A rush of energy pulsated through her body.
This was ridiculous. It wasn’t like this wealthy, extremely handsome, very eligible CEO would be interested in her. She was just a baker with a polka-dotted apron and her hair pulled up. And she was his friend. Nothing more. Just someone to occasionally start the day with over a cup of hot coffee—even if those were the days she most looked forward to.
She moved her hands to lift the fold. “Mr. Ross, I think you had a very successful event.”
He arched a brow. “Since when do you call me anything but Simon?”
She glanced around to make sure no one overheard them. “It’s different here. Someone might overhear.”
“And that would be a problem?”
He was right. She was getting too worked up about protocol and appearances. Still, she couldn’t resist glancing around again just to make sure no one was watching or listening to them. Satisfied they had some privacy, she began to relax.
“Congratulations on the new store chain.” She took the tablecloth from him, in order to make the final folds. “Your guests all seemed excited about the plan.”
“Thanks. It won’t be long now. The first store opens just before Christmas.”
“Can I ask you a question?”
He shrugged. “Sure.”
“If you like animals enough to start up a chain of pet stores, why don’t you own one?”
Simon didn’t want to think about the past and how he’d wanted a puppy so badly. Yet the door to the past had been cracked open and now the memories slithered through, filling his mind.
He remembered the little black puppy he’d fallen in love with. The neighbor’s dog had given birth. And his best friend, Clay, had offered him a puppy. He’d snuck it home, not wanting anyone to know—if they didn’t know, they couldn’t ruin this for him.
Except two days later, his father found out and there’d been a high price to pay. Simon absently rubbed his right arm. He slammed the door on the memories. He wasn’t going to open up about his horrific past, not even for the amazing woman standing next to him.
“It’s not a chain of pet stores. It’s a toy store for pets.”
“There’s a difference?”
He nodded. “We won’t be selling food and basics. We’ll tailor our supplies to keeping the consumers’ four-footed friends entertained.” A frown came over his face. “As for me not owning a pet, it’s the way I like it.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to overstep.”
He cleared his throat. “I think we both had a successful evening. Are all of your business cards gone?”
“Almost.” She pulled a dozen or so out of her pocket.
“I predict you’re going to be very busy in the near future.”
“I hope so.”
“Trust me. I see a brilliant future for you.” He smiled at her.
Her stomach dipped. No one had a right to have such a sexy smile. What were they talking about? It took her a second, but then she got her mind back on track.
Her gaze met his and held, much, much longer than was necessary. Her heart started to beat faster. “I... I want to thank you for hiring me—for hiring the bakery—my bakery.”
Oh, why am I tripping all over my words? It’s not like this is a date or anything.
He smiled. “There’s no need to thank me. I wanted the best. And you are the best.”
Pepper felt as though her feet had just left the floor. He thought she was the best? Her lips pulled up into a big, broad smile as her heart continued its erratic tap-tap-tap-tap. It was like it was beating some Morse code signal or something.
“Yes, there is. It means a lot that you think enough of my baked goods to want me to serve a party.”
He continued to stare deeply into her eyes. “Of course, I think your food is amazing. But I didn’t hire you.”
“You didn’t?” She studied him, not sure what to think.
He shook his head again. “I have staff that take care of things like that.”
“Of course you do,” she mumbled under her breath. The blaze of heat singed her cheeks as she glanced away. What made her think he would be bothered hiring a caterer?
“Not that I wouldn’t have hired you.” His gaze met hers yet again. “It appears I’m not the only one to think you have the best bakery in the city.”
Once again the heat flamed in her cheeks. She glanced up. “Thank you. I should be going.” When he didn’t make any move to leave, she said, “I’m sure you have other plans.”
She wanted to ask if he had a girlfriend, but it was absolutely none of her business. And she didn’t want him thinking she was hitting on him—that would be the end of their easy friendship. Besides, a friendship was as much as she was willing to offer anyone. The thought of caring for someone—of losing another person in her life—scared her.
“For once, I don’t have plans.”
And so he lingered while she placed the tablecloth in a box with some other items. “You must always be so busy. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to run a company this size. I know that my little bakery keeps me busy from morning until night.” She was running out of things to say, but he still didn’t make any movement to leave.
“Usually, I spend my evenings in the office.”
“So you like to stay on top of everything?”
He nodded. “I do.” He started helping her pick up things. “Just like you do by being here for the party.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. He was referring to the fact that she was here in person instead of sending someone from her staff. “The truth is I like to handle these events.”
He arched a dark brow. “You like to make connections and expand your business. And your staff can’t do that as well as you do. I totally understand. You and I, we aren’t so different. If you ever want to discuss your business model or plans, let me know.”
Pepper couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Simon Ross, the Simon Ross, was offering to help her with her business. Like he didn’t already have his hands full with a Fortune 500 company that kept rising in people’s estimations. If anyone could help her, it would be him. She’d love to hear what he had to say.
“Thank you,” she said, carefully placing a stray cake server in the box. “I’d really appreciate it. Right now, I could take all of the help I can get.”
“Do you have any plans for tonight?”
“No. I don’t.” The words slipped past her lips before her mind had a chance to catch up. Some helpful business advice would be just what she needed. But she sensed he had more than business on his mind.
As though he was reading her thoughts, his gaze dipped to her lips. Could this really be happening? The girl voted most likely to run away with the circus because of her strawberry blond hair and her colorful clothes. The girl who had never fitted in until she opened her bakery. Within those walls, she could unwind and be herself.
He picked up her box from the floor. “Are you ready to go? We can grab a late dinner.”
She had to make sure this thing arcing between them was real—that it flowed both ways. And it wasn’t some sort of misunderstanding. Staring into his eyes, her heart pounding, she asked, “It isn’t business you have on your