Page 74 of The Cinnamon Bun Book Store

‘So, Annie mentioned something about book clues...’

Hazel rolled her eyes. No secrets in this town. But she didn’t really care if Logan knew. Of all people she knew he wouldn’t say anything to anyone. He glanced behind him, but there was no line at the register. Everyone was gathered around the table they’d set up in the back for the cinnamon buns. Alex and Lyndsay were manning it this morning. Hazel glanced over to her fellow employees and found the last tray of buns was nearly empty.

‘Yeah, it was strange, but I haven’t seen one in over a week, so ... I guess it’s over. Whatever it was.’ She tried to keep the disappointment from her voice but the way Logan’s brows rose, she knew she wasn’t pulling it off.

‘And ... Noah?’

‘What about him?’

Logan cleared his throat, shifting on his feet. ‘I just wanted to make sure ... I mean ... did he...?’

‘Ruin me for the marriage mart? I think you’re reading too many Regency-romance novels, Logan.’

Logan scowled and she couldn’t help but laugh. She didn’t know what was going on with Noah. She hadn’t seen him since their sort of fight at his house. After maybe she’d called him out on his bullshit one too many times.

If Noah had been the one leaving the clues, he’d stopped. And if he hadn’t been the one leaving them, no one else was, either, and she couldn’t seem to fabricate another way to see him. So she hadn’t. For a week. And she was perfectly happy to pretend that was fine with her.

‘That’s not what I meant. I just wanted to make sure you’re ... okay.’

She smiled at him, her sweet old friend who just wanted to look out for her. ‘I’m fine, thank you.’

He nodded, relief evident in his posture. ‘Okay, good.’

‘Nine ninety-five.’

‘What?’

‘For the book.’

‘Right, sorry.’

He tapped his card and Hazel emailed his receipt. ‘Happy reading,’ she said with a grin only to be met by Logan’s scowl.

‘It’s not for me.’

‘Oh, don’t pretend you don’t read them when Jeanie’s not looking.’

The blush that rose above Logan’s beard told her she was spot on. ‘They’re very informative.’

Hazel laughed. ‘I bet.’

‘See you later, Haze.’

‘Bye. Tell Jeanie to stop in after closing. Oh, and is Bennett coming to visit?’

Logan paused on his way out the door. ‘Yep. He’s going to stay above the café.’ Logan’s smile grew. ‘And Jeanie’s going to stay with me.’

‘And that ring Nana gave you?’

Her best friend was nearly grinning now. ‘On her finger by the end of the year.’

‘How very cocky of you.’

He shrugged. ‘When you know, you know.’

Hazel nodded as he pushed open the door and left with a wave. When you know, you know.

What did Hazel know? Well, at the moment, she knew she was happy for rainy days and ooey-gooey breakfast treats. She knew that she did love working here, even when sometimes she thought she didn’t.