A Sweet Taste of Love

Chapter Nine

Today hasn't been great at all. Ryleigh's morning already started horrid when she ran out of her favorite coffee. Then when she made it to the bakery she couldn't find her recipe journal at first and when she did it was in the freezer. The weird part about that is she doesn't remember leaving it there. Just as she thought the day couldn't get worse Landon and some of the construction guys came walking in trailing dirt on her newly cleaned floors.

"Geez couldn't you guys not whip your shoes on the mat outside," Ryleigh states frustrated.

"What's got you in a bad mood Sunshine?" Landon asked with a small smile.

"Don't call me that I'm not in the mood for your games today," she huffed passing a customer her order.

"I just came to get a box of donuts and they guys insisted on tagging along sorry for the dirt," Landon apologizes.

Ryleigh turned around and placed donuts in a box. Landon tried making small talk with her but she ignored him. She knew that he was trying to be nice but being nice to each other isn't their thing and it's weird. At first, she was enjoying them not arguing but now she wished things went back to how they were. 

She passed Landon the box and told them how much it was. Sensing her mood Landon said a small thank you before leaving. He didn't want to stay and say something to make her even more mad. Once he left Ryleigh let out a sigh and got back to work.

Surprisingly the rest of the day went smoothly which she was grateful for. Her time at the bakery was over and the night shift employees were about to start their shifts. Taking off her apron Ryleigh grabbed her bag and said goodbye before she headed out.

As Ryleigh made her way home she bumped into Landon again but this time regained her balance before she could fall.

"Whoa, fancy seeing you again," Landon said with a smile. "I was just heading to grab a quick dinner. You leave for the night?"

Ryleigh nodded, still feeling a bit flustered from their earlier interaction. "Yeah, my shift just ended. I'm ready to get home and relax."

Landon gestured towards the nearby diner. "Well, since we keep running into each other, how about you join me for a bite? My treat, to make up for the mess earlier."

Ryleigh hesitated, unsure if she was in the mood for more interaction with Landon today. But then again, free food was hard to turn down. "I don't know, Landon..."

"Aw, come on, Sunshine," he said, that familiar teasing glint in his eye. "I promise I'll be on my best behavior. And who knows, maybe I can even cheer you up after your rough day."

Ryleigh let out a small sigh, feeling her resolve crumbling. "Alright, fine. But only because I'm hungry and you're buying."

Landon grinned triumphantly. "Perfect. After you, milady." He held the diner door open for her, and Ryleigh couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her face as she walked inside.

As they settled into a booth, Landon studied Ryleigh for a moment. "So, you wanna tell me what's got you so worked up today? I've never seen you quite so...grumpy."

Ryleigh rolled her eyes. "It's been one of those days, you know? Nothing seems to be going right. First, I ran out of my favorite coffee, then my  journal was in the freezer, and then you and your construction crew came in tracking dirt everywhere."

Landon winced. "Ouch, yeah, that does sound like a rough day. I'm really sorry about the mess we made. I'll make sure the guys are more careful next time."

Ryleigh nodded, accepting his apology. "It's fine, I guess. I'm just ready for this day to be over."

"Well, maybe I can help with that," Landon said, leaning forward with a mischievous grin. "How about we hang out tomorrow? I can take you to that new diner and then to an art museum, my treat. Might be a good way to start your day off on a better note."

Ryleigh raised an eyebrow, surprised by the offer. "Are you asking me out on a date, Landon?"

He chuckled. "Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. What do you say, Sunshine? Up for a little adventure with me tomorrow?"

Ryleigh couldn't help but feel intrigued. Despite their constant bickering, there was an undeniable chemistry between them. And maybe a change of pace was exactly what she needed after today's frustrations. "Alright, Landon. You've got a deal."