Page 5 of Working For Her Sweet Treats

The man takes another bite of muffin.

I tighten my grip on the mop. “What did you say your name was?”

“I didn’t.”

“That explains why I don’t remember it.”

He sets the muffin down and wipes his fingers on a napkin. “Jake Dalton.”

Even after less than two weeks in Forge Creek, I know the name. Dalton Restoration & Construction has signs in front of three downtown buildings and a large project near the old mill district. Everyone who stopped by during my renovation had an opinion on which contractor I should have hired, and Jake Dalton’s name came up more than once. Usually followed by some variation of,He’s busy, but he does things right.

I did not hire him because my renovation budget was already gasping for air by the time I learned the previous contractor had cut corners.

“I’m Ava Bennett.”

“I know.”

My suspicion rises immediately. “How?”

“The sign.”

He points toward the small framed notice beside the register.

SWEET TREATSPROUDLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY AVA BENNETT

“Right.” I clear my throat. “Obviously.”

Jake lifts his coffee to hide another almost-smile. The bell over the door jingles, saving me from myself.

Loralee Tilsby, my part-time employee. Actually, she’s my only employee. She’s wearing a long rust-colored cardigan. She sweeps inside with a canvas tote over one shoulder and severalsilver bracelets chiming around her wrist. Her dark hair is pulled into a loose braid, and a crescent-moon pendant rests against her black shirt.

Loralee is scheduled to begin work at six. It is now six-twelve.

She looks at Jake and then at me. Finally, her eyes land on the muddy footprints I have only half erased.

“Oh,” she says.

“Good morning. You’re late.”

“Mercury.”

“Mercury did not schedule your shift.”

“It affects communication, travel, and timing.” She sets her tote behind the counter. “I texted you.”

“My phone is in the office.”

“That confirms the communication issue.”

Jake makes a quiet sound that may be a laugh.

Loralee turns her attention to him. “You must be Jake.”

He looks genuinely surprised. “Have we met?”

“No, but you look like a Jake.”

“What does a Jake look like?”