“Macon isn’t the subject of this conversation.”
“He should be. Every time he’s the topic, you make up an excuse and run away.”
“I do not.”
“You literally just ran away from a hot man who asked you out.”
“I don’t want to date.”
“And that’s the reason you ran?” she asked.
“Maybe?” I said, cautiously. “I don’t know. I wasn’t expecting him to ask me out, and I’m not good at this. I don’t date. Ever.”
“I know. That’s why you did this whole pact thing, right?”
“I feel like that was peer pressure,” I evaded.
“Perhaps. The girls are good at making sure you’re always part of the team. And know that you’re loved.”
I pushed back the emotions that rose at that. I loved my friends, and I knew I hadn’t gone into this because of peer pressure. I was just scared.
“Get back to work. I’m not going to discuss what may or may not have happened with Macon.”
Pop snapped her fingers. “You mean something did happen? Because may or may not means it did.”
I growled. The sound reminded me of Macon. Damn him. “Nothing happened. He showed up as my blind date because our friends were tired of us fighting and wanted us to have a let’s-be-friends date. Now, I’m done and never have to go on a date again.”
Pop’s expression fell. “Really? That’s it?”
“That’s it. Nothing more.” At least, I thought so. I didn’t trust Paris or Myra, though. I’d probably end up on another blind date if I weren’t careful. “Macon and I are going to try to be a little friendlier for our group’s sake.” And I would ignore any tingly feelings that arose when it came to him. “Because if we start fighting with each other again, they will force us into another awkward situation, and I don’t need that. As for Blue Eyes? If he shows up again, I’ll try not to run.” I sighed. “And now, after spending far too much time and energy on this, I need to get back to work.”
Pop nodded. “Okay. I can go up front and help Jason if you need some time by yourself.”
I winced. “Just until Blue Eyes leaves. Because I am embarrassed.”
“No problem. We stick together.” A pause. “Dakota?”
“Yes, Pop?” I asked cautiously.
“You don’t have to date anybody if you don’t want to. You don’t even have to pretend that you want to. You are welcome to be who you need to be. However,” she said before I could add anything, “I like Macon. And I like that you guys are going to be friends. I think you could use a friend.” She shrugged before I could say anything, then walked out with a bounce in her step.
I sighed and got to work. I couldn’t stand around talking about my feelings or my lack of love life. I got busy finishing Pop’s dough, began making brownies, and then did another turn on my pastry for a few tarts. I loved my job. I adored baking, and I craved coffee even more. The Boulder Bean was precisely what I needed. Maybe one day I’d be able to branch out into sandwiches and the like, but I didn’t think so. There were enough of those kinds of places near me. We would only be competing for the same customers. It worked out better if we each had our particular niche.
My phone buzzed, and I looked down and held back a curse.
Constance: Sorry, bad news. Valerie was just offered another full-time job. She’s not going to be able to take Nancy’s position. But I’m still on the hunt. I know you are, too.
“Crap,” I mumbled. Constance had been trying to get her friend, Valerie—someone I liked and trusted—to take over Nancy’s position. However, it seemed like that wouldn’t happen.
I grumbled a bit and then texted back.
Me: No worries. Thank you so much for trying. We will find someone.
Constance: You know it. Our little man is amazing. We will find him the perfect person to work with him. It’s just weird timing with the semester.
I nodded, even though I knew she couldn’t see me. “This whole thing just sucks,” I mumbled.
“What sucks?” Macon asked from the doorway. I turned, my heart racing, and dropped my phone to the floor.
The sound of it hitting the tile echoed, and I winced. I crouched to pick it up. Unfortunately, Macon did at the same time, and we smashed our heads together. I fell on my butt, and Macon reached out, grabbing for me.
“Fuck. I’m sorry. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I said, rubbing my head. I picked up my phone. “The screen didn’t shatter, and I think my skull is okay. But…ow.”
“I’m sorry, Pop told me to come on back because she figured you were in your office. And then Jason led the way. I didn’t mean to scare the crap out of you.”
“I wasn’t expecting you today.” I swallowed hard.
He looked so good in his casual jeans and shirt, his face cleanly shaven—though I missed the beard.
“You shaved,” I blurted.
He grinned, his eyes twinkling. “Yeah, I had surgery this morning, and it was interfering with my mask. It’s why I don’t keep a long beard all the time.”
Worry filled me. “Surgery? Is whoever you’re working on okay?”
He nodded. “Just a spay. Though I can’t say just about surgery. Our lovely golden retriever, Riley, made her way through easily and is now home with her parents. She is the most adorable golden in the world, at least according to her five-year-old owner.”
That made me smile. “Joshua wants a dog so bad.”
“Really?”
I narrowed my eyes at his tone. “You knew that, didn’t you?”
He winced as we both stood up, and I slid my phone into the pocket of my apron. I was grateful to put some distance between us since it was hard to think with him around.
“He’s mentioned it a couple of times, but only in passing. Not like he was trying to get something from me,” he added quickly, and I was grateful.
“He isn’t a little schemer, at least not yet. Thankfully. But
