“Rhine.” Why did he have to be more handsome every time she saw him? Why couldn’t he be unshaven and attired in dirty ratty clothes, instead of a perfectly tailored white shirt and a well-fitting brown suit? Why did he have to be so tall and commanding? And why did he have to have such a knowing look in his green eyes, as if he knew what she was thinking? “Sylvia said you wanted me to make some cakes?”
“I do. May I sit?”
“Please.”
They both took seats and her eyes lingered over the curve of his lips; lips that had left her so breathless and unnerved it had taken hours to get to sleep. Chastising herself, she hastily raised her gaze back to his face, and the now familiar ghost of a smile was waiting. “So, what would you like?” she asked, struggling to maintain her equilibrium. “In terms of cake,” she added to keep him from offering an outrageous response.
“In terms of cakes, there’s usually five or six offerings at the event. How are you, little queen?”
The soft intonation of the question spread heat. “I’m fine but can we stick to cakes, please?”
“Then I shouldn’t tell you I had to force myself not to come and see you as soon as the sun came up, or how you’ve been on my mind?”
“No. Cakes.”
“How about wanting to kiss you again.”
“You’re determined to make this difficult.”
“No, darlin’, I’m determined to hold you in my arms again.”
She was unraveling like an old rug. “Where should I bring the cakes and on what date?”
“The town hall. Last Friday night of the month.”
Her hold on her defenses continued to flow through her grip like grains of sand.
“You’re fighting fate, Eddy.”
“Maybe, but I’m going to continue to do so with everything I have.”
“Because?”
“Because if I don’t you’ll break my heart.”
He stilled.
“When you’re done with whatever this is we’re doing, you’ll move on to some woman far more suitable to carry your name and your children and I’ll be left behind, so I’ll keep you at bay for as long as I can.”
“Eddy—”
She shook her head and said earnestly, “It’s the truth, Rhine, and we both know it. So, let’s get back to the cakes.” Eddy thought it best that she keep reminding him where she stood. She also needed to keep reminding herself.
For a moment silence hung between them, and she thought he might try and convince her that she was wrong, but he didn’t. Instead he said softly, “Okay, we’ll deal with the business at hand.”
“Thank you.” In his eyes she saw what appeared to be regret? Sadness? She wasn’t sure but her own emotions were caught somewhere between the two as well. If only he were someone else ...
For the next thirty minutes they discussed what type of cakes he wanted, the time they were to be delivered, and how much he was willing to pay. Never once during the discussion did he flirt or call her little queen or let down the distant mask he now wore. They conducted a business transaction—nothing more.
Once the cake arrangements were finalized, he asked, “Would you be willing to assist Jim with other parts of the evening’s meal? I’m certain he could use your help. You won’t have to serve. I have other people hired for that. I’d pay you an additional fee of course and make arrangements for you to be taken home once you and Jim are done.”
“How late will it be?”
“Probably past midnight.”
Eddy thought about how the extra money would boost her savings. Additionally, she was always interested in becoming a better cook, and Jim might be able to teach her things she didn’t know. “Yes. I’ll accept.”
“Good. Thank you. Do you have any questions?”