“You mentioned you used to crave these tarts when you were pregnant with Joy,” he said, the memory tugging at the edge of a smile.
He knew she must’ve longed for them back then—but never got the chance to indulge.
He paused again, and then added gently, “You told me about pregnancy cravings, that if women don’t get exactly what they want, they end up heartbroken. Years can pass, but that one missed taste stays with them forever.”
Hadley’s breath caught. She remembered those exact words—words she’d spoken just days ago while sitting with Elissa at the hospital.
She hadn’t realized he’d been listening so closely. And she certainly didn’t expect him to remember every single word.
“Go on,” Eric said, his voice coaxing and warm.
When she still didn’t move, he gently took the spoon from her fingers, scooped some custard filling, and brought it to her lips.
“Here,” he murmured.
“I can feed myself,” Hadley replied, quietly reclaiming the spoon. She took a bite on her own.
Eric watched her with bright eyes. “Good?”
She nodded, gaze dropping. “Yeah… it’s really good.”
“Good.” Eric exhaled in relief, his grin widening. “If you didn’t like it, Red Shell Bistro’s name would’ve taken a serious hit.”
Hadley said nothing. She just kept her head down, quietly spooning one bite after another into her mouth.
“It’s that good, huh?” Eric watched her for a beat, the corners of his mouth quirking.
“Hey, Hadley…” he said, gesturing gently. “You’ve got something on your lips.”
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“Where?” She looked up, confused, fingers brushing around her mouth. “Here? Did I get it?”
“No, not there…” he said, voice dropping as he leaned in a little. “It’s right… here.”
“Where?”
“Just right here…” Before she could respond, Eric reached out—his fingers brushing lightly against her cheek.
“Isn’t this the spot?” he asked, his touch lingering just a second too long. “When you’re facing me, it’s like I’m looking into a mirror. Even Joy gets it when I explain…”
His thumb moved again, wiping the smudge with more purpose this time. Color rose in Hadley’s cheeks. She instinctively leaned back, slipping just out of reach.
“Is it gone?” she asked, her voice low, eyes darting away.
Eric’s hand hovered in the air for a moment before he slowly drew it back. The faintest flicker of disappointment crossed his face, but his smile returned quickly.
“Yeah,” he said softly, “It’s gone.”
His gaze drifted down to the tart, now nearly hollowed out, with just a shallow scoop of filling left.
Without a word, he reached for it.
“Wait—” Hadley’s voice rose in surprise. “What are you doing?”
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