A Moment on the Lips (A Whistle Stop Romance, #3) (30 page)

Piper crossed her arms as though warding him off. “It’s good that things ended between us. We...we didn’t belong together. You want to do things your way, and you don’t want any input—from anyone.”

He wanted to argue with her. He wanted to tell her that he could let down his guard with her, but he was having serious doubts that, after what happened, he could do that with anyone.

She moved to the door and pulled it open. “It’s time for you to go.”

Piper was right. He moved slowly toward the door. He hated that things between them had crashed and burned so badly. He wanted to make it up to her, but he knew she wouldn’t let him do it.

As he passed by her, he paused. His gaze caught hers. “You’re an amazing woman. Thanks for letting me share a little of your life.”

♥♥♥

T
he For Sale sign was removed.

The next day, Piper reopened for business. She honestly didn’t want to do it, but she’d run out of chocolate mint ice cream. So it was either go back to work or head over to Sam’s Hitchin’ Post for another half-gallon of decadence.

Suddenly, she realized that she didn’t want more—well, she did, but not because she was truly hungry for it. She didn’t want to compromise all of the weight-loss progress she’d made in the past couple of months. Not because of her mother. And not because of Joe. This time, she wanted to maintain her fitness for herself, because it boosted not only her self-confidence, but it also gave her more energy. And she liked that. A lot.

Plus, the day after tomorrow was the Autumn Fest, and she had a lot of orders to fill. Lots of secret cakes to bake for the auction. Her mother had already called twice that day to make sure her order would be done in time. Piper had promised it would be.

She had so much to do that she’d skipped another day of running. She told herself it was only because she had so much work to do, but secretly she was worried about running into Joe. She didn’t know what to say to him. In fact, every time she thought of him, tears welled up in her eyes. Just like now. She blinked away the moisture.

She’d put Hannah and Alison on counter duty so that she could hide back in the kitchen, away from the many, many questions she was certain were on customers’ minds. She slid another specialty cake into the oven and set the timer. It was so good to be back to work, but there were reminders of Joe at every turn, from his usual table out front to the bear claws she used to make for him. She missed him so much. But she just couldn’t live life on his terms, at arm’s length. When she was in a relationship, she needed to feel as though they were equals—partners.

She glanced up at the large pink cupcake-shaped clock on the wall. Almost lunchtime. With a break due and the walls starting to close in, she decided some fresh air was in order.

Out front, the whole street was abuzz with men, women, and children setting up for the festival. She could already imagine the bunting that Joe had helped her make fluttering in the wind. She just couldn’t face any of it. Not yet.

She slipped out the back door and headed in the opposite direction, hoping for a peaceful walk. The sun was shining brightly overhead. That was one of the things she loved about Whistle Stop—the countless sunny days. It was invigorating. Exactly what she needed to lift her up, even if her heart felt as though it’d been smashed into a million pieces. When would she ever get over Joe? Sometimes she thought she never would.

A rapid series of loud barks had her glancing around. Immediately, she spotted Java. But instead of Mr. Wilks holding the leash, a young man Piper didn’t recognize had it.

“Hey, boy.” She smiled upon seeing the dog all excited.

The dog jerked on the leash, and the man who was holding it didn’t have a good grip, because the next thing Piper knew, the dog was headed straight for her.

Java stopped next to her, and she immediately grabbed for the leash. When the stranger caught up to them, Piper said, “Hi. I’m Piper, a friend of Mr. Wilks. Are you walking Java for him?”

The young man, in faded jeans and a white T-shirt with the name of an animal shelter printed on the front in blue letters, shook his head. “I’m taking the dog to the shelter.”

“But why? Mr. Wilks loves him.”

“I don’t know all of the details, but apparently the owner died, and there’s no one to take the dog. So they called me in to take him away.”

“Mr. Wilks died? But...but when?”

“I don’t know, lady. I’m not from around here.”

Piper immediately knelt down and hugged Java. A tear slipped down her cheek. Java licked her cheek as his tail swished back and forth.

She’d known Mr. Wilks her whole life. How had she missed this news? Had she been so totally engrossed in her own problems that she’d missed hearing about him being sick? Guilt assailed her. She had to do better. And the first thing she was going to do was find Java a home.

“Can I have him?” She glanced up at the young man.

“I don’t know. I’m only doing what I’m told.”

“Please. I’ll make sure I find him a good home.”

“But there’s paperwork—”

“Do you have the paperwork with you?”

He nodded. “I don’t know about this. I don’t want to get into any trouble. Maybe I should call my boss.”

“Go ahead. I’ll wait. Huh, boy?” Java gave her another kiss, as though he knew she was going to take care of him.

A few minutes later, the call was completed, the paperwork was done, and she was walking Java back toward the Poppin’ Fresh. As much as she loved the dog, she knew someone who loved Java even more. Joe.

“You have to help me out here,” she said to Java as they walked down the sidewalk. “I need you to be on your very best behavior in front of Joe. We need to convince him to take you, at least for a day or two. If we can get him to do that, I think you’ll have him wrapped around your paw and he’ll keep you. What do you think?”

As though in total understanding, Java barked.

“Good boy.”

In no time, they were standing outside the back of the coffee shop. The door was propped open, and there was the noise of hammers inside. That was good. The sooner the repairs were started, the sooner Joe would be in business.

She hesitated at the doorway. She didn’t want to walk Java in there. Even though it appeared that a lot of the debris had been swept away, if the men were working, there was a chance of nails and broken glass and such that could hurt Java.

While she tried to decide what to do, a workman came out the door carrying a couple of buckets of debris. He glanced her way. “Do you need something?”

“Actually, I do. Is Joe Montoya inside?”

The man nodded. “Hang on, I’ll be right back.” The man headed over to a big dumpster and emptied the buckets. “Now what did you need?”

“Joe. Could you tell him that I need to speak with him?”

The scruffy guy moved to the doorway and bellowed, “Hey, Joe! Some lady out here wants to talk to you!”

Well, she could have done that much. Sheesh! Java sat patiently by her side. She stepped in front of him to keep him a surprise for just a moment.

Footsteps sounded, and then Joe appeared in the doorway. His hair was a bit mussed. He was wearing a blue T-shirt with muck on it, his jeans had paint stains, and he had on a pair of fawn-colored work boots. And he had never looked so cute. Under any other circumstances, she’d have snapped a picture to keep on her phone. Sadly, this was not the right circumstance.

“You needed to see me?” His gaze was cool and gave nothing away.

“Hi. I hope you don’t mind that I stopped by.”

His facial expression was a mask of indifference. “I’m rather busy. What did you need?”

She wished he would let down his guard just for a moment. “I hope things are going well.”

“As well as can be expected. Structurally, the building is sound. We’re working on the second floor. It needs the least amount of repair.”

“That’s good.” He didn’t smile, so she didn’t know if she’d said the right thing or not. This conversation felt like an obstacle course, and she was doing her best not to fall face first into a puddle of mud.

Joe pressed his hands to his trim waist and at last met her gaze head on. “Piper, if you have something to say, I’d appreciate it if you’d just get it out there.”

This just had to work. Joe needed someone in his life, someone he could trust and love. She crossed her fingers for luck. “I brought someone to see you.”

She stepped aside. Neither Joe nor Java moved at first. They both stared at each other as though surprised to see one another.

Joe knelt down on one knee. “Hey, boy.”

Java ran over to him, tail a-wagging. A few doggy kisses later, Joe was smiling. Piper’s stomach tumbled at how handsome he was when he wasn’t frowning. Boy, did she miss him.

Joe turned a questioning gaze her way. “How did you end up with him? Did he get loose again?”

Apparently, she wasn’t the only one to be caught up in her own world. “It seems that Mr. Wilks passed away. I don’t have any of the details. But since he doesn’t have any family, well, they were getting ready to ship Java off to the shelter. I just couldn’t let them do that.”

Joe turned back to Java. “Hey, boy, I’m so sorry. You must feel all alone now. But don’t worry, Piper will take good care of you.”

Wait. What?
This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Joe was supposed to be eager to take Java. They were a perfect fit. Maybe Joe just needed his eyes opened a bit.

She toyed with the end of the leash. “I was wondering if you could take care of him. I know I shouldn’t ask, but Java is so comfortable with you.” When Joe’s brows rose, she hurried to add, “Just for a few days or so. I can’t exactly take him into the bakery with me. And I have to work late to fill the orders for the festival. I’d really appreciate it. And I know Java would be happy.”

Joe looked as though he was about to decline her request when Java let off with a string of excited barks.

“I think he likes the idea.” Piper prayed Joe did, too, because she didn’t have any idea how to take care of a dog, and she really did have a ton of work to do. Speaking of which, she needed to get back to the Poppin’ Fresh.

A long pause ensued. “I suppose I could do it.”

“Great.” When she handed over the leash, their fingertips brushed, and a tingly sensation rushed up her arm. Oh, how she truly missed him. If only...

L
et the festivities begin...

Joe wasn’t really feeling festive...not at all.

The memorial service for Mr. Wilks had been the day before. Piper had attended, as well as most of Whistle Stop. Word around the square was that Mr. Wilks had felt fine right up until he’d had a massive heart attack. A neighbor had found him at home with his dog by his side.

It got Joe thinking about his life. If he kept pushing the people away who cared about him, he’d end up like Mr. Wilks. Old and alone. Was that really what he wanted?

His heart kept telling him that wasn’t the path for him. The truth was, he missed Piper. He missed her a whole lot. And though Java was a great dog, his canine companion couldn’t fill the spot that Piper held in Joe’s heart.

Thoughts of her had haunted him night and day since the fire. He replayed the horrific scene over and over in his mind. The memories made him inwardly cringe. How could he have been so awful to her?

No wonder she wouldn’t forgive him. Who could blame her? He deserved whatever she decided to throw his way. He glanced over at Java. So why had she given him the dog? Did it mean she didn’t hate him? Or did it just mean she wasn’t equipped to take care of the energetic pup?

He glanced around for a glimpse of her, but there was no sign of her. He and Java kept walking around the town square. As co-chair of the Autumn Fest, he was obligated to be here to make sure things ran smoothly. He didn’t think there was a business in town that was open today, at least none that he’d noticed when he’d participated earlier in the 5K Fun Run and Walk.

It was during the run that he’d noticed Piper participating. Maybe she was taking some of her own advice and loosening up. If only he could find a way to prove to her that he could do the same, then maybe they’d have a fighting chance at making this thing between them work.

A local country band started to play. Not even the strums of the guitars or the upbeat rhythm of the drums could put some pep in Joe’s step. He was relieved to hear they were singing something cheerful and none of the lyrics were about lost love. He didn’t think he could take that right now.

“There you are.” Mrs. Sanchez rushed up to him, huffing and puffing. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you.”

“Me? Why? Is there a problem with the festival?” He hadn’t noticed anything when he’d made his rounds.

She shook head. “Everything is running smoothly.”

“Then what is it?”

“I wanted to remind you that you’re due at the dunking booth in”—she glanced at her watch—“twenty minutes.”

“I’m what?” Then he recalled how Piper had teased him that she’d signed him up for the dunking booth.

“Is there a problem?” Mrs. Sanchez sent him a worried look over the black rims of her reading glasses. “I have your name right here.” She tapped her pen on the clipboard. “Please tell me you haven’t changed your mind. Everyone is having so much fun over there, and I don’t know if I can find a replacement in time.”

He was about to explain there had been a mix-up, but then he realized this might very well be the ideal opportunity for him to show Piper that he could let go of his well-placed defenses. If she saw that he could let down his guard, maybe then she might give him another chance. What did he have to lose?

“I’ll do it, but can you do me a favor?”

The woman’s penciled brow lifted. “What do you have in mind?”

“Could you make sure Piper is near the dunking booth when I’m in there?”

The woman’s eyes twinkled with delight. “I knew not to give up on you two. When people are right for each other, nothing can keep them apart. You can count on me. I love playing matchmaker.”

That much he knew about Mrs. Sanchez. If it were up to her, she’d have the whole town married off by now. But she was doing her best, one couple at a time.