.”
“It’s not gossip. It’s the truth—”
“Mother.”
“Fine.” Her mother sighed. “But all I’m saying is you can do this fundraiser on your own and take all of the credit. It’d really get you noticed. You never know, maybe you could end up with a date or two from some of the eligible bachelors.”
“I’m not looking for a date.”
“You had one very promising prospect, and what did you do? Toss him aside. And now what are you doing? Baking his wedding cake. That should be your wedding cake, not that little blonde’s—”
“Mom, I have work to do.”
“How could you agree to bake their wedding cake? Do you have any idea what people will think?”
Joe strained to hear every word. His curiosity was piqued. It seemed he wasn’t the only one who’d been unlucky in love. But it was none of his business, even if he pitied Piper for being reminded about it by her tactless mother.
“Oh, before I go,” Mrs. Noble said, “I saw these and thought they might help you.” Something about the woman’s singsong voice had him raising his head. The woman’s manicured fingers were wrapped around a bottle she held out to Piper. “This is an herbal supplement that’s supposed to help with weight loss. Hopefully, it’ll help you with your problem.”
He may not be able to see Piper’s face, but he could only imagine the pain passing over her beautiful face. And the timing couldn’t be worse. He’d just hurt Piper with his offer of money in return for her friendly gesture. He started to get to his feet to interrupt this spiraling conversation when he heard Piper speak up.
“I...I really don’t need them.”
“Sure you do.” Her mother moved her hand with the bottle out of sight, but Joe assumed it was to place it in Piper’s hand. “Just follow the directions. And quit eating those sweets.”
“Thanks, Mom.” Piper’s deflated voice dug at him.
How could a mother make her daughter feel so bad about herself? But wasn’t he guilty, too? Only, his comments had had nothing to do with Piper’s looks. He thought she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on, which only added to his discomfort when he was around her.
Piper needed to tell her mother to back off. He knew it wasn’t easy to stand up to your own parents. If only he’d done it sooner, maybe his dog, Fudge, wouldn’t have had to pay such a steep price.
An old, gut-wrenching pain came over him, turning his stomach. He should have known coming back to his hometown would dredge up these unwanted memories—things that were better off left buried. He should get up and leave. It’d be so much better than sitting here, letting the torturous memories wash over him.
Deep in thought, he’d lost track of what was happening between Piper and her mother. He glanced up to find mother and daughter gone. He breathed out a sigh of relief. At least the conversation hadn’t ended in a shouting match, or worse, tears. At least, he didn’t think any tears had been shed. He decided he should check on Piper.
He gulped down the remainder of his coffee before walking up to the counter. He waited a couple of minutes before Piper returned with a tray of frosted cinnamon rolls. His mouth watered, but he willed himself to stick to his diet. “Piper?”
For a moment, she didn’t move. When at last she turned, she blinked repeatedly, but her eyes were still red and shiny. His gut reaction was to vault over the counter and pull her into his arms, but he couldn’t do that. He’d only end up making things worse, not better. Because not now, not ever, could he play her knight in shining armor. He was too damaged on the inside. He’d just end up hurting her even more.
So instead of offering his arms to Piper, he stood there, feeling awkward.
Her gaze rose, but didn’t quite meet his. “Do you need something?”
Then he remembered his feeble excuse for bothering her. “Could I get some more coffee?”
Her surprised gaze met his. It was as though she’d been waiting for him to pity her over her mother’s callous words. But he wasn’t going to do that. He knew what it was like to be on the receiving end of those callous words, and he hadn’t wanted pity either. It would have only made him feel worse. He wanted Piper to know that she wasn’t alone. She had a friend.
“You know, I was going over our plans for the festival, and I noticed that so far not many people have signed up for the 5K Fun Run.” He paused, not sure that in her current frame of mind she’d be receptive to discussing the festival.
She returned to the counter with half a pot of coffee. “I thought it was a great idea when you came up with it. I’m surprised more people aren’t signing up.”
“Maybe if we talked it up some more.”
“You think?”
He nodded. “Word of mouth is the best form of advertising.”
The hurt in her eyes faded as she focused on their common goal. She was such a strong person. It was such a shame that her mother zeroed in on Piper’s insecurity and exploited it.
She filled his mug. “I can put a sign-up sheet here, next to the register. And I can mention it to the people I think might participate. Have you considered expanding the event?”
He hadn’t thought of that, but he was intrigued. “Expand? How?” His mind started to race. “If we make it a marathon, we’ll lose more participants.”
“Not that way. We could make it a Fun Run and Walk. Then no one would have an excuse to miss out on the event.”
“I like that idea. And one more thing...” Now that he had her attention, he needed to reel her in.
“What else could there be?”
“You.”
“Me?” She pointed to herself as worry lines creased her forehead.
“As the co-chairs, you and I need to get out there and participate. Run the 5K with me?”
She shook her head. “Oh no. Not me. I’ve got work to do.”
“It’s important you set a good example. People will notice you every morning, getting out there and training for the event.”
“You want me to run with you?”
He smiled and nodded. With a little more coaxing, he’d have her. And the thought of starting his day off with her smiling face was just too tempting for him to give up.
But instead of her returning his smile, her face creased with a blatant frown. “This is about my mother’s visit, isn’t it? You want me to run every day so I’ll lose weight.”
Damn. He hadn’t thought she might misconstrue his motives. Nothing could be further from the truth. As it was, she filled his fantasies at night. But he couldn’t tell her that bit of information. It would only succeed in scaring her off.
“This has nothing to do with that woman.” He failed to keep the disdain from his voice. “I don’t agree with her. I think you’re beautiful as is. You don’t have to change for me.”
Piper’s brows arched. “Are you serious? You really think I’m beautiful?”
He shifted his weight from one cowboy boot to the other. This conversation had taken an unexpected turn, and he wasn’t the least bit comfortable with the new direction. Somehow, he had to get them back on their original track.
“Yes, I do think you’re beautiful.” There, he’d said it. And he’d meant it. But he couldn’t let it go to her head. “So about the 5K run, how about you join me tomorrow morning, and we’ll see how you do?”
A dopey smile eased the stress on her face, and the twinkle was back in her eyes. That right there made his admission worth it. Just so long as she didn’t think his compliment meant he was interested in her or anything...even if there was a part of him that wished their circumstances were different.
“You’ve got yourself a date,” Piper said. “Now I’ve got to get back to work before the lunch crew comes in.”
A date? Joe staggered away from the counter. He’d never said anything about it being a date. They were co-chairs, plain and simple.
However, deep inside he felt the lines were starting to blur. They were more than co-chairs, but what did that make them? Friends? Yes, friends. That sounded good, less worrisome. Yet, somehow, it didn’t seem like enough. But he refused to accept there could ever be more than that.
Worst of all, every time he thought of meeting up with her in the morning and seeing her in running shorts and a tight tank top that showed off her voluptuous curves, his breath caught in his throat and his palms grew damp. He shouldn’t have been so eager to have her join him, but then again, this small-town girl had deep roots in this town, with no signs of going anywhere. Maybe it was possible this venture could be beneficial to both of them.
If only he could keep his mind from straying...
♥♥♥
Had she made the right choice?
Later that afternoon, Piper was still debating the logic of her decisions. Luckily, there’d been a steady stream of customers to keep her occupied. Still, the thought of meeting Joe every morning for a run wouldn’t help her to keep her interest in him at bay.
“Did you hear the news?” Ana burst through the doorway of the bakery, nearly colliding with Mrs. Webster, who was carrying her grandson’s birthday cake. “Oops! Sorry.”
“That’s okay, dear. It’s good to see you looking so excited.”
“It’s good to see you, too. You and your husband will have to stop by the Cantina soon. We miss having you.”
“My husband hasn’t felt well lately. As soon as he’s up and about, we’ll stop by. I promise.”
“I hope he feels better soon.”
“Thank you. I’ll tell him you asked about him.”
Piper kept glancing toward the door as she filled another order. She wondered what had Ana so worked up. Of all her friends, Ana was the most laid-back, so whatever the news was that she’d heard must be big.
After Mrs. Webster departed, Ana rushed to the counter. Piper held up a finger for her to wait a moment while she rung out the current customer.
At last, everyone had been tended to and she hurried over to where Ana was texting on her phone. “What happened?”
“You didn’t hear?”
“Ana, a lot has happened today. You’ll have to clue me in.”
“The wedding—”
“Wow. That didn’t take long to make the rounds. Listen, if you’re here to talk me out of it, you’re too late.”
Ana’s forehead wrinkled. “Talk you out of it?”
Piper nodded. “As soon as my mother heard the news, she made a beeline over here. She was horrified that I’d agreed to make the cake for David’s wedding—”
“You what?” Ana’s eyes grew round as lines on her forehead became even more pronounced.
“Isn’t that what you’re here to discuss?” Maybe she’d spoken too quickly.
Ana shook her head. “I wanted to tell you that Cord popped the question to Alexis and she accepted.”
“Oh. Wow!” Piper quickly shifted gears from being defensive to being ecstatic for her friend. “I was starting to wonder if they’d ever make it official.”
“Looks like next year is going to be a busy year, what with your brother and Bella getting married, and now Cord and Alexis are tying the knot, too. Next thing you know, we’ll be planning baby showers.”
“Really? You think?”
Ana nodded. “It won’t be long until you and I are the only bachelorettes in Whistle Stop.”
“It sure seems that way. But I’m sure you’ll find Mr. Right soon.”
“That would imply I’m looking.”
Piper studied her friend for a moment. “You’re really okay with not having a significant other?”
“I have enough on my hands what with my father being ill, running the restaurant, and dealing with my brother when he makes one of his surprise appearances. I don’t need anything else to contend with.” Ana arched a brow. “I don’t mind being the last bachelorette.”
“The last one? Why would you say that?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Just because you have a really hot guy making himself at home in your bakery every morning.”
“That’s business.”
Ana sent her an I-don’t-believe-you look. “Uh-huh. Then how do you explain the way he stares at you?”
“He does not.” Boy, was it getting warm in here?
“Oh yes, he does. And I’m not the only one who’s noticed.”
Piper’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. She didn’t know what to say. She was still stuck on the fact that Joe was interested in her. Was that really possible?
“Well, I should get back to the restaurant. But before I go, you have some explaining to do.”
“I do?”
“Yes. What were you thinking by agreeing to do the cake for David’s wedding? Did you fall and hit your head?”
Piper sighed. Why did everyone make it sound so bad? Had she miscalculated the benefit over the cost when she’d agreed to Laney’s plan?
She gave Ana the highlights of her conversation with Laney. “So you see, this is a chance to get the residents of Whistle Stop to stop pitying me because what happened will all be ancient history. And I could gain some new clients, maybe some big accounts. Now doesn’t it make sense?”
Ana didn’t say anything as she just stood there staring at her.
Piper couldn’t stand the silence. “Well, say something.”
“Fine. Do you want my honest opinion?”
Piper nodded. Ana’s opinion meant a lot to her.
“I think you made a huge mistake. I think you’re so worried about what everyone thinks that you aren’t taking into account your own feelings.”
After Ana left, Piper brushed off her friend’s concerns. Ana just didn’t understand. It was important as a small-business owner to gain the town’s respect. After all, look how hard Joe was working to fit back in.
Ana was just too cautious.
This would all work out.