Casey took a sip of her coffee, gaze fixed on his face. "I hope you don't mind my sitting here. I mean, I thought maybe we could chat a little. If it's okay with you," she added quickly.

"I don't mind." And he was surprised he didn't. "So." He took a bite of the pastry, giving an appreciative moan. "Tell the baker she has my undying love and affection."

"Yours and everyone else's." Casey chuckled. "So would I be too nosy if I asked the real reason you ended up here? We're not ...