Part 6 (2/2)

”Aaah, the illusion is always so much more fascinating than the real story, isn't it?” he asked, but the humor in his voice didn't reach his eyes. ”When I was young my family was dealt a series of sudden deaths, and I found the best way to cope was to perform magic tricks to lighten the mood. Thus I donned the mask and became Mike the Magnificent.”

Rachel turned around and rested her back on the edge of the s.h.i.+p. ”You found it's easier to hide behind a mask?”

”We all wear masks, whether we see them or not, don't we?” His gaze locked on to hers. ”But I've learned opening up to others and being myself is more fun than magic tricks.”

Rachel disagreed. She thought his magic tricks were enchanting. But she didn't argue. Instead, she admitted, ”My family . . . isn't all there either.”

Mike moved forward, sandwiching her between his husky body and the hull. He brushed a finger along her cheek and gave her a deep, penetrating look.

”I'll show you my real face if you show me yours,” he said, his voice barely audible against the churning clap of another wave.

Rachel shoved the meaning of his words aside. All she wanted to do at that moment was kiss him. As he built a sand castle of the original Peter Iredale showing his expertise in creating precision models for movie sets, all she wanted to do was kiss him. And after they ate a picnic lunch on the sand dunes, all she wanted to do was kiss him.

But darn it, all Mike did was continue to romance her with his sweet talk, sweeter smile, and sweet yet disturbing way of looking right into her soul. He was so sweet, maybe she'd name a cupcake after him after she tasted his kiss. She only hoped the antic.i.p.ation wouldn't be followed by a letdown. She had more than enough of those on her plate.

THEIR FIRST DATE included a mouth-watering dinner at the new surf-and-turf restaurant located in the old b.u.mble Bee Hanthorn Cannery on pier 39. Then Mike drove her home, opened the car door for her to get out, and walked her to the front door. He held her hand, and she turned to face him, certain she'd finally get a kiss.

”Today was fun,” he said. His lips twitched into a half grin as he held her gaze.

”I had a good time,” Rachel replied and tilted her head ever so slightly upward. Ready. Oh so ready.

”See you tomorrow?” he asked.

Rachel hesitated. If she saw him tomorrow, their two-date relations.h.i.+p would be over too soon. ”How about next week?”

A flicker of mixed emotions crossed Mike's face, but it came and left so fast, she couldn't tell if he was disappointed, delighted, or undecided. She leaned closer, parted her lips, and squeezed his hand. In return, Mike pulled his fingers from hers and stepped away.

”Until next week then,” he said, his eyes searching hers.

Wasn't he going to kiss her? Why wouldn't he kiss her? She thought they got along great. Didn't he feel the same way? Maybe she should have agreed to see him tomorrow. Maybe then he would have taken her in his arms and kissed her.

Rachel's stomach tightened. I can't believe this.

”I might be free tomorrow,” she said, digging her toes into the tips of her shoes. ”Call me.”

”I will,” Mike promised and turned to leave.

Ready to burst like a baked potato left in the oven too long, she closed the door and heaved a sigh. Her grandfather and his visiting nurse sat in the living room.

”By golly, will you look at that red hair!” he exclaimed. ”I knew a girl with red hair once. Can't remember her name.”

”Rachel?” the nurse prompted.

”No, not Rachel.” He frowned. ”Someone else.”

The doorbell rang, and Rachel reopened the door, hoping Mike had come back. Maybe he decided he couldn't leave without giving her a kiss after all.

But no one was there. She looked around the driveway and neighboring yards. Then she looked down and noticed the basket of pink and white flowers on the front step, the same type of May Day flowers Mike had given her earlier when he told her the legend of . . .

She gasped, realizing Mike hadn't kissed her because he wanted to give her a choice. If she wanted a kiss, she'd chase after him. If not, she'd leave the door closed.

She sprang down the steps and rounded the corner of the house. He wasn't hard to catch. Mike spun around and laughed, his eyes gleaming with mischief. ”I didn't think you were coming.”

Her heart pounded. ”I couldn't resist.”

”See if you can resist this,” he said, and with a grin, he leaned his mouth down to hers.

Chapter Seven.

Love is always open arms. If you close your arms about love, you will find that you are left holding only yourself.

-Leo Buscaglia LATE THE NEXT day Rachel stood beside Mike on the sidewalk in front of the parked Cupcake Mobile. Kim had finished painting a giant pink frosted chocolate cupcake on the side of the vehicle with three swords and their borrowed Three Musketeers logo, ”All for one, one for all!”

Andi stood opposite them, her hands on her hips. ”Rachel, it was your idea to get the truck.”

”Yeah, but I didn't think I'd be the one who would have to drive it.”

Kim balked. ”Don't look at me; I doubt my feet would even reach the pedals.”

”Well I'm not the only one who's going to drive this thing,” Andi argued. ”What we need is a delivery boy.”

Mike grinned. ”I could drive.”

Rachel gave a start and turned her head toward him. ”What do you mean?”

”I've been between jobs the last few months, taking on different paying gigs to float me until the next big paycheck,” Mike told them. ”I'd be happy to drive the truck and deliver cupcakes to your clients.”

”W-work for us?” she stammered.

Andi clapped. ”Oh, Mike, that would be great.”

”Super great,” Kim echoed and nudged Rachel with her elbow. ”Don't you think so, Rachel?”

”Yes,” Rachel said, forcing a smile. ”Great.”

Except . . . well, what about her two-date rule?

Andi and Jake had spent time together before their first official date. She supposed seeing Mike day to day in a nonpersonal capacity wouldn't count as a date for her either. She could do it. She was strong. Not like those women from the Lonely Hearts Cupcake Club.

After her second date with Mike this afternoon, she'd restrict their relations.h.i.+p to casual contact, and it would all be okay. Yes, she was sure everything would work out fine. Absolutely 100 percent perfect.

<script>