Chapter 2

Scott gathered up the containers, stashing them in a cabinet, all the while thinking about the day he realized Dakota had commandeered the strings of his heart.

“Thank you.” Dakota’s words broke his train of thought.

Scott looked to find the slightly older man busily drying a silver cake pan. “You’re welcome.” Foolishly, Scott felt heat spread across his cheeks, quickly turning away to pour himself a cup of fresh brew. While he was at it, he got another pot started. “It was no trouble. In fact, it’s the least I can do since you never let me pay in the morning.”

“I figure if anyone needs a boost to keep them going it’s you.” Dakota set down the pan, picking up another.

“That’s a lovely piece.” Scott gestured at the blue frosted confection. “Let me guess, Mrs. Norton ordered it for her precious baby boy, the most obnoxious child I’ve ever met?”