AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The bell above the door jingles and a young couple walk in, hand in hand. They lean into each other, their love etched clearly on their faces as they banter.
A pang of longing hits me, and my smile falters.
I've been single for a while now, focusing on my business and healing from a past relationship that left me heartbroken.
Seeing couples like this reminds me of what I've been missing, of the love and companionship I crave.
I shake myself out of my thoughts and greet the couple with a warm smile, determined to focus on the present moment.
As I take their order, I catch Jake's eye, and he gives me a reassuring smile as if he’s sensed the shift in my mood.
Jake's eyes wander around the bakery, taking in the cluttered shelves and the haphazard displays. His brow furrows and I can practically see the gears turning in his head.
When I return, he leans in with a thoughtful look, making me wonder what’s coming.
“Don’t take offense, but I notice you have a situation with those shelves. They’ve seen better days.”
He makes inverted commas with his fingers around ‘situation,’ reminding me of his age. Although Jake is younger than my dad, it’s something he would do.
I sigh, my shoulders slumping. “Upgrading the shelves has been on my to-do list for ages, but I don’t have the time or money to tackle it.”
“I get it. Running a business is tough, but I wouldn’t have said anything if I didn’t have a solution,” Jake says, his expression understanding. “I don’t want to brag, but I’m pretty handy. I could help you build something to maximize this space.”
Jake works for Clearwater Constructions, but I thought he was a manager.
My eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “You’re a carpenter?”
He chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. “Outside of work, it’s a bit of a hobby. I've built a few things for Amber's room, and I helped my buddy renovate his kitchen last summer.”
I look around the bakery, trying to imagine what it could look like with custom shelving and displays.
My chest tightens with excitement as I imagine the endless possibilities. “I've always wanted to showcase my products better.”
Jake's eyes light up, and he leans in closer, his voice low and conspiratorial. “I'm thinking rustic wood shelves with wrought iron brackets for a bit of character. And a large display case right in the center for your amazing creations.”
My heart races as I eagerly nod. New shelving will create opportunities to attract customers. But even with a potential discount, I don't know if I can afford it.
Doubt clouds my mind, and I bite my lip nervously. “It's very generous of you to offer, Jake, but even the materials would probably be too expensive.”
Jake waves his hand dismissively, his soft smile putting me at ease.
“Don't worry about that. I can supply the materials and labor free of charge. Consider it a friendly favor.”
His offer leaves me stunned, a mixture of gratitude and disbelief swirling in my chest.
“I can't let you do that. It's too much.”
He shakes his head, his brown eyes earnest. “You deserve this, Finley. Let me help.”
The sincerity in his voice touches me deeply. “When would you even have time to do this? I know you're busy with your own work.”
Jake grins, a mischievous glint in his eye. “I'll build the shelves on my days off or whenever I can fit it in. It'll be a fun project for me, and it'll give me an excuse to spend more time here.”
His words send a pleasant shiver down my spine. “I don't know what to say. Thank you, Jake. Truly.”
He leans against the counter, his gaze holding a mixture of curiosity and admiration.
“Last week, you said you didn't have a boyfriend. I would think a beautiful woman like you would be snapped up straight away.”
