As his taillights faded from view, Molly murmured, “I honestly have no idea.”
Gloria huffed. “Are you sure about that?”
Later, as she climbed the stairs to her bedroom, Molly mused over Jake’s complex personality. After their first few encounters, she was certain he didn’t have a tender bone in his body—yet there he was earlier, making tea and conversation like he actually enjoyed her company.
And as Molly grabbed her phone from the nightstand and slipped into bed, she wondered how many other people had witnessed the caring side of Chef Sinclair.
Molly:He came back.It was so good.
CeCe:What was?
Molly:The kiss! Not sloppy at all.
CeCe:Finally. And what do you mean by sloppy?
Molly:Alexia said Jake was a sloppy kisser.
CeCe:What??? She’s kissed him too? When was this?
Molly:Back in the day. Well that’s what she implied.
CeCe:I don’t trust her. It’s that overdone pout.
Molly:Ha. You think?
CeCe:So, is Mr Sexy Cakes your BF now? Does he whisper sweet nothings to you in French?
Molly:No to the first part, and I wish to the second.
21
Molly had relived that passionate kiss repeatedly since Saturday. His hands on her face, his warmth, and the emotion he stirred as he commanded her attention in the most carnal of ways. The man could kiss, she’d give him that.
Logically, she knew the smart decision was to keep her distance, but despite her pretending otherwise, her interest in Chef Sinclair had definitely inched up a notch.
Molly parked outside the patisserie and cut the engine. It was now Tuesday morning, and she’d not heard a word from Jake since Saturday, not even a text.
Inside, the smell of frosted decadence immediately elevated her mood as Janice greeted her with a warm smile. “What can I get you, love?”
The day before, Molly had washed and ironed the apron and put it in a paper bag ready for delivery. She offered it across the counter. “Would you mind giving this to Jake? It’s just an apron I borrowed.”
“Of course. He’s in a meeting, but I can call him to see how long he’ll be.”
“No, it’s okay.”
Molly was about ready to order a mini quiche for lunch when, in her peripheral vision, a couple appeared from the kitchen. She scarcely had time to register their presence before Alexia rushed forward and kissed her on both cheeks.
“Ohmygosh,Molly, it’s so lovely to see you. After the bake-off, I assumed you wouldn’t want to come near this place.” She leaned forward and whispered so no one else could hear, “Jake can be such an asshole. Just beware.”
A wave of confusion swept over Molly as Jake caught her eye and frowned.
“Anyways, I have to fly.” Alexia turned to Jake. “Think about what I said. I’ll touch base next week. Bye, Molly. Let’s do coffee soon, yes?”
With Jake now standing beside her, Alexia dashing out the door, and Janice watching on with interest, Molly didn’t know where to look.
“You’re in early today,” he said with a smile that sent her straight back to Saturday afternoon and that kiss on her doorstep.
“Only to return your apron.”
