Page 11 of Worth the Trouble

One person.

One smile.

One sweet, quiet man who could flip the world as she knew it on its side.

Boy, she wished she’d asked for his number. Or better yet, that she’d given hers to him.

With a shake of her head, she reminded herself that technically she was the villain in the story. She was the outsider who was intent on changing the lives of so many in this beautiful place.

Heaving a sigh, she strode toward the entrance. She’d get some more of those delicious truffles she’d gotten before and maybe two brownies instead of one. Her father had really liked the brownie and she’d only gotten a nibble of it.

The store was quiet. There was only one other customer and one of the gals behind the counter was checking him out. “Have a wonderful evening!” she said before handing the bag of treats across the counter. Then she turned and smiled at Cecelia. “What can I get for you?”

Cecelia offered a smile to the retreating customer then moved closer to the display. None of the brownies or the truffles she’d gotten before were in the case. Frowning, she looked up at the chalkboard menu behind the counter. “I was hoping to get some Black Forest brownies and some cookie dough truffles.”

The woman frowned apologetically. “I’m sorry, hon. We’re all out for the day.”

“You’re out of both?”

She nodded. “But I can make some suggestions if you’d like.”

Brows furrowing, Cecelia glanced at the offerings. There was a lot to choose from. It was as overwhelming as before. She deliberated as she inched along the display with her hands clasped tightly behind her back.

The bell above the door chimed but she paid it no mind as she continued glancing over the treats under the glass. Then she bumped into a hard body.

“Sorry,” she mumbled, her eyes flicking toward the person she’d collided with. But then her focus snagged on a pair of familiar warm, brown eyes. Her insides flipped around like a poor fish out of water. It was too warm. There wasn’t enough oxygen, especially when he was smiling at her like that. “Jason,” she whispered.

His eyes crinkled at the corners, his hands shoved casually into his pockets. “Cece.” He sounded like warm honey. Smooth and sweet, and so tempting. Her eyes immediately dipped to his mouth, consumed by how it formed a sly grin like he knew a secret she didn’t.

Heat swept over her and her insides did another pitiful flip. “What are you doing here?”

Jason’s eyes flashed with amusement. “Here? As in the bakery? Or with you?”

Her face flushed hotter. He was flirting. Right? Or maybe he was teasing her because she was the outsider, and he was the guy who lived here. The better question would be why she was here. Her laugh sounded almost manic as she looked away and reminded herself she was a strong, confident woman. Just because his presence did things to her no other man seemed capable of doing didn’t mean she couldn’t continue to emulate the strength her father had endowed her with. Ignoring his comment, she nodded toward the display. “I was hoping for some more of those delicious brownies and a few truffles. But it appears they’re out.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed him nod. He scratched his cheek with a finger then shuffled his feet. “Unfortunately, the brownies are the town favorite. They sell out pretty fast. As for the truffles, that’s a hit or miss.”

She glanced over at him in time to catch him offering the woman behind the counter a smile and a nod like they were having some kind of quiet conversation. Her good mood evaporated. Cecelia didn’t think Jason was involved with anyone. But what did she know? They hadn’t exactly spent a lot of time together. He could have a girlfriend.

And why did that disappoint her so much?

She needed to get a grip. Cecelia wasn’t going to be staying in this town indefinitely. She certainly shouldn’t be catching feelings for a cowboy.

Even if he was utterly delicious to look at.

The cowboy in question caught her eye and she flinched. She’d been caught staring. The heat that singed her cheeks was likely clear as day. Well, that was just great. She coughed out an embarrassed laugh. “Anyway, I’m trying to decide what I should try next.” Or if she should scoot out of there so she didn’t have to embarrass herself further.

Jason took a step closer to the counter and spoke to the woman directly. “Candace, could you get us some of those amazing salted caramel truffles? I think Cece, here, would like them about as much as the ones I recommended the other day.”

“Sure thing, Jase.” Candace went about gathering a box and placing some truffles inside. When she glanced up at them, a question in her eyes, Jason answered it.

“I think half a dozen should suffice.” He shot Cecelia a questioning look, and she nodded.

“Yeah, that would be great,” she murmured, still reeling from the fact that her literal dream guy was standing beside her helping her choose chocolates. Again.

Candace handed the box across the counter but before Cecelia could pay, Jason offered his card. Cecelia didn’t even have a chance to ask him why he wasn’t getting anything for himself when he turned to her and asked, “Would you like to take a walk with me?”

She blinked a few times, stunned. Then she managed to nod once before he motioned with his arm for her to take the lead.