Page 2 of Riptide
He noticed. Of course he noticed. Former FBI agents noticed everything.
"Early morning?" she asked, aiming for casual.
"Harold's chickens."
"Called it."
"In your head or out loud?"
"In my head. I'm not that predictable."
His smile crinkled the corners of his eyes. "You're really not."
The words hung between them, heavier than they should be. Because she wasn't predictable. She was a complete mystery to him. And that mystery was the only thing keeping her safe.
And keeping them apart.
"Cinnamon roll?" she offered, deflecting.
"Always."
She plated one, still warm, and slid it across the counter. He took a bite and made a sound of appreciation that should probably be illegal.
"I don't know how you do it." He shook his head. "Six months ago, you'd never baked professionally. Now you're the best baker in three counties."
Because she'd spent twenty-three months in federal prison with plenty of time to learn new skills. Because Dom Adler had sent her here with nothing but a fake identity and the desperate need to disappear. Because becoming Cara Sweet meant mastering everything Cara Sweet should know.
"YouTube videos," she said lightly. "Lots of trial and error."
"Well, whatever you're doing, keep doing it." He checked his watch. "I've got a city council meeting at eight. Wish me luck."
"You'll be fine. Just remember—Bart Steadman gets loud, but he's harmless."
"I'm more worried about Marjorie Pritchard and her opinions on stop sign placement."
"Oh, you're doomed."
His laugh was warm and genuine, and for a moment, everything felt easy. Natural. Like they could actually have this—morning coffee, comfortable teasing, something building between them.
Then his radio crackled with dispatch traffic, and reality crashed back.
He was a cop. She was a fugitive.
This couldn't happen.
"I should go." He drained his coffee, setting the cup down with what looked like reluctance. "Thanks for this."
"Anytime."
He lingered at the door, hand on the frame, like he wanted to say something else.
She held her breath.
"Cara—"
The bell chimed as someone else entered, and the moment shattered.
Gabe nodded, professional mask sliding back into place, and left.
