Cupcakes and Kisses (Hot in Magnolia Book 1)

Melvina fussed over her hair, but the humidity had turned it into a big ball of frizz, so in the end, she decided on a thick braid with a long golden strand left to grace one side of her face. She wore the bright red lipstick she had bought at Sephora during her last shopping trip with Mona. The saleslady told her that red gave the perception of bright and friendly. That must be new, because Melvina had always thought red lipstick was all about sex appeal. In any case, the fiery hue complemented her skin tone. She didn’t know where Manny was taking her, so she didn’t overdress, but she wouldn’t rely on jeans.

One time, a blind date had told her to dress casual for dinner, and the guy had taken her to an uptown French restaurant in the city. The hostess sat them in the back corner near the kitchen door. Everyone else was wearing evening attire, but her date was oblivious in his jeans and cowboy boots. Tonight, she chose a plain black cotton maxi dress with a braided belt and silver jewelry to accent its simplicity. Her flat sandals had silver beads as well and laced up each calf with thin leather straps. She looked spring chic with a hint of the golden tan she had from toiling in her garden.

When Manny showed up, she breathed easy. His tan cotton pants were pressed with a sharp crease, and his blue shirt crisp with starch from the dry cleaners. They would fit in anywhere they might go in Magnolia, but also prepared for anything upscale they might find in the city.

Manny let out an appreciative whistle as he strolled up the stairs of her porch. She was enjoying the last sip of her diet soda and lost in her book when he’d pulled into the drive. The weather was balmy, and she was a little sad that she couldn’t sit for another hour or two enjoying the story.

“You sure look pretty.” Manny’s Texas manners were simple but charming.

“Thanks. You too. I may not smell like pancakes anymore, but you might like this new perfume I bought.”

She lifted her wrist expecting him to take a sniff, then Manny surprised her when he pulled her up into his arms and waltzed her around the white-painted planks of the covered porch. His nose grazed her neck as he breathed in the slightly sweet jasmine scent. The heat of his breath tickled her sensitive skin as he exhaled.

“Mm,” he murmured as he lifted his head, staring into her eyes. “That’s nice. I like it.”

Melvina flushed under his warm gaze. “Thanks. I’ll tell Mona. She made me buy it. I don’t usually have a reason to wear perfume.” She bit her tongue so she would quit tripping over it. Why she wanted to advertise that she didn’t have a life was beyond her, but she needed to stop acting like she didn’t deserve to be appreciated.

Hello! Take the advice from those self-improvement DVDs you bought.

“Well, it smells heavenly and matches your beautiful skin.” His thumb gently circled the inside of her wrist as he let go of her waist and motioned to his truck.

Melvina was glad she was wearing the loose-fitting dress. It would be easier to get into the passenger side of the tall cab. Especially given how butterflies were dancing in her stomach and her legs felt weak from their impromptu twirl across her porch.

Get a grip on yourself and act like you know how to go out with a man!

They drove through a few country roads and out to the highway. “Where are you takin’ us, Manny?”

“It’s a surprise. You’ll see.”

Once they hit the forty-five, Melvina knew they were headed into the city and was glad she’d dressed up some. It was forty-five minutes into Houston from Magnolia, and when they arrived, she was indeed surprised. The valet took the truck and Melvina stared up at the red awning with Braised written across it in white, cursive lettering.

Oh, Lordy!

What were the odds? She admitted she’d been curious to try Riley Nash’s hot new restaurant, but this wasn’t exactly how she imagined it. As Manny took her arm to escort her in, she couldn’t find a reasonable excuse not to enter.

They walked across the red-carpeted entrance and admired the modern chandeliers illuminating scarlet walls. The rich wood floor and earthy colored leather booths gave the restaurant a feel of opulence paired with comfort. She imagined a gentleman’s smoking room or a library in a wealthy manor home. A glass case filled with expensive cognacs and a multitude of other spirits took up the entire wall behind the Victorian-style mahogany bar. She recognized some of the labels and was amazed by the selection. The place was impressive, and the smell of seasoned, seared meats made her mouth water. Riley’s place was a hit. Every barstool was occupied, and it was standing room only throughout.

Manny studied the crowded room. “Don’t worry, one of the guys has an in and he set it all up. We have a reservation.”

Melvina had heard that Braised was booked months out—she was surprised the chief had managed to snag a table, but then she knew that Riley’s brother was a fireman and probably knew a few of the Magnolia firefighters.

The hostess led them to the second level and asked them if they preferred to sit inside or outside. The glass walls were open to the setting sun and a few stars were blinking in the distance. Manny looked at Melvina and she smiled, nodding.

“Outside is where I always like to be, but if you prefer inside, I’m okay with that too.”

Smiling at the hostess, he said, “You heard the lady. We’ll sit on the patio.”

The young woman held the menus against the front of her black, skin-tight mini dress and motioned to a table near the ivy-covered wall of the terrace.

Melvina’s nerves settled once they were seated and the Cosmo she’d ordered was half-finished. Multiple scenarios ran through her mind of Riley seeing her there with Manny. Ultimately, she didn’t want Riley to think she was here with Manny because she saw him kissing Celia. She reassured herself that Riley wouldn’t think anything because he wouldn’t think of her in that or any other way. He might have flirted with her a little and given her a ride to the library, but that was it.

Just relax and enjoy your night out with Manny.

He was a nice man, a good-looking man, and up until a few weeks ago, she’d really wanted him to notice her.

Manny leaned back in his chair, sipping the whiskey in his short rocks glass. “Are you ready for next week?”

Melvina was perplexed, “Next week?”

“The contest between Harris County and Montgomery. You’re coming, right?”

“Oh, that. I, um—I don’t know. I haven’t seen Celia and I think she might have another one of the Blossoms working on the whole event. I worked up a schedule and a plan the day I left the firehouse. I left it with her secretary, but I haven’t touched base with Celia since. We’ve been playing phone tag.”

It was a white lie. Celia had called her several times, but she hadn’t answered. Instead, she’d sent Celia a list of details to forward to another Blossom to arrange. She was pretty sure she would be giving up her seat as treasurer at the end of the year and moving on to other volunteer work. Her relationship with Celia had grown sour since the chocola-tastrophe.

Melvina was also pretty sure Celia was guilty of some sort of tax evasion and was trying to hang her out to dry. Not to mention, after the Riley kissing incident, she just couldn’t bring herself to go back there. How Riley could be interested in a woman like that was beyond her, except that Celia looked like one of those glossy magazine ads for women’s cosmetics.

“You let her run over you, Melvina. The only reason I agreed to this whole affair is because I knew you would make it fun and community friendly.”

Melvina finished her cocktail and Manny motioned to the waitress to bring another. “I am running it, sort of, but from behind the scenes. I don’t want to be out front taking all the credit. I chose a nice photographer, Tiana Wanson. She’s one of the firemen’s wives. You’ll like her. She does family photos and prom pictures, so there won’t be anything illicit or embarrassing to worry about, and Bubbles is hosting the pageant.

“I asked the hotel to loan us their portable stage for the event. We’ll set it up with a few of the lights and equipment from the Tomball Cats, and Raphe Nash’s model girlfriend has agreed to emcee. I think that will take care of the publicity as well. The tickets are being sold all around town at every grocery, barbecue place and gas station. The radio stations in Houston are pushing it on the air as part of their donation to the cause, and if we fill up, there’s a nice open field next to the bar where we can set up a tent for the event.” She was breathless as she finished running down the list of everything that had been set up.

Manny rubbed his chin, “Well, I guess I can’t argue with all that. It sounds like you’ve more than done your bit planning it out. I still wish you would be there.”

“We’ll see.” Melvina caught sight of Riley walking through the open glass doors. He stopped to direct a busboy to a table and then took a rocks glass filled with amber colored liquid off a tray. Melvina remembered he liked expensive whiskey.

As Manny launched into a comical story about a new recruit, Melvina’s gaze kept straying to Riley. He moved with a smooth confidence and was obviously a big attraction to the clientele. He was stopped several times in the few moments it took to reach her and the chief.

“Melvina, how nice to see you here.” His smile was genuine, and his eyes shimmered with sincere interest.

Melvina’s tongue froze in her mouth. All she could manage was a smile and a nod.

Riley turned to Manny. “Hello again,” he said in a polite, business-like tone. “We met at the ball the other night. You’re the Magnolia fire chief, right? I’m sorry. I’m terrible with names.” Riley held out his hand for a firm shake.

“That’s okay, Mr. Nash. I got the upper hand on this one, since everyone in the area is clamoring about your restaurant. If it wasn’t for your brother, Raphe, I doubt I’d be able to show Miss Banks such a nice time tonight. I’m sure you know Raphe is a big fan of Melvina’s—she’s forever baking up treats for the firefighters in the area.”

Melvina blushed at the compliment and the way both men kept looking at her.

“That I do,” Riley replied, glancing at Melvina. “But unfortunately, I haven’t been able to pin her down to show me any of her trade secrets.” Riley turned back to Manny, a heavy eyebrow raised in question. “You must be the table I saved for Raphe. He told me you were bringing a date. I didn’t know it was Melvina.”

Melvina’s blush turned into a slow burn. Riley had used the “D” word. Manny had been careful to skate around calling it a date and Melvina had half convinced herself it was just a dinner between friends. She opened her mouth and then snapped it shut.

I’m stuck. Well and truly stuck.

If she waved it off as just two friends having dinner, she’d hurt Manny’s feelings. She could never do that. That’s the kind of thing women like Celia did. But staying quiet would most likely confirm to Riley that she was dating the fire chief.

Does it even matter if Riley thinks I’m dating Manny?

Her chest tightened as she remembered Riley kissing Celia. He was a hot bachelor with a successful restaurant. Judging from all the women ogling him from the surrounding tables, he had his pick of dates.

Manny brought her attention back to the conversation with another compliment. “Melvina makes the best pie in Magnolia and probably all of Texas,” Manny said with a grin. “But I haven’t been out of Montgomery County enough to know for sure.”

“I think everyone outside of Montgomery County would probably agree with you, Chief. I had a slice of peach pie last time I was at Pop’s that was to die for.” Riley echoed with a grin of his own.

Melvina let out the breath she’d been holding. Riley’s smile had been genuine. Manny was a wizard at putting people at ease. It was the one reason she hadn’t said no tonight. She knew if things didn’t work out, he would never make it awkward to move in the same circles after. His graceful candor was admirable.

She smiled, putting her hands to her cheeks. “Stop it! You’re both making me blush.”

“May I propose a toast then,” Manny said, lifting his glass. “To Melvina, the best baker in all of Texas and to the continued success of Braised. I hope we visit here again soon.”

Melvina’s hand shook a little as she lifted her glass. Manny was a laid-back kind of guy, but he was also shrewd. His toast was clearly a declaration of his interest in her. She glanced at Riley and caught the slight stiffening of his jaw before he lifted his own glass to join in the toast.

“Thank you, Chief.” Riley turned to an approaching server, who whispered in his ear. He nodded and turned back to them. “If you’ll excuse me, duty calls. I wish you both a pleasant evening.”

Melvina watched the back side of him as he walked away. Busboys, cocktail waitresses from the lounge and new guests swallowed him up as he ranged farther out of view. When she looked at Manny, he was studying her.

“How long have you known Nash?”

The question was casual enough, but Melvina hesitated before answering. She gave herself a mental shake. Her long-time crush had the potential to go somewhere if she could stop being such a ninny. “We just recently met at the ball. Celia mentioned he might be involved in the catering for the firemen’s calendar. She’s been dinging me with e-mails to contact him.” She shook her head as she toyed with her napkin.

Manny nodded, “But you haven’t, I take it?”

“No. I—uh, have been busy juggling everything else.” Melvina lifted her glass, realizing it was empty. That made two Cosmos down, and they hadn’t even ordered the appetizer. “Um, can we not talk about the Blossoms tonight?” She didn’t want to get into the messy details of her emotions, not even by herself. She had been skating around identifying her feelings for the moment.

Manny nodded sagely as the server arrived with a bottle of champagne in a silver bucket with a stand. She placed it at the end of their table and set down two glasses.

Manny cleared his throat. “I’m sorry, I think you’re mistaken,” he said to the waitress.

She smiled broadly as she removed the foil off the cork and untwisted the wire basket. “Compliments of Mr. Nash. He said to bring you the best in the house. You guys must be special.” Her tongue clicked as the cork popped and the champagne fizzed just a bit over the mouth of the bottle. The chief didn’t argue, and instead offered his thanks, pushing the first glass toward Melvina. “I should have thought of it myself,” he said with a wink.

Awkward didn’t begin to describe what Melvina was feeling, but as the mist of bubbles tickled her nose, she couldn’t help but smile. There were worse things in life than to have two good-looking men showing an interest in her.

Dinner was an array of seafood appetizers followed by beef and lamb entrees and capped off with a creamy chocolate mousse and cheese tray for dessert. Melvina tried not to overindulge, but she didn’t want Manny or Riley to think she didn’t like the food. Riley may not know her recent past, but most everyone who came into the diner knew how long it had taken her to lose the weight and how hard she had battled her bad habits until now. Not wanting to fall off the horse completely, she snacked and nibbled with care. She deserved a reward for all her efforts.

And when am I ever going to go out on a date this nice again?

After the two cocktails and what she supposed was half a bottle of champagne, she waved off Manny’s offer of port and opted for a strong cup of Earl Grey with a dab of honey. The alcohol had done its job and she was comfortable in the luxurious booth observing the crowd as Manny went to the restroom.

Sipping the tea, she watched Riley through the glass wall, inside the dining area as he directed the bartender toward the back. He then strolled behind the bar to make the next round of drinks himself. His dress shirtsleeves were rolled up, and he was laughing with an older couple seated at the bar.

He was all in.

Melvina admired a man who put everything into what he loved, and it was obvious that Braised was his baby. The proud papa wasn’t afraid to bus tables or even polish the glasses.

“They must be understaffed tonight,” Manny said as he slid back into the circular booth. He’d sat across from her throughout dinner, but now he’d shifted in closer. He didn’t touch her, but she could feel his warmth and smell his sandalwood soap and mild cologne. The waitress smiled at him as she passed by, reminding Melvina that Manny was handsome and available. If he was truly interested in her, she should take this opportunity to see where it went.

So why do I keep staring at Riley?

“I know, I was just watching how Ri—er, everyone here pitches in to help out,” she offered as an excuse for watching the bar. “Sorry, it’s the restaurant server in me that feels for anyone left in the weeds. I have nightmares about it myself. When I waited tables in high school for Pop, they would drop these big tour buses off for lunch on their way to Houston. By the end of the night I was falling off my feet.” She shook her head at the memory. “I still help the girls out when we hit a rush, but I don’t like to wait tables anymore. I’m happy to hide out in the back, baking.”

Manny sipped the last of his coffee and passed his credit card to the server as she returned with the bill. The simple cowhide wallet was well creased from use. “Well, I’m sure the guests miss your pretty face, but no one can argue you make the best biscuits in town.”

Melvina laughed. “Well now, there’s that.” She waved off his compliment and latched onto something she felt more comfortable with. She knew she was a good cook and though Eli, Pop and Mona continually told her she was pretty, in her heart, she still felt like the chubby cupcake girl from high school.

His rich voice rumbled over her, chastising. “Why do you do that?”

“Do what?” Her defenses went up.

“Brush off every compliment I try to give you outside of baking a pie. I mean what I say, Melvina. You’re a beautiful woman, inside and out, and I’d like to take you out again.” His words melted her defenses.

She felt a rush of warmth hit her cheeks from his blunt words. “I’m sorry, you’re right—thank you for the compliment. I appreciate it and the wonderful dinner. It was quite a treat.”

Manny nodded and leaned toward her, brushing her lips with his in a soft caress. Melvina didn’t have time to back away and it was over before she had to think about kissing him back.

“Well, now that that’s settled.” He scooted from the horseshoe-shaped booth, standing up to scrawl a quick signature across the bill. He held out a hand to Melvina and helped her stand. As they took their leave, Melvina darted a glance at the bar, but Riley was gone.

A cool breeze lifted the folds of her dress, twirling the hem around her bare calves. Stray wisps of her hair had come loose from her braid and now tickled her neck. She shivered and Manny wrapped his arms around her, rubbing her arms as they waited for the valet. “Cold?”

Melvina thought about it. “No, it was just the breeze tickling me. My neck is sensitive and my long hair….” she lost her train of thought as he moved her braid and ran his hand over the sensitive skin at the nape of her neck. Goosebumps danced down her spine and rushed over her extremities. The valet arrived with Manny’s truck. She heard his audible sigh of regret.

The drive home had been quiet as they listened to a soft jazz station on the satellite radio. Melvina would have pegged Manny as solely a country music fan but was pleasantly surprised by the pre-programmed opera, piano and classical stations he flipped through. When they pulled into her drive, she realized she’d forgotten to leave the porch light on, and the house was inky black. She heard Humphrey’s baying as Manny came around to open her door.

Manny looked back at the house, “What’s that?”

“Humphrey, my old basset hound. He’s harmless, but a great alarm system if you want to know about every jackrabbit, squirrel or possum that enters the yard. Eli must have brought him back from camping. We kind of share Humphrey since his condo doesn’t allow pets. It’s great for Humphrey. He likes to lay around while Eli fishes. It works out well since I work long hours at Pop’s. There’s a doggy door, so at least he doesn’t have to hold his bladder.”

They stepped up on the porch and Melvina turned to Manny, “Would you like to meet him?”

Manny pushed a stray wisp of hair from her face and cupped her chin in his hand. “Maybe later.” He bent his head, brushed her lips with his, and waited a beat for her to meet him halfway. Melvina brought her hands to his shoulders to steady herself and let the kiss deepen. Manny’s physique was firm. She could tell he didn’t just sit behind his desk at the station. His shoulders were strong, and she felt his biceps taut against her as he enfolded her in his embrace. His breath was a mixture of whiskey, coffee, and the after-dinner mints they’d both had on their way out. His tan skin, dark hair, and piercing blue eyes were definite assets, but his masculine presence was the kind you read about in heat-filled romance novels. He was all male. He didn’t hide his desire as the kiss pulled them together and she felt the extent of his interest. She pulled back, holding onto the door.

“Manny—” she put a hand on his chest to signal she needed space.

He stood back, but she couldn’t decipher his expression in the darkness. “I’m sorry…. I’ve been wanting to kiss you.” His breath caught and he blew it out with a long sigh. “I’ve been wanting to do that for a long time.”

Melvina’s eyes widened. “Really?”

The rumble of his chuckle vibrated against her hand, making her realize she still had her hand on his chest. She covered her awkwardness by fishing for her keys in her purse.

“Yes, Melvina. If I haven’t made things clear, I like you. I like you a lot.” With those final words, he gave her one more quick kiss and made his way down the porch steps and back to his truck. Melvina unlocked the door to greet an eager Humphrey, who thumped his tail against the wood frame. She held up her hand in a parting wave to Manny as the lights of his truck washed over the chipped white paint railing and pink impatiens flower baskets hanging from above.

She turned on the interior light and bent down to scratch Humphrey behind the ears. Her knees cracked from the stiffness of a long day. She stood and stretched to relieve the pressure. She thought about her evening with Manny and how she’d felt when he kissed her. He was handsome. She was attracted to him, and as her knees just reminded her—she wasn’t getting any younger. Mona’s momma would have told her she needed to get her head out of the clouds and take what was in front of her. As the saying went, one in the hand was better than—but that expression left her thinking of a rather naughty scenario. Somehow, she wasn’t sure she felt that way about Manny. He had done everything right and was a gentleman in every capacity, so why did she keep thinking about Riley? It was all getting too complicated.

The phone in her purse vibrated and Melvina thought to ignore it. When it didn’t stop after a few continued rings, she was sure it was Mona trying to video chat. Dropping her purse on the counter, she moved to the bathroom to turn on the shower. She needed the hot water to run over her skin, to relax and to think about what she would tell Manny next time he called.