Soldier on Her Doorstep by Soraya Lane Page A

and crouched beside her. “If you wrap children in cotton wool they can’t have any fun. Tumbles and bruises are all part of being a child.”
    He swallowed. Hard. She was inspecting Lilly, checking her, but she wasn’t angry.
    â€œYou’re fine, honey. How about you go play in your room for a while? Take it easy, okay?”
    Lilly was still doing the odd snuffle, but Lisa simply gave her a pat on the head and blew her a kiss.
    â€œI’m sorry,” he muttered.
    â€œAlex! For the last time, it was not your fault. Do I look angry?” she asked.
    He ran his eyes over her face. He had seen her look worried before, concerned, but, no, not angry.
    She obviously wasn’t like most moms.
    â€œYou’re just in time to try a few things,” she said, changing the subject.
    That sounded scary. He followed her, then sat down at the counter. Same spot he’d ended up when he’d arrived.
    â€œI want your opinion on this slice. And this pastry.”
    That didn’t sound too hard, he thought.
    She straightened her apron and wiped at her cheek. He was almost disappointed when the smudge disappeared.
    â€œWhat’s your book called?” he asked curiously.
    She turned around, turning her wide smile on him. “I’m thinking Lisa’s Treats , but my editor will probably have other ideas.”
    Huh? “Doesn’t that bother you?”
    She fiddled with a tray, then scooped a tiny pastry something onto her fingers.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œNot being able to choose the title yourself?” he explained.
    She raised an eyebrow before lifting the pastry to his mouth. He opened it. How could he not? She was holding something that smelt delicious in front of it.
    â€œThey know how to sell books. I just know how to write what’s inside. Good?”
    He swallowed. Very good. “Good,” he agreed.
    â€œJust good?” she probed.
    That made him nervous. Hadn’t she just asked for good? “Great?” he tried.
    â€œHmm, I’d prefer excellent.” She whisked away, and then twirled back to him. “Try this.”
    Once again she thrust something into his mouth.
    Oh. Yes. “Incredible.”
    â€œGood.” She had a triumphant look on her face.
    He was still confused, but he tried to stay focused on the food. If he didn’t look at the food he’d have to look at her. And the niggle in his chest was telling him that could be dangerous. Very dangerous.
    â€œAnd this?”
    This time when she twirled around she had a spoon covered in a gooey mixture. It looked decadent. Delicious. Just like her.
    â€œLast up—my new chocolate icing.”
    She leaned across the counter toward him. Too close. Hefought the urge to lean back, to literally fall off the stool to get away from her. Lisa’s eyes danced over his. The connection between them scared him rigid.
    He sucked air through his nostrils and tried to stop his hands from becoming clammy.
    Lisa held the spoon in the air, waiting for him to taste from it. He gathered courage and obeyed, his face ending up way too close to hers.
    â€œGood?”
    He could almost feel her breath on his skin. Or was he imagining it? He raised his eyes an inch. She didn’t pull away. There was a beat where he wondered if she ever would.
    â€œExcellent.” He was learning how to play this game. Praise at least one word higher than what she’d asked for.
    â€œOkay—that’s me done for the day, then,” she announced briskly.
    She walked away from him fast. Like she’d been burnt. The flush over his own skin was making him feel the same. He glanced around the kitchen. At the trays littered across the bench, the dishes piled in the sink and the ingredients scattered. Maybe it would be polite to help, but he needed to get out of here. Put some distance between them.
    Yet still he lingered. Good manners overrode emotion.
    â€œWant a hand with all this?” he asked