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one of those?”
    Cassie followed the woman’s pointed finger. Sebastian was coming out of the kitchen carrying a tray of his specialty cinnamon rolls. “You want Sebastian?” The words fell from Cassie’s lips.
    The woman laughed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I wouldn’t mind a Sebastian but I’ll settle for a roll at the moment.”
    Cassie realized her blunder and attempted a smile of apology. “Of course, I meant it only as a joke. I knew what you meant.”
    “You’re a lucky woman.”
    “Lucky?” Cassie asked as she tightened the lid on the steaming cup.
    “To have a man like him.”
    “Oh, Sebastian and I aren’t together.”
    “Really?” The woman’s chocolate gaze oozed with desire as she watched Sebastian behind the glass case. “I just assumed.”
    Cassie’s smile switched off , but she handed the petite brunette her cup and started to grab a roll from the container on the counter.
    Sebastian said, “Take one of these. They’re fresher.”
    “Thank you.” The brunette’s eyes twinkled as Sebastian packaged her cinnamon roll into a bag. “I’m new to the area. A co-worker said the rolls here are to die for. Once I tried one, I just couldn’t seem to stop. I drive three miles out of my way to grab one of these.” She held up the bag and shook it.
    “Then by all means, breakfast is on the house,” Sebastian said with an ice-melting smile.
    Cassie swallowed. She felt like the third wheel as the brunette returned her own toothpaste-commercial grin “Well, then, enjoy your breakfast.” Cassie forced a grin to her tight lips and stepped back from the counter, leaving Sebastian and the woman a sliver of privacy.
    In the kitchen, Cassie put her energy into kneading dough. She needed something to ease the tension in her muscles from the thoughts swirling in her mind.
    “Over-kneaded dough produces chewy rolls.”
    Cassie looked up. Robin stood in the doorway, a concerned expression marring her otherwise perfect complexion. Cassie wanted to argue, but it would be futile. Robin was right. Cassie reached for the steel cutter and moved on to the next stage.
    “When will you admit it to yourself?”
    “Admit what?” Cassie asked.
    “That you love him.”
    “Who?” Cassie lined the circles of dough onto the pan.
    “Don’t play stupid with me. You know who.” Robin grabbed two Latex baking gloves from the box, slipped them on and joined in filling another pan.
    “You’re talking about Sebastian.” Cassie laughed. “Of course I love him. Seb and I are best friends.”
    Robin scoffed.
    Cassie stopped and wiped her hands on a towel. “Spit it out, Robin.”
    The younger woman shook her head and said, “No.” Robin plopped the last roll down onto the pan and sighed heavily. She lifted her jaw and straightened her spine. “You know, I think I will tell you just how I see it. I’ve watched you and Sebastian skirt around each other like a rooster and a chicken for too long. You’re both too afraid to be honest with one another.”
    Throwing the towel onto the counter, Cassie crossed her arms over her chest. She couldn’t dodge the conversation. “Why would we be afraid of being honest? We can talk about anything.”
    “Everything but telling each other how you feel when it comes to emotions. Your feelings are as obvious as the hooker who stands on the corner of Fifth and Vine. You love him and I’d bet an eyetooth that he is just as crazy about you.”
    Cassie started to deny the allegation, but Robin lifted a hand to stop. “No, don’t tell me it’s friendship only. You’re both so pig-headed that you’re going to lose one another.”
    Cassie moistened her lips. Part of her still wanted to argue, but what would be the point? She finally managed to ask, “We’re going to lose one another?” These words made Cassie curious. “Do you know something I don’t?”
    Robin pulled off her gloves and tossed them into the trash bin. “I know that the cute brunette, the