Anything but Love

“Wait.” Luke reached across the seat and caught her wrist. “I need a favor.”

She couldn’t imagine.

“I was hoping … I need a mentor.”

As in someone to help him conquer his reading disability? Was he seriously confiding in her? Admitting he had a problem? Reaching out for help? She couldn’t believe it.

“I’m this close to getting kicked out of the Cupcake Lovers.”

“What?”

“I joined the club a few weeks ago. Sam didn’t tell you?”

“No.” Shocked, Rae frowned. “You bake?”

“Not well. Hence the upcoming boot. I thought … If you could come over, give me some lessons.”

“Why me?”

“I’m too close to everyone else.”

She thought about that. “Harder to take offense when being advised by a stranger. I get that.” Sad that it made her feel even more distant from the father of her child. “Regardless, I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

“You think spending time together, getting to know one another better given the circumstances, is a bad idea?”

It was in fact a brilliant idea. Luke had found safe common ground. Cupcakes. Either they’d hit it off as friends, discover they were, against odds, a good match, or … they’d end up despising each other. At least they’d know how to proceed instead of lingering in this wretched limbo. Rae nodded. “Fine. I’ll drop by tomorrow. What time?”

“Noon. I’ll pick you up. We’ll do lunch, then bake.” He squeezed her hand. “Sound good?”

It sounded dangerous. “See you then.” Rae slid out of the SUV, feeling more rattled than she’d felt all day and that was saying a lot. Even though she had to trudge through snowdrifts and freezing winds to get to Rocky’s house, Rae’s skin still burned from Luke’s touch. She couldn’t teach him to bake in a day. It could take weeks. And a good dose of one-on-one time. The prospect was daunting and thrilling and somewhat suspicious. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was being manipulated by Luke—the Charmer of Sugar Creek—Monroe.

But to what end?

TEN

“Wow.” Rocky Monroe leaned against the doorjamb and blatantly stared.

Rae bristled. She’d been in town less than twenty-four hours and she was already over the gawking and whispering. She was tired and hungry and emotionally spent from two rounds with Luke in one day. She’d waited until he’d pulled out of the drive before knocking on the door. She’d counted to ten while collecting her wits. Wits Rocky had scattered with a simple “Wow.”

Forcing what she hoped was a friendly smile, Rae summoned patience while dragging her fingers through her choppy locks. “The color and cut are extreme, I know. That’s what happens when you tell a stylist you want something drastically different and give them carte blanche.”

“And I thought I was being adventurous when I let Jayce cut my bangs. Maybe I should spice things up and get a makeover.”

“You don’t need a makeover, Rocky.” Rae was pretty sure Jayce and every other man in Sugar Creek would agree. Rocky was a natural stunner. She typically plaited her long golden curls into two braids or pulled them into a high ponytail—simple styles that suited her down-to-earth personality and athletic lifestyle. Instead of chasing trends, she opted for T-shirts and jeans and sneakers or clogs. Even with no more than tinted lip balm, Luke’s sister was Hollywood gorgeous. Olivia, who compared all people to movie stars, would dub Rocky the Scarlett Johansson of Sugar Creek. “Besides, you wouldn’t want to do anything drastic so close to your wedding day. Congratulations, by the way.”

“Thanks.”

A frigid wind cut though Rae’s weary bones. Frowning, she hunched her shoulders and shook off a chill. “Mind if I come inside?”

“Sorry. To think I used to work in hospitality.” Rocky stepped back and waved Rae inside. “Give me your coat. Would you like some tea, coffee, wine?”

“I’m good.” The sooner they got this meeting over with the better. Rae was feeling more lightheaded by the minute. Skipping lunch hadn’t been smart, plus she was already drained from a full and emotionally awkward day. “Thank you for meeting with me on such short notice.”

“I confess I’m curious.” Rocky draped Rae’s coat on an antique coat tree then turned. “About a lot of things.”

Rae wasn’t surprised by Rocky’s wary tone and expression, but she was disappointed. Rocky, like her grandmother, Daisy, had always treated Rae to a smile and an abundance of good will. A small, no, a big part of Rae had hoped her written apology had smoothed any ruffled feathers regarding her abrupt departure from Sugar Creek. Just now, Rocky looked pretty ruffled.

“Where’s your dog?” Rae asked as they moved into the warm and cozy living room. An appearance from that furry bundle of joy might help ease the tension.

“Brewster’s had cabin fever lately, what with all the snow. Jayce had business in Pixley so he took Brewster with him. Good thing,” Rocky said while inviting Rae to take a seat. “I wouldn’t want fur-boy getting hair all over your nice clothes.”

“I wouldn’t mind,” Rae said, ignoring the light jab at her stylish attire. She’d dressed to impress for a reason, although maybe that hadn’t been the best idea.

Rocky dropped into an opposing matching chair. She shook her head. “I can’t get over how much you’ve changed.”

“Only on the outside. Speaking of change,” Rae said, bulldozing forward, “Sam told me about the fire and how you lost everything. I’m so sorry, Rocky. I know how much you loved the Red Clover.”

“I’ve come to terms.” Her clipped response indicated she wasn’t going down that personal road. “You’ve seen Sam?”

Clearly the spotlight was on Rae. “He called me a couple of weeks ago. We’ve talked a few times since. He was also nice enough to pick me up at the airport last night.”

“I spoke to Sam earlier today. He didn’t mention—”

“I asked him not to. I wanted to settle in and get my bearings before letting anyone know I was back in town.”

“Were those Sam’s taillights I saw heading out when I opened the door?”

“Actually Luke was kind enough to give me a lift tonight.”

“So you’ve already seen Luke, too. Huh.”

It was all Rae could do to maintain eye contact with Rocky. Luke’s sister. Her baby’s aunt. How would she feel when she saw Daisy or, God, Luke’s older and slightly intimidating brother, Dev? Sam had also mentioned that Luke’s parents would be back in town for Rocky’s wedding. The Monroes were the most influential family in Sugar Creek aside from the Burkes. Although, also according to Sam, the former town mayor—Randall Burke—had recently moved away, taking his wife and former Cupcake Lover, Tasha, along. Rae had only been away three months, yet so much had changed. Everything had changed.

Okay, maybe not everything.

Even though this was now technically Rocky’s house, it still looked like Daisy’s home. The Cupcake Lovers met every Thursday and many of those Thursdays they’d gathered right here. Daisy might have moved out but she’d left all her furniture behind. Rae tried to take comfort in the familiar surroundings, but there was no comfort to be had. She was as good as a stranger to Rocky and everyone else in Sugar Creek. Like any stranger, she’d have to earn their trust and respect.

“Are you all right?”

Rae blinked.

“You look pale.”