"Don't worry," Marina assured him. "I did not say anything inappropriate. Your secret is still safe with me. I promised you that I won't tell anyone."
They both knew that Ryan was talking about the agreement that Marina had found in his room. If any of his family members knew about his agreement with Violet, he would be in deep trouble. His mother would probably kill him.
"Right," Ryan exhaled in relief. A thought came to his mind, making him suspect that something was strange when Hannah sent her daughter to Violet. "Does this mean Hannah was not on a date with her husband?"
"You don't think she would ditch her daughter for a date with her husband, do you? That is a really irresponsible thing to do as a mother. She's having a shopping date with me, actually," Marina said. "Oh, and she said, hi."
Ryan clicked his tongue disapprovingly.
"But we never thought Violet's bakery would be closed," Marina said after a few seconds of silence. "It's like heaven is helping us. You have to use this chance to figure out your feelings for Violet. Don't miss this chance."
"Marina." Ryan cleared his throat. "I don't know what I should do. I don't know if Violet has changed her mind about me. What if she did not like me? Perhaps she wanted to stay civil and part when the time was up.
"You are worried that she doesn't like you." Marina pointed out. An idea came to her mind and a smile curled on her lips "Why don't you make her fall for you instead?"
"What?" Ryan chuckled.
This was the most ridiculous idea he had heard coming from Marina. But then again, his younger sister always gave him bad ideas. Still... Ryan could not help listening to her
"Yes! That's it." Marina said. "You don't have to worry about anything if the feelings are mutual. Flirt with her a little bit!" Marina suggested. "Don't tell me that you've never flirted before?"
Ryan ran his hands through his hair. "Not really." His dating experience was limited. Moreover, he was not someone who would make the first move. He was bad in the romance department.
"You touch her casually and hold your gaze when you talk to her. Don't be too direct. Let her know that you're interested in her. If she's not comfortable, you will notice it. Then, you would know how she feels," Marina clicked her tongue. "You have so much to learn."
"It's easier said than done," Ryan mumbled under his breath. He did not know whether he could do anything that his younger sister suggested.
"Man up and go for it! We're all rooting for you, Ryan," Marina encouraged. "Alright. I got to go. Hannah is still waiting for me. We still have a few things to shop for. Call me if you run into any trouble."
Ryan peered at the phone when the line was disconnected and stared at his niece. "I think your aunt Marina is a little bit crazy in her head."
"Hey," Violet said when she returned to the kitchen. "Abby offered herself to get us some lunch," she informed. "They're going to get some packed lunch. Would that be okay with you?"
Ryan nodded. "Sure."
"Okay," Violet smiled. She walked towards her cakes and added a few finishing touches. She took a few steps back and took a deep breath. "It's done!" she exclaimed. "Now, all I need to do is keep them in the chiller."
"I'll help you," he offered.
Violet walked towards the walk-in chiller and snapped the door open. "Thanks," Violet said as she watched Ryan carry the tray of cupcakes into the chiller.
"You're welcome," Ryan said and stepped out from the chiller. The duo walked towards the kitchen and watched Lily play with some fondant.
"It's actually nice to have both of you around," Violet said and smiled. "At least I have someone to talk to. And the two of you were such a great helper."
"Hmm," Ryan said. "Can I do anything else for you?" He looked up and his eyes trained on hers. Marina did tell him to hold his gaze when he was having a conversation with her. He wasn't sure about the 'touch her casually' advice, though.
"No. I'm alright," Violet replied. The smile on her face felt forced.
Violet can't help but feel a bit anxious noticing that he was weirdly looking at her. She instantly took a few steps backward when he advanced towards her, causing her small body to bump into the stainless steel table. Her heart pounded at the thought that he might kiss her. Her mouth opened to warn him. "Re—"
Her words were left unfinished when their lips touched.
It was a really brief kiss.
Violet took a step back and swiftly clapped her hand over her mouth and her wide eyes locked on him in confusion.
This is crazy!
Why on earth was he kissing her?
Ryan stared at her in aghast. He could not believe what he had done. All he wanted to do was to help Violet.
He saw her bump on the table and worried that she might fall. Unexpectedly, he pulled her a little too hard, causing her body to jerk forward. Their lips touched with the sudden move.
His lips parted slightly. "I—I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to," he paused when his voice caught in his throat.
The duo caught a clicking noise coming from the front. Then, there was some rustling sound, followed by the cleaning ladies voice chattering. "Violet?" Abby called out. "We're back!"
"I," Violet said. "Abby is probably returned. I should help her with all that food," Violet said, making an excuse to escape from him.
Ryan took a few steps back and he looked at the small girl beside him. Lily was staring at him with a timid smile on her face. His mouth gapped open. "Oh god," he finally said to the little girl. "What have I done?"