1
" Annie cookies. Or more precisely, anise cookies. The name got butchered somewhere along the way."
He took another bite and let the flavors explode on his tongue. "It's sweet and spicy and tart all at the same time. Your grandmother was a genius."
Cassie arched a white-painted eyebrow. "I don't think she invented anise cookies. But yeah, I like the mix of the licorice flavoring with a sugar cookie. She used to make them for Christmas, but I think they're better for Halloween. Anise just seems like a darker, more complex spice, something suited for goblins and ghouls rather than a jolly Santa Claus." She reached up and wiped a bit of icing from his lip, then blushed. She ducked her head back to her cookie. "The icing has a bit of lemon juice in it. I think the citrus gives the anise a nice punch."
Chip rubbed his mouth, his flesh still humming from her touch. Cassie was the one who packed a punch. She was just like her grandmother's cookies: a mix of sweet and heat, spice and tart. Every part of her he found appealing, knowing it all added up to this complex woman. "
― Allyson Charles , The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice (Moonbright, Maine #2)
2
" Business the old-fashioned way worked in present-day Moonbright. The front window showcased a tower of stacked vitamins and supplements, children's games and toys, locally made treats- benne wafers, taffy, and lemon biscuits- as well as specialty bath and body products. The store owner was faithful to elderly female customers and did his best to keep them happy. He continued to stock their favorite retro perfumes- Emeraude, Tabu, Chantilly, Moon Drops, along with their preferred Mavis talcum powder and Bigelow Rose Wonder facial creams. Items the ladies refused to live without. "
― Donna Kauffman , The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice (Moonbright, Maine #2)
4
" I had also planned to stop at Herbert's Orchard and pick a basket of apples."
He could do apples. There was a small family store on-site that featured homemade fudge, pies, jams, jellies, and maple syrup, plus Maine-made crafts and gifts.
"Do you have a favorite apple?" he asked.
"Two favorites, actually. The Honeycrisp for sweetness and crunch, and the Ginger Gold, sliced with sharp cheddar cheese on salads. How about you?"
"Macintosh, all-around good. The best for pies, in my mom's opinion. "
― Donna Kauffman , The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice (Moonbright, Maine #2)
10
" Any plans for supper?"
"A take-out sandwich from Franklin's Diner."
"I'd like to celebrate your first day of work," he slowly said. "I was hoping you'd join me at Enzio's." While most locals and visitors to Moonbright chose lobster rolls, fried haddock, and steamers, Jack liked Italian cuisine.
Enzio's was wedged between a bank and a real-estate office. Small and intimate, the ristorante brought Italy to Maine. Stone columns and pillars supported the entryway. Low lighting muted the Tuscan-style colors, marble floors, and murals of the Italian countryside. Candlesticks flickered in wine bottles.
Lara stood still before him. She'd yet to respond. "Enzio's never disappoints," he attempted to convince her. "I called ahead and checked on the evening specials. The chef recommended four courses: Garden Minestrone soup, Olive Caprese salad, Brown Butter and Sage Ravioli, and Raspberry Gelato. "
― Donna Kauffman , The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice (Moonbright, Maine #2)
12
" He admired the vintage ambiance, as well as Lara's backside as they headed down the center aisle. She was graceful, curvy; her hips hypnotized. The gentle sway of distracted him, and he walked into the corner of the soda fountain counter. The edge jabbed his hip. Painfully. Embarrassingly.
Fortunately, Lara hadn't noticed. She'd lowered herself onto a red leather stool and picked up a laminated menu. He rubbed his hip and dropped down beside her. The stools were close together, and Lara and he seemed almost attached in the small space. The slightest shift of their bodies and their thighs brushed. He stretched, reaching for a menu just as she withdrew a napkin from the metal holder. It was a moment neither of them could've expected or predicted. Yet one that would be imprinted in time. Forever. Her shorter legs parted and his knee pushed in. Way in. Connecting with her crotch.
She was jarred forward. Gasping. Her arms flayed. She clutched his thigh with one hand and saved herself from falling off the stool. Her fingertips inched near his zipper. So very close. An innocent reflex pressed her legs together, which only rooted him deeper into her. Her softness held him. Sensually snug.
His thigh muscles flexed, bunched. His stomach knotted. Awareness heated his body, and he stiffened. Her blazer parted, and he saw that her nipples were puckered beneath her white silk blouse. Responsive feminine points. "
― Donna Kauffman , The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice (Moonbright, Maine #2)
13
" Nate carefully dipped vanilla, butter pecan, strawberry, and rocky road. Each scoop was full and rounded.
Jack and Lara blinked at the same time. Four big scoops for the small lady. Could Edna really eat it all?
Apparently so, and more to boot, as she went on to remind Nate. "The works."
Nate gave her a thumbs-up.
Jack resumed eating. His patty melt was delicious, thick with cheese and perfectly cooked. Beside him, Lara enjoyed her own sandwich. They silently anticipated the works.
Which was soon realized. With dramatic flair, Nate proceeded to drizzle hot fudge topping over the rocky road, add strawberry sauce to the strawberry ice cream, caramel to the butter pecan, and a spoonful of warm melted marshmallow to the vanilla. "
― Donna Kauffman , The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice (Moonbright, Maine #2)
14
" Do you feel the need for-" One look at her and speed died in his throat. Silence collected. Awareness amplified. The mirror reflected her uncertainty. His self-confidence.
The fluorescent lights cast Jack on the fast track with his Top Gun zip-front flight suit. His white T-shirt peeked from beneath. A Maverick name badge and dark aviator glasses were included. He could easily give Tom Cruise a run for his money.
"You look like a movie star," she managed.
He leaned a shoulder against the doorjamb. Crossed his arms over his wide chest. His gaze was a visual touch. "The Queen of Hearts," he admired, his voice husky. He reached out, skimmed his forefinger along her heart-shaped bodice. "I have few words. You're indescribable and desirable as hell. A fantasy, sweetheart."
In spite of the customer traffic in a nearby aisle, he leaned in, his whisper possessive. "I'm looking forward to a night in Wonderland." He kissed her then, full on the mouth. A lingering kiss that sped up her heart and tented his flight suit. "
― Donna Kauffman , The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice (Moonbright, Maine #2)