Free Sugar Rush by Elaine Overton Page A

ain’t so old I can’t remember what love looks like.”
    Sophie was startled out of her confusion. “El? You think I’m in love with the new baker? I’ve only known him two days.”
    “I’m not trying to speak for your emotions.” She shrugged. “Just saying, that kiss earlier didn’t look like it was being shared by two strangers—that’s all I’m saying.”
    Sophie was mortified from the top of her head to the tips of her toes, realizing her grandmother and Wayne had witnessed more that she’d thought. Deciding there was no use in denying it, she said, “I’ll admit I’m attracted to him, but that’s all. It’s not love.”
    Mae only smiled in that knowing way of hers as she turned and headed out the door. “At least, not yet,” she called back just as she went through the door.

Chapter 8
    Chapter 8
    She glanced briefly at the tables where the second order sat waiting to be delivered in the next half an hour. The kitchen had been cleared and cleaned up, and they were ready for business the next day.
    She rolled up to the back door and found El standing against the building. His hands rested at his sides and his eyes were closed, and for a moment she thought he might have fallen asleep.
    “Mama Mae left?”
    Sophie rolled a little closer, careful not to tip over the ledge and onto the concrete a few inches below. “Yes. She’s a Murder, She Wrotejunkie.”
    He smiled. “She’s one sweet lady.”
    Sophie smiled herself. “Yes, she is.”
    Lifting her face, she let the breeze blow over her skin. Surprisingly the alley wasn’t in the least bit smelly. The large containers at the end were where all the businesses in the little strip mall dumped their trash. But the city did a good job of emptying them regularly. Which was good, considering she shared the strip with a Chinese restaurant and a pet store. A video rental store and a dress shop rounded out the small shopping center.
    “You can go on home if you want,” she offered. Although she found his company comforting, she knew he had to be tired.
    “I’m good. Just need a minute to wind down.” He glanced at her, his amber eyes running over her quickly. “How are you doing?”
    “Me?” she asked with a chuckle. “I’ve been sitting in a chair all day.”
    “Yeah, but I know stress and pressure can wear out the body as easily as physical labor.”
    “I’m fine.” She considered saying something about the kiss they’d shared earlier, but then thought maybe it was best to leave it alone.
    “I don’t like you staying in this store alone at night.”
    She looked at him, surprised by the possessive tone of his voice. He spoke like his opinion on the matter carried some weight. She could have told him it didn’t, but instead said, “Once I lock up, it’s as safe as anywhere else.”
    He sighed. “Still don’t like it.”
    “It’s not for you to like,” she muttered, unable to hold back the remark. She closed her eyes briefly. When would she learn to control her flippant tongue? she wondered.
    He glanced at her with a smile but did not say anything in response. She looked away quickly, slightly envious of his self-restraint.
    “About earlier,” he said. “I hope I wasn’t out of line.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “When I kissed you.”
    She laughed. “Funny, I thought Ikissed you.”
    He frowned. “No, I’m pretty sure it was the other way around.”
    She shrugged. “If that’s what you want to believe.”
    He turned toward her, leaning his hip against the wall. “That’s what I want to believe because that’s what happened.”
    “Oh…I get it.” She smiled flirtatiously. “It’s some kind of macho thing.” Then she nodded sagely. “Okay, then—yeah, you’re right, youkissed me.”
    He shook his head with a laugh. “You are something else, girl.”
    Sophie laughed with him, loving every bit of their flirtatious banter. It had been a long time since she’d played with a man like this. Most of her days were