Page 44 of Forbidden to Fall

“It’s a really good idea,” James said, his tone impressed.

My cheeks warmed. “We’d have to run it by Archer and figure out how to split the revenue and all that, but I think he’d go for it.”

James’s eyes were a bit sharper as he nodded. “You went to the mayor’s party with him.”

Interesting segue. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the comment. “Yeah.”

“Are you guys…?”

It seemed like both of us were struggling to finish our sentences today. Must be going around.

I let out a laugh as I set out the final ingredients. “Uh…no. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I love Archer. He’s one of my closest friends. Which is why I forced him to go. He needs more human interaction—especially with Juliet Monroe.”

“The mayor’s daughter?”

“Yep. She’s a total babe. Anyway, I can talk to him on Monday when I go over after work.”

“I can meet you there.”

I suppressed my surprise—or at least, I hoped I did because it was normal for James to be part of a business discussion. “Yeah, sure.” I looked over my ingredients. “Okay, cookies. I’m going to try a couple of new things today.” I rubbed my hands down my apron. “Mrs. Keller would faint if she knew my plans.”

“Good thing she’s not here. This is your place to experiment.”

I shot him a half-smile. “Brave words from the person I’ll be asking to try everything I make.”

“You can’t send anything my way that’s worse than some of the meals I’ve had camping.”

I raised my brows. “That sounds like a challenge.”

The door opened, and our gazes swung to May.

“Mama,” James said in surprise.

“Don’t get mad now, sugar,” she said. “I’ve been very obedient, but you can’t expect a woman to let the youngin’s have all the fun. Besides, I brought snacks.” She held up a canvas grocery bag.

“You walked down here?” James said.

“I flew,” she teased. “’Course I did, baby. Why wouldn’t I?”

The limp in her leg was worse than when I’d seen her less than fifteen minutes ago, which was precisely what James was thinking, based on his grimace.

“I’m about to throw you over my shoulder and carry you back up to the house,” he said, though there was a hint of amused indulgence in his eyes as he looked at her.

“I’d tan your hide.” She set down the bag and looked at me. “James has had me under strict orders. Makin’ me do the boring stuff—finances and bookin’ tours and tastin’s. So, I decided to stage a little mutiny today and come see what y’all were up to.”

It was probably good that she was here. So far, I wasn’t exactly excelling at the professionalism thing. May could keep me on track.

“I’d love your help,” I said as James shot me a look that said thanks a lot in sarcastic font.

“That’s my girl,” she said, shooting a look at her son. “If he tries to take me away, you’ll defend me, right?”

“To the death,” I said, hand over my heart.

James just shook his head and let out a resigned sigh.

May watched him with a smile. “I think you and I could take him.” She nudged me with an elbow. “What do you think?”

“Easy.”