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‘So maybe a ginger tea?’
‘Maybe.’ He nodded. ‘I can check Ophelia’s books. There’s probably some essential oils that help with nausea…’
‘Sounds good.’ Mia nodded. ‘But also sounds like that’s more a conversation I should have with Ophelia. What would you do?’
She was rewarded with a slow smile that made his eyes sparkle. ‘I think… and I’m guessing here… I’m tempted to say skip the tea and go straight to biscuits. Ophelia was saying she thought my baking could be a good carrier for herbal remedies. I’d have to check which herbs are safe for pregnancy, obviously.’
‘But you’ll help?’
‘Yeah, I think I’d like to try.’
‘I’ll pay you, of course.’
‘Don’t be silly. It’s just a favour.’
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yeah.’ He nodded firmly. ‘In fact, if you’ve got a few more minutes, would you consider doing me another favour?’
‘If it tastes as good as your tea, I’m definitely in.’
‘Hopefully.’ He flashed her another grin before heading back to the little kitchen again, absent-mindedly rubbing an itch on his arm.
Aiden pulled the tray out of the oven and tested a biscuit with his finger, although he already knew they’d be done. Just like he’d known – on some level – that the tea blend was going to work. He hadn’t really thought about it as he’d picked the herbs for the tea. And once he’d finished the basic dough for the biscuits, he hadn’t really considered the spices he was picking either – he’d just let his hands move without thought as his mind entered an almost dreamlike state. He wasn’t sure he understood it – or even liked it – but everything he’d made so far had been delicious, so he tried not to think about it too much. It was probably just some sort of muscle memory from when he’d cooked with his gran as a kid.
He dished up his newest creations and headed back to the shop floor, hoping the recipe would be good. He did a double take as he walked past the large forest-scape painting that he’d helped Ophelia hang just a week earlier. It looked different somehow…
‘That smells amazing.’
His attention snapped back to Mia, who was smiling, and he felt a thrill of attraction tug at him. She was very pretty, with honey and chestnut hair twisted up in a clip, light brown eyes, an explosion of freckles, and a smile that must have her patients loving her.
‘Just some slow-bake biscuits I’m playing with.’
‘I could get used to your sort of favours.’
The interesting turn of phrase could definitely be meant – and taken – in more than one way. ‘I’d be happy to swap more treats for favours,’ he teased, watching closely for the slight twitch of her lips before she shook her head, rolling her eyes slightly.
‘So, you’re wanting feedback on these too?’
‘Yeah.’ He offered her the plate, then pulled it out of reach. ‘But I should warn you first.’
‘About your biscuits? I told you I don’t have any allergies.’
‘It’s not that. Like I said, I’m still learning when it comes to mixing spices and herbs like this, so they’re experimental.’
‘I’m sure they’ll be fine. They smell delicious.’
‘It’s more what they’re supposed to do. If I’ve got this right, they’ll be a bit spicy.’
‘I like spice. What’s in them?’
‘Ginger. Honey. And a few other interesting things… Ophelia challenged me to come up with something special for Beltane in six weeks.’
‘Beltane’s the fire festival, right?’
‘Yup. Fire and fertility. You know about Beltane?’
‘I know some people round here light bonfires.’ She shrugged. ‘So when you say “spicy”, you don’t just mean the flavour?’
