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As I look at Polly, her luscious lips swollen from our kiss, her cheeks flushed, I’m struck by a sudden realization.
I’m head over heels in love with her.
CHAPTER 5
POLLY
Welcome to Sweet Nothings!” I call out cheerfully as a group of hikers enter the bakery. “I’ll be with you in a moment!”
I put a couple of apple turnovers into a box and set them aside because it’s been a busy day, and if Gabe doesn’t get here soon, they’ll be all gone.
“Now, what can I get for you folks today?” I smile as I look up at the latest group of hikers.
A tall man with a backpack steps forward. “We’ve heard great things about your energy bars. Could we get a dozen of those?”
“Absolutely.” I nod, moving to the display case. “Any particular flavors you’re interested in? We’ve got cranberry almond, chocolate chip, and peanut butter banana.”
“Oh, let’s get a mix,” a woman in the group suggests. “And could we also get four large coffees?”
“Coming right up,” I say, boxing up the energy bars. As I’m packaging them up, my mind wanders to my date with Gabe at the fair.
“Polly? Earth to Polly!” Sophie’s voice snaps me back to reality.
“Sorry, what?” I blink, refocusing on the customer staring at me.
Sophie swoops in smoothly. “Let’s switch. I’ll finish up with these customers. Why don’t you start on the muffins for tomorrow?”
I nod gratefully and retreat to the kitchen. I grab the ingredients for a fresh batch of blueberry muffins and start measuring them in the mixer.
A few minutes later, Sophie joins me at the muffin tray. “Okay, spill. You’ve been floating all morning. So...Gabe?”
Heat rises in my cheeks. “What about him?” I ask, aiming for nonchalance but failing miserably.
“Oh, come on!” Sophie nudges me playfully. “You’ve been glowing like a beacon. How was the date?”
I bite my lip, trying to contain my smile. “It was...nice.”
“Nice? That’s all you’re giving me?” Sophie raises an eyebrow. “Polly Andersen, I’ve known you for years. ‘Nice’ doesn’t make you smile like that.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Okay, fine. It was wonderful. We went to the fair, and he won me this ridiculous stuffed bear, and we danced, and...” I trail off, remembering the kiss.
“And?” Sophie prompts, leaning in eagerly. “Don’t you dare leave out any details!”
“And we kissed,” I admit softly. “It was perfect, Sophie. I’m falling for him.”
Sophie’s eyes widen in excitement. “I knew it! You two have such great chemistry. I’m so happy for you. When are you seeing him again?”
I shrug, trying to appear casual. “I’m not sure. He didn’t say anything about—”
The bell above the door chimes, cutting me off. I look up, and the rest of the world disappears as Gabe strolls in.
“Speak of the devil,” Sophie whispers, nudging me toward Gabe as she walks over to another customer who’s come in.
Gabe makes his way to the counter, his smile widening when he spots me. Despite the tiredness lingering from our late night, I instantly perk up.
“Well, well,” he says as he approaches, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Rough morning, huh? Looks like someone stayed out too late.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “Blame yourself for that,” I say playfully. “Some charming guy kept me out way past my bedtime.”
