Page 20 of Buck Wild Orc Cowboy (Brides of the Lonesome Creek Orcs #3)
Sel
T he next three days passed like the last. At work, we moved seamlessly together, making amazing food and serving it to our customers.
At my home, we settled into a routine, taking turns cooking meals, strolling along the pasture in the evenings, talking, and sitting in the living room reading until bedtime.
I continued to sleep in the loft, pointy hay included.
Some of our evenings were spent with more self-defense training, and it amazed me how quickly they were picking it up. Desperation brought determination, and determination brought skill.
Holly remained elusive. I’d feel like I was making progress, only to sense she was pulling back. She smiled, and I caught her looking my way many times, but I couldn’t read the expression on her face.
She trusted me. This I could tell.
Gracie came by a few days after I’d spoken with her and my other sisters-in-law, marching into the back part of the bakery and leaning against the counter, watching as we boiled bagels before we baked them.
Holly glanced her way, then returned to scooping a bagel out of the water bath, carefully placing it on the baking tray. Heat filled the kitchen from the ovens despite the air conditioning unit chugging at full force, and fine sweat had beaded on her forehead.
Her braid stuck to the back of her neck, and something shifted in my chest. We'd fallen into a quiet rhythm, and I liked it. Loved working beside her.
Loved everything about her, actually.
“I’m going to need to take at least a dozen of those with me when I leave,” Gracie said with a grin.
“They look amazing. But I didn't stop by for bagels.
Remember that idea you and I brainstormed, Sel, the one where we'll get tourists to put together picnic baskets, and we'll auction them at the end of the week?
Whoever bids the highest wins the basket, and they'll share the picnic with the person who made it.”
“I thought maybe you could help me coordinate this, Holly,” she added. “Assuming Sel can give you some time off here and there during work hours.”
“Of course,” I said. “Any time. I can handle things here.”
“Now?” Holly asked, the slotted spoon she'd been using lifted in her hand.
“If it’s a good time.” Gracie’s sparkling gaze met mine.
“Go ahead.” I took the spoon from Holly’s hand. “I can finish here.”
Her fingers brushed mine as she let go, and maybe it was just the heat from the kitchen, but something electric zipped through my wrist. I didn't let it show. Just leaned against the counter like I hadn’t felt a thing.
“You’re sure?” Her gaze sought mine.
She didn’t look away. That was the thing. People who doubted you usually glanced somewhere else and waited for your answer. She stayed with me. It made my mouth go dry.
“I am. Enjoy yourself. Get something from the front and some tea or coffee and sit outside. Enjoy the breeze and the chance to relax.”
“I’m going to put her to work,” Gracie said with a laugh. “Though I guess this could seem like relaxation.”
“It’ll be fun,” Holly said with a bright voice that didn’t sound fake. “I’m excited to help. Which charity do you plan to donate to?”
She named the animal shelter one town over, and Holly’s grin grew wider.
The two women walked out into the front part of the bakery to get something to eat and drink. I went back to work, making bagels.
Gracie was also going to try to talk Holly into bidding on my basket.
Would she even want my basket? Want me? I hated how petty that sounded, even in my own head.
But I kept thinking about what it’d feel like to sit across from her on a blanket in the grass.
Just us, no bakery noise, no reason to hold back.
Maybe we’d sit in silence, like always. It would be the good kind of quiet, one full of feelings.
Although Holly didn’t have a lot of money. I doubted she’d feel comfortable spending any on a picnic basket even if it did include me.
I’d have to coordinate that as well.