Excerpt from Whispers of Love

Just as I was about to reply, the door to Northern Pines Pastry chimed, announcing the arrival of someone new. In walked a rugged, earnest-looking man, his deep brown eyes like the untouched wilderness. A smile played on his lips, and I couldn't help but be intrigued.

"Speak of the devil- or charming locals," I said. “Who is that?”

The devil in question walked to the counter and ordered a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll.

“That’s Ben Reynolds, our local wildlife biologist.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Not bad looking for a scientist. I generally picture scientist, as being a little… geeky, I guess.”

Izzy laughed. “Oh, not Ben. He spends almost all his time outdoors.”

As we spoke, he got his coffee and cinnamon roll, and looked around the bakery. There were no empty chairs other than the one at our table. I felt my cheeks flush a bit as he walked toward us.