Cupcakes and Kisses (Hot in Magnolia Book 1)

Melvina scheduled herself for kitchen duty the rest of the week. Every morning she gathered bags of flour and dumped them into the large bins, then fed the yeast and started the loaves of bread she would bake for the day. Red-velvet cupcakes cooled on wire racks while she whipped up the fresh cream cheese icing, then filled the sprinkle shakers with the many-colored confections she’d use to decorate the frosted tops of the cupcakes.

Methodically, she moved to the cooler to fetch the four dozen eggs she would need for the pecan pies and lemon cakes. She was in her zone when she was alone in the kitchen doing what she loved. Her worries faded into the distance and a wave of calm washed over her as she entered into a blissful creative flow. Baking was an art, and Melvina was a culinary artist. She knew she had a talent, a gift that brought happiness to others.

Thank the heavens that God gave me baking as a coping skill. My addiction to sugar and flour at least make the world a happier place.

She wore a satisfied smile as she whipped, beat, frosted and kneaded her way through the morning. When the hustle of the breakfast rush bled to lunch, then dinner, she finally hung her apron on a hook and walked to the office to say good-bye to Pop. She watched his slim frame bent over the office adding machine, totaling sales for the day. His full head of salt and pepper hair was brushed back from his forehead, and his matching mustache was perfectly combed and oiled to sleek barbershop perfection. Her heart swelled with pride. Pop had always been there for her.

When did his hair turn so gray?

Melvina rapped on the doorframe to the office. “I’m heading out, Pop. Need anything before I go?”

“Melvina darlin’, I think you’ve done enough. You should have checked out hours ago. Is Eli late again?” He looked over the wire-rimmed reading glasses.

“No, he’s out front pouring coffee for Mac and Lynn. All’s good. I just wanted to fill the pie cabinet and make extra cupcakes for the library’s bake sale tomorrow.”

Pop nodded and poked at the adding machine. “All right then, doll. See ya tomorrow.”

Melvina waved and started toward the back exit. She was trying to avoid the front of the diner since the day she saw Celia and Riley kissing. It was also the day Manny asked her out.

Too much confusion for one day.

She’d thought about Manny’s offer more than a few times but wasn’t sure what she wanted to do with that situation. She had mooned over Manny for so long, and now Riley had waltzed into her life, turning everything topsy-turvy. Riley had given her signals, but he had a reputation with the ladies. She didn’t know why she felt so hurt over seeing him locking lips with Celia.

It’s not like we’re dating or anything.

Sharing a few drinks and a ride to the library didn’t make for a commitment. On the other hand, her life-long crush on the fire chief had finally sparked to life. Manny had actually asked her out. So why did she high-tail it out of there like her tail feathers were on fire? This was all too stressful. She just needed to get home and relax.

The gravel crunched under her feet as she made her way to her car. She fished her keys out of her purse, and when she looked up, Manny was leaning against the driver’s side door.

Caught by surprise, she opened her mouth and whipped her head around to the café and back. “Manny, I didn’t know you were out here.”

“I wasn’t. I was in there,” he pointed to the café, “but then Eli told me you were sneaking out the back, and I decided to catch you before you could run,” he said with a chuckle.

She couldn’t resist cracking a smile as she thought of Eli tattling on her. Ever the matchmaker, her little brother was determined to help her find true love. “I wasn’t sneaking out—well, maybe I was, but it wasn’t from you.”

He seemed relieved as his shoulders relaxed and he let his crossed arms fall. His hands casually hooked onto his jean pockets. “That’s good to know. How about that dinner?”

“Um—you mean now?” she sputtered, looking down at her flour-dusted work clothes. “I smell like French fries and pancakes.” She had spilled half a bottle of syrup down her pant leg while filling the bottles for tomorrow’s breakfast.

“Wonderful. I love French fries and pancakes.” He flashed her a grin.

“Chief!” she fussed, shaking her head as she laughed. “I’m not going anywhere like this. There’s been enough gossip going ’round. I don’t want it to be said that I don’t shower or wear decent clothes.”

“Okay, I’ll give you two hours, then I’ll come and pick you up. I got a great place to take you. You’ll love it.”

What could she say? It would be rude to say no, and she liked Manny. She’d liked him forever. “Won’t it be too late? Most places in Magnolia close up early on a school night.”

The chief threw her a sly grin. “Never mind you that. I know a place.”

She was outmaneuvered and wasn’t sure why she was resisting. She was hungry and Manny looked good enough to eat. “Okay, how should I dress?”

“It’s casual but wear what you want. You look beautiful no matter what you wear, and besides, it’s your smile that I like.” The crinkles at the corners of his eyes were warm, and Melvina felt heat rush from her head to her toes. It wasn’t a proclamation about her looks, so much as a declaration about her as a person. He liked who she was.

Isn’t that what I’ve always been searching for?

“I like your smile too,” she blurted.

Pushing himself away from the car, he opened the door for her. As she slid in, he said, “See you in a couple. Drive safe.”