Sweet Tooth (Little Cakes, #11)(10)

“Hi, Tom! I’m fine—just busy. I need some produce. I didn’t ask how I can place an order with you,” Elizabeth said.

“The easiest way is online. I can do it for you over the phone if you have your list.”

“That would be wonderful. I’ll try online next time.”

Efficiently, she recited a list of produce she needed. Tom repeated them back to her and then remembered something.

“As I waited for you last night, I saw you had a featured dish with a carrot souffle. Do you need carrots?” he asked.

“Oh, goodness! That was the whole reason I called. Yes, I need carrots! Lots of carrots!”

“I’ve got them. I’ll add them to the order. I’ll put this in the computer for you and send you a list of what you’ve ordered and the link to pay. Make any adjustments you need by two and I’ll bring everything tomorrow morning if that’s fast enough for you,” he told her.

“Thank you. I really appreciate your help. I’m sure you deal with a bunch of restaurant owners who need things in a rush.”

“It happens. I have a good recipe for a zucchini souffle if you need a substitute. I bet you’d have all the ingredients,” Tom said, switching to the speaker option so he could search his phone for the recipe. Quickly he messaged a copy to her phone.

“You should have it now. It’s just a basic recipe. You’ll make it even more delicious.” Tom found himself smiling at the phone as he heard what distinctively sounded like a happy dance.

“I have gruyere cheese and a hint of country ham to doll this up. Thank you so much. I’ll make it through the lunch crowd now. Be ready for a big hug!” she called before disconnecting.

Tom considered having his own celebration but was too close to the cows. His herd was a bit judgy with those big eyes. “You’re going to love Elizabeth,” he told them as he tossed the last crates into the truck for his afternoon deliveries.

They just mooed back at him and returned to their contemplation of all things grassy. Tom laughed aloud and vaulted into the back of the truck. He hauled the dolly up and lashed it into place. When all the containers were secure, Tom headed for the driver’s seat.

As he drove into town, Tom looked over at his phone, his mind replaying his conversation with Elizabeth. Worried that she’d try to run away from their budding relationship, Tom celebrated that she’d called him to help with a problem. The produce order was important, but anyone could have helped her with that. If Elizabeth never ordered anything from him, that would be okay.

“Some things are more important than money,” he said to the empty passenger seat.

The woman stopped next to him at the light had seen him talking to himself. With a self-deprecating grin, he nodded. Her return smile was predatory. Tom was glad when the light turned green, and they each went their own way.

His folks didn’t understand why he hadn’t settled down. They’d found each other in high school. Tom’s special someone had eluded him. He’d begun to think he would never find her.

“I’ll treasure her even more,” he said aloud and shook his head, laughing at himself. In less than forty-eight hours, she already had him talking to himself.





Tom had unloaded the last crates from his truck when his phone rang. Wiping his forearm over his sweaty brow, Tom pressed the screen to answer. “You ready to come visit the farm, Bunny?”

“I’ve got just a few more things to settle here and then I’d love to go on an adventure,” she answered.

“I think I can provide an adventure,” he verified with a laugh.

“Perfect. Can I bring a picnic for us to eat?” she suggested. “I missed lunch.”

“I’ve got dinner all organized. You’ve done enough cooking for the day.”

“I can help. I like to cook.”

“I’m glad, but you’re going to take it easy tonight and let me take care of everything. That’s what Daddies do.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

“Don’t worry, Bunny. It’s all going to be okay. I’ll be there soon,” he promised.

Disconnecting, he quickly finished at his last stop. The restaurant owner was very pleased with the feedback his customers had shared about the delicious taste of his dishes featuring Tom’s produce. Tom had heard that a lot, but it always made him feel good. Raising organic foods was a time-intensive job.

Tom had never begrudged the long hours he spent delivering orders, but maybe it was time to hire someone to take over for him. He had a feeling he’d want to be home with someone special earlier than his usual day ended.

Pulling into the parking lot in front of Nibbles & Bites, Tom tilted his head to his shoulder to sniff his T-shirt. He smelled worse than he’d hoped. Tom kicked himself for not bringing a spare to change into.

Elizabeth got up from the bench in front of her shop where she’d been waiting. Tom noted that she held Hortense’s bag away from her body and clutched the front of her shirt closed. When he jumped out of the truck to help her inside, Elizabeth backed away.

“I need to change clothes. I poured a vat of very smelly sauerkraut down the front of my shirt,” Elizabeth warned.

“I don’t care if you took a bath in it. Give me a kiss, Bunny. Fair warning: I don’t smell much better.”