“I can’t even explain how cool it was,” he said. “You’d have loved it. You’ll find lots of uses for it. It’s great on gingerbread house projects for the holidays.”

“Wouldn’t that be awesome?”

“You can light them up. You wouldn’t believe the gingerbread competitions over there.”

“I get it. Paris is known for their culinary expertise, but you do realize there are wonderful chefs and cuisine right here in America. We have them here in North Carolina too. Asheville has a wonderful one.”

“I’m sorry. You’re right. It’s just all I’ve focused on for seven years.”

“Don’t I know it.” She clasped her hand across her own mouth. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to get snappy with you again. I don’t know why I keep doing that.”

He shrugged, then without a word he moved the pots to the sink and started cleaning up.

She let him as she made the final details on the cake. “Thanks for helping clean up. I’ll get the rest of this in the morning.”

“It is morning,” he said.

She noticed the clock. “Oh gosh. I need to get home and fix Gray’s breakfast. Thanks for your help. What a great night.”

“Yeah. Like old times, but wait…who is Gray? I didn’t. I mean…” He stared at her, his brows pulling together. “So…you’re seeing someone?”

Chapter Ten

Chapter Ten

Kelly had half a mind to let him believe she had a boyfriend. “No.” She couldn’t let him languish, although he probably still deserved to. “I’m not seeing anyone. Gray is my pet pig. I got him after you left.”

“A pig?”

“Yes. A pig. As in oink-oink. It’s a long story.”

He touched her elbow. “I’ve got to see this. Can I come with you?”

It had turned out to be a fun night, just like he’d promised, but coming to her house? She wasn’t sure about that.

“I’ll drive you over, and then when we get back I’ll be out of your hair.” He tilted his head. “Wait. You don’t really have a pig, do you? You’re just giving me a hard time.”

“Oh, I most certainly do have a pig.”

“Then prove it.”

She felt alive again with him, but he’d just be leaving again. She didn’t want to get her hopes up. Her head knew this was just a friendly reunion, but her heart wasn’t to be trusted. But what was the harm of letting him see Gray? The pig was named after him, for goodness’ sake.

“Fine, but I’m driving.” She headed out of the bakery before he could argue.

“Okay.” He ran to catch up with her before he got lost in the maze as she cut through the factory to the parking lot. “Wait up!”