pointing toward Avis’s orange cranberry muffins. Huge and filled with so much fruit, the berries popped from the top.
“I don’t eat breakfast.”
Avis, somewhere in her late twenties, tilted her head and chuckled. “You might start if you try one of those. They’re addictive.”
Ed glanced across his shoulder at the woman and cleared his throat. “Yeah, okay. Thank you. Not that I don’t like breakfast, I just hate cooking.”
Man of few words, Dixie thought. Avis, in the meantime, plastered a permanent grin on her lips as her gaze strayed down his tall frame and landed somewhere beneath the SEAL’s waist and the top of his thighs.
The only critique the baker got when he bit into the muffin was an arching of his brows and an affirmative groan.
“I’ll take that as a thumbs up,” Avis teased.
He finished chewing and nodded. “Try to keep my carb intake on the low side, but this is pretty damn good.”
Josh strolled up. Dix offered him a cup of coffee and plunked a muffin down, since he’d already polished off the croissant. “They’re better than your mom’s.”
“That’s a pretty tall order but if they’re as good as that croissant, I’ll give it a shot.”
Dixie cracked up laughing and her guests turned toward the window. Nina had her face pressed to the glass and clawed to be let inside.
Nina’s muffled voice said, “Coffeeeee, I need coffee. Open the damn door.”
Dix shook her head and strolled across the wood floors to let her friends in. Nina rushed through the door, followed by Rayne, Marg and Lumin. A couple seconds later, Kayla strolled through as well.
“Morning, Commander,” Rayne greeted with a big smile. “Hi, Cracker.”
Ed Saxton nodded while taking a long swallow of coffee. “Shit, that is good stuff.”
Nina fisted the counter. “Give me an Americano, or give me death.” She unhooked the purse from her shoulder and dug her hand into the bag. “I’m buying for everyone this morning.”
“Oh my goodness, look at those muffins,” Lumin cried. “I need a dozen of those.”
“Everyone, this is Avis,” Dix introduced. “She owns Nado Bakery across the street. Believe me, she makes the most marvelous products. You definitely want to drop by.”
While Dixie placed a tin cup below the spout of the machine before making a shot of expresso, Kayla rounded the counter and asked, “Extra apron?”
She nudged her head toward four drawers to her right. “Second one.”
After retrieving the apron, she tossed the neck strap over her head and secured the ties around her waist. Kayla grabbed a mug and filled it with the mild blend, giving the brew to Marg.
After a sip, Marg groaned with happiness. “Dixie, if you ever want to become a retail chain, let me know. I’ll be your silent partner.”
That shocked the hell out of her. “Seriously?”
Marg sipped again and nodded. “Yes. Very serious.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“What are you doing, Snow White?” Josh asked, watching Kayla check things out behind the coffee bar.
“Just doing our part, CDR Hunter.” She filled another ceramic mug and gave it to Rayne. “Refill, Cracker?” she asked and smiled sedately.
He cleared his throat, looking a little uncomfortable. “Is that a trick question?”
Avis giggled and Cracker raised a brow at her.
“No, Mr. Saxton, it isn’t,” Kayla answered.
He popped the plastic lid off his cup and gave it to her. “Not exactly used to having an admiral’s wife serve me coffee.”
All the wives stared at Josh and he quickly glanced at each face. “Guess I don’t have to be concerned about Dixie’s safety today.”
Kayla nodded. “I would say that’s a fair assessment, Commander.”
The front door opened and an elderly couple sauntered in. Dix’s friends cleared the way, and the couple ordered two coffees and two breakfast sandwiches. A few seconds later, two women wearing jogging pants and t-shirts strolled in.
After taking the customers’ orders, she retrieved the baked goods, plated them and said she’d deliver the coffees to their tables. The rest of the baked items, she separated. Some went into the display rack, others she kept by the till.
“I have to get cash for the register, I’ll be right back.” Dix headed down the hallway and her SEAL escort was close behind. Stepping into her office, she rounded her desk and knelt by the safe.
“You didn’t answer my earlier question,” Josh said, standing in front of the closed door.
“You first. What did Cracker want and who was on the phone?” She drew out the envelope where she kept her cash.
“He’s doing some field work today.”
She stood and opened the envelope to