Page 31 of Donut Disaster
“Everett!” I say, shocked and perfectly delighted to see he has a culinary side. “You did not have to do this.”
“I did.” There’s a sadness in his eyes, and I can’t determine why.
He joins me as we indulge in the feast. Both Pancake and Waffles are still curled up in my bed, and the sun is just barely kissing the windows with a tangerine glow.
“So, what are you up to today?” I moan as I take my next mouthful of yummy goodness.
“I’m having lunch with you—and Noah.”
“Noah?” I’d be amused if I weren’t frightened. “Does Noah have something to do with the inspiration for this pancake breakfast?”
“No. That’s something I should have been doing for you from the start. You know you’re the first woman in my life that I’ve ever been serious with, Lemon. I’m ashamed to say, I’m still learning the ropes.”
“Well, rest assured I’m liking the ropes.” I bite down on a playful smile. “I’m liking the acrobatics you’re capable of, too. Just saying.”
We share a warm laugh as I reach over and pick up his hand.
“Something has you rattled,” I say. “Am I right?”
“I am never rattled, Lemon. I’m prepared.”
“Prepared,” I say it slow and measured. “Should I prepare for this lunch with you and Noah?” I really don’t think I needed to ask.
Everett tips his head back. His stone-cold demeanor says it all.
I pull Everett back to the bedroom and say a proper good morning before leaving for the bakery. I’m not sure why, but every kiss felt like goodbye.
* * *
The Cutie Pie Bakeryand Cakery enjoys a robust steady crowd right up until the dreaded afternoon.
Both Lily and I work our fingers to the bone, doling out boxes of donuts to just about everyone who steps in front of the register. The thing with donuts is most people don’t buy just one. They buy them by the dozen—which is wonderful for business, but taxing in just about every other capacity.
Keelie has helped me hire a few more hands in the kitchen, and right now their sole purpose is to pump out those circular spheres of deliciousness at a breakneck pace. The donut holes are selling like mad, too. But, sadly, Lily and I seemed to be eating up the inventory in that department.
“She stole him from me,” Lily grunts as Keelie pops up before us.
I hand Keelie her favorite treats, almond horns and a cup of vanilla bean coffee.
“Thank you. And please start making your pumpkin spice lattes early this year. I don’t think I can wait another few weeks.” Keelie shakes her head Lily’s way. “FYI—when my sister wants something, there’s no stopping her. But could you blame her? I mean, you heard the man at the reading the other day. He dripped with passion. Naomi has wanted that her whole life. I’m not going to lie, I brought the book back to my place and made Bear read a few pages out loud. There is nothing hotter than a man who knows what he wants. And the guy fromHis Silent Needwanted a lot.”
“Everett knows what he wants,” I add for no reason other than the fact it was spinning through my mind—among other things, like that lunch date we’ll be sharing with Noah in just a bit. I’ve already filled both Lily and Keelie in on it—mostly because they’ll need to cover for me while I’m visiting the gallows, but a part of me wanted to put my bestie on red alert.
“Oh yes, he does.” Lily gives a husky laugh. “You’re really lucky, Lottie. A lot of women would kill to have Essex all to themselves. You should tie the knot before someone else snaps him up.”
A cool breeze picks up from behind. “Did I hear someone say tie the knot?”
We turn to find Amanda Wellington looking cute as a button with her red hair piled on top of her head and a poppy blazer with matching skirt. She has her briefcase in hand and her sunglasses tucked in her camisole.
“I’m doing a big event in Fallbrook this evening. I’ll need the biggest cup of coffee you sell. It’s going to be alongday.”
“So the event business is really picking up?” I ask as Lily heads off to fill her order.
“It sure is.” She hands me the cash while Lily glides the coffee her way. “There’s some medical gala tonight, but most of my business is weddings. People are getting married at all times of the year now. You wouldn’t believe how many fall weddings I’m lined up to do.” She takes a careful sip before pulling the cup away. “Oh, and I’m doing Noah and Cormack’s wedding. Boy, she must have a ton of money. That’s going to be the ritziest wedding on the planet. I’m really looking forward to that one.”
Keelie shakes her head. “It’s never going to happen. Noah is hopelessly in love with Lottie.”
“Oh?” Amanda looks as if someone just ate her lunch. “That’s too bad—I mean, for me. And pullouts like that are the very reason I don’t plan on giving up my real estate license.” She looks my way. “So how does your sister like the new house?”