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Was he trying to impress her? He needn’t make grand gestures to do so. She daren’t admit it, but she was quite enamored with him already. Him pontificating only made it that much harder to deny her feelings and hope that he felt just a smidge of what she did.

She noticed his clenched jaw and wondered what was on his mind. He cleared his throat, and tugged at his cravat, craning his neck.

“As we were passing by, we were sucked in by all the heavenly scents and had to come inside for a treat.”

Liam smiled. “Whate’er ye fancy, ye just let me ken and I’ll wrap it up for ye. How’s business at the pub going?” he asked, his voice growing serious.

It seemed everyone in town knew the struggles Gunn was having with the pub, but yet, still no one came.

Jocelyn left them to speak about business, and browsed the cases filled with all the pastries she could imagine and then some.

There were tarts of all flavors—berry, custard, onion.

Petit fours in bright colors. Macarons with creamy filling.

Croissants, currant muffins. Cranberry bread. The list of offerings went on and on.

She got the feeling that mayhap Liam’s wife was French and the inspiration for many of the recipes. She couldn’t be certain, but the store reminded her of a bakery she’d visited with her parents on a trip to Paris when she was young.

“See aught ye like?” Gunn said from behind her.

She hadn’t heard him approach.

“So many things actually. How can one possibly choose?” She moved to another case that shelved beautifully decorated cakes of all flavors.

“He’ll sell those by the slice if ye want just a taste. Or we can purchase the whole cake and ye can savor it for the week.”

We can purchase the whole cake. Gunn made it seem as if this were a mutual venture. Like they were a couple strolling along and stopping for a treat.

Leaving the case of cakes, she walked over to a tiered stand that held pretty shaped shortbread. Everything looked divine, but she knew she couldn’t afford aught in here. It was nice to dream of buying something, but it was out of the realm of possibility for her.

And she’d be damned to ask Gunn for a pay advance so she could purchase a treat.

“Actually, I am still quite full from my meal this morn.”

Gunn lifted a brow in disbelief. He looked toward Liam, but the man was busying himself behind the counter. “I highly doubt the slice of toast ye had to break your fast is still in your belly, lass. Ye need to eat,” he prodded, concern lacing his deep voice.

Instinctively, her palms went to her stomach, but she quickly dropped them as Gunn’s eyes tracked the movement. He was right, of course, but he had no idea just how right he was.

Alas, it all came down to resources. And she was lacking in that department.

Apparently realizing that she wasn’t going to give in and tell him what she wanted, Gunn approached the counter and told Liam they were ready to order.

Her eyes blew wide. No. She couldn’t afford it. She hurried to his side. “Sir, I don’t…”

Lifting his hand, he quieted her. “I find myself verra hungry. If ye dinna want aught, ’tis fine. I will order for myself.”

She wanted to plead for him not to, because she knew what he was doing. Knew he’d figured out why she didn’t want to order anything.

Minutes later they said their goodbyes to Liam and walked out of the bakery with Gunn carrying two large boxes of treats.

Her mouth had watered watching him pick out a variety of delectable desserts.

They headed back in the direction of the inn.

She leaned into him and bumped him in the side. “You didn’t have to do that,” she said quietly.

“I ken.”

“Thank you.”

“Ye’re verra welcome. Now let’s hurry back so we can enjoy these with tea.”

Her eyes widened. “Surely you don’t mean to eat all of these in one sitting.”

Gunn barked out a laugh. “Nay, lass. But we can eat as many as we like, until our stomachs are bursting and we canna take another bite.” He smiled, but then his expression grew serious.

“Ye needna fash o’er purchasing such things.

I would have ne’er brought ye inside to make ye pay for aught yourself. I want ye to eat well. To be happy.”

She dipped her head, embarrassment heating her cheeks. He’d read her so well. Was she so bad at masking her feelings?

“Dinna be embarrassed, lass.”

Apparently she was.

“We all have our paths. They are all different. Twisting and turning in their patterns. Some more difficult than others. When someone that has had an easier path offers ye a helping hand, dinna be afraid to accept it.”

She bit her lip. His words cut her to the quick. It was as if he’d flayed her open and was reading all of her darkest secrets. He was far too observant.

Back at the inn, he ushered her into the dining room and sat her down at a table in the far corner, away from anyone that may happen to wander in. “I shall return shortly.”

She nodded and watched him disappear through the door that led to the kitchens. No doubt he was ordering tea.

Returning a few minutes later, he was all smiles as he sat down across from her.

“Flora will be out shortly with tea.” He passed her a linen napkin and she accepted it, unfolding it and laying it on her lap. Opening the boxes, he’d set on the table, he asked. “Which one would ye like to try first?”

“You should choose. You ordered them after all.”

“For ye. I ordered them for ye. Since ye wouldna tell me what ye wanted, I got one of e’erything I thought ye might like.”

Her eyes widened. “You did that for me?” The kind gesture had tears springing to her eyes. Quickly, she dabbed at the corners, hoping to stop them before they fell. What a fool he would think she was crying over desserts.

“Of course. Now, which one?”

Spotting a creme horn, she smiled. One of her favorite treats. It had been years since she’d had one. Pointing to it, she said, “That one.”

“Ah, an excellent choice. Liam’s wife, Annette, makes the best creme horns ye’ll e’er taste.” He plucked it out of the box and set it on a plate. “Here ye go.”

“Thank you.”

“Ye needna keep thanking me, lass. ’Tis my pleasure.”

Heaven exploded in her mouth when she took a bite. She couldn’t stop the groan of pleasure that escaped her lips.

Her eyes locked with Gunn’s, his blue eyes darkening, as the tip of his tongue darted out to wet his lips.

Reaching out, he swept the pad of his thumb over the corner of her mouth, coming away with a small dollop of cream. Popping his thumb in his mouth, he sucked the cream from the tip.

Her skin heated. She’d never seen anything so wicked. Had never had such a thing happen to her before.

With a smile, he leaned in. “Ye had a wee bit of cream there.” His voice was low, husky.

She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out.

“So sweet,” he said quietly. “Just like ye.”

Had he really just said that? The treat in her hand suddenly forgotten, she focused her gaze on his full lips. What would it be like to feel them against hers?

She shook her head, trying to clear it. She was so desperate for affection that she was seeing things where they weren’t.

But when her eyes clashed with Gunn’s again, heavy emotion burned within his gaze. Was it passion?

“I’ve got your tea for ye,” Flora announced beside the table.

Both of them quickly straightened, breaking eye contact, the connection lost. Fleeting.

Gunn cleared his throat. “Thank ye, Flora. Please leave it.”

“Ye dinna want me to pour ye each a cup?”

“Nay. We are all set. Thank ye.”

Jocelyn saw the way Flora’s gaze slid over to her, brows arching high with a knowing smile on her lips. She curtsied and hurried from the room.

“I fear you have given her something to gossip about.”

He chuckled. “Flora? Nay. That lass is loyal to a fault. He paused. “Hold on, what are ye referring to?” he asked, tilting his head innocently, but his eyes flared bright.

Did she dare tell him what she was thinking? That she wanted him to kiss her. That she wanted to get lost in the feeling of a passionate kiss by someone who cared?

She sighed. No. She didn’t. “Did I tell you how much I appreciate you procuring all these desserts? I have no idea how I would ever eat them all, so I do hope you and the others will help eat them.”

“Changing the subject are ye?” he said with a chuckle. “I’ll allow it. For now,” he smirked.

Taking another bite from the creme horn, she was careful to not let any of the creme escape. Because for certain, if he did that same move again, she would not be able to control her actions.

“May I ask ye a question?” His tone grew serious.

Nervously, her hand went to her stomach. Had he figured out she was with child? Nothing good could come of that. She thought she was doing a fair job of keeping the babe a secret. But as the months went along, it would be harder and harder to do so.

“Y-yes,” she answered, her voice wavering.

“With the exception of last eve, when ye wore that lovely gold gown, why do ye always wear gray?”

Her shoulders sagged in relief. It wasn’t about the babe. “Oh, I’m sorry to confess that it is the only color of gown I own. There’s no real reason for it. It’s just what I have.” There was no way she was going to tell him that it was because it was the only color Victor would allow her to wear.

“Ye looked beautiful in gold last eve. I think I should like to see ye in vibrant colors that will complement ye.”

She flushed. She couldn’t afford to pay for sweet treats. She certainly couldn’t afford to pay for a new wardrobe. It was on her list of things to acquire once she had secured lodging and settled. But until then, the gowns she arrived with would have to do.

“I think ye should take Lizzie to the modiste with ye and spend the day.”

She waved her hand in front of her in dismissal. “I am fine. I’ve got work to do. The ledgers to continue reviewing. I am almost done.” Panic rose in her throat. She didn’t want the embarrassment of having to tell him she couldn’t afford a handkerchief let alone a new gown.

“Jocelyn.”

She stared into her tea, seeing the small bits of leaf floating in the steeped brew.

“Jocelyn,” he called again. “Look at me.”

He kept his voice gentle, but with enough seriousness in it to make her look up.

She met his eyes.

“I didn’t offer that for it to cost ye aught. ’Tis my treat. Ye and Lizzie can make a day of it. The modiste can help ye choose colors to complement ye. Styles as well, whate’er ye need, she will help ye with.”

He silenced her, putting up his hand. “I willna accept nay for an answer. I insist.”

“What are ye insisting from the poor woman now, Gunn?” Lizzie said, breaking the tension that had begun to hang thick in the air.

“Lizzie, as always, ye have impeccable timing,” Gunn quipped, standing to greet her.

She smiled wide. “Funny, Malcolm says the same thing. Och, are those desserts from Liam?” she asked excitedly.

“Yes, please sit and have one,” Jocelyn offered. “Or three.” She laughed.

Plucking a macaron out of the box, Lizzie looked at Gunn. “Well, must I ask a second time?” she prodded, rolling her eyes.

Jocelyn found herself really liking Lizzie. She loved her carefree spirit, and she wasn’t afraid to speak directly.

“Ye are incorrigible. I dinna ken how Malcolm deals with ye.”

“Splendidly,” she countered, waggling her eyebrows.

“Well, since ye insist, I was just insisting that Jocelyn and ye should spend the day at the modiste. My treat.”

“Och,” Lizzie cooed, sitting forward. “’Twould be fun.

I could use some new gowns. Especially since Malcolm has left me here.

And with the upcoming trip to your estate.

It makes no sense to go home, only to turn around and return.

” She turned to Jocelyn. “I dinna ken I’ve e’er seen him offer a treat such as that to anyone.

Ye best take it while the offer is there.

” She sat back and nibbled on the macaron, a smile lifting the corners of her mouth.

She sighed. It appeared Gunn was set on his insistence, and Lizzie was all on board. “All right.” She nodded and gave him a warm smile. “Thank you. Again.”

Jocelyn wasn’t used to such kind treatment, nor such generous offerings. Did Gunn make the same offers to every lass he met? Somehow, she didn’t think so. And that realization had her dipping her head to hide a smile.

“Nay need to thank me, lass. ’Tis my pleasure.” He pushed back from the table and stood up. “I shall leave ye two to plan your day.” As he went to leave, he dipped his head and kissed her cheek.

Her mouth formed an ‘O’ in surprise and her hand fluttered to where his lips had just rested.

He snapped to his full height. Opened his mouth to say something and then snapped it shut before spinning on his heel and quickly walking out the door.

“Oh, my heavens,” Lizzie exclaimed.

Jocelyn could feel the heat blooming on her cheeks.

“I told ye,” Lizzie said. “There is attraction there.”