Not even the visit to my mom and dad's attorney had spoiled my joy, even when I found out how my uncle had cheated me and them, for years. I had a separate CPA at Daddy's insistence and everything was going to be linked into the trust Clare's lawyers managed and be connected with her charities at my insistence, especially the one that gave out free medication and advice for diabetics.
It was perfect.
He grinned. Not the polite, careful smile he used on strangers. The real one. The one that made me feel like I could do anything. I wanted to bolt straight across the café, but with Vera watching I managed to keep it to a fast shuffle. Still, I must have looked ridiculous because Walker’s eyes went soft and warm and so full of pride it made my chest ache.
“Hey, princess.” He dropped his sunglasses on the counter and opened his arms, just waiting. I dove in. Didn’t care who saw. He squeezed me close, arms tight around my back, lifting me two inches off the ground even though he didn’t have to.
“Miss me?” His lips brushed my ear, rough and quiet.
I went hot everywhere. “So much.” I was really enjoying myself, but my shift so far had been the longest three hours of my life.
He didn’t let go right away. The smell of his skin, the grip of his hands, the way I fit so perfectly against his chest—I could have stayed there forever.
Vera made a noise behind me, but it wasn’t a cough, more like a snort of laughter. “Don’t mind me, sugar. You’re due for a break.”
I blushed so quickly I thought my ears might catch fire. Walker just grunted, pleased.
“Stay for coffee?” I asked, softer, suddenly shy. “I made the vanilla kind.”
He gave me a slow, lazy smile. “Couldn’t say no to you if I tried.”
I fixed his coffee, hands shaking a little, but Walker didn’t care. He perched on a stool like he belonged there, dark and solid in a room full of pastel. I ducked my head and focused on the coffee machine, hoping I wasn’t doing it wrong.
Walker watched my every move. The way his eyes ate me up from across the counter, it made my knees weak. I nearly dropped the mug sliding it over, but he caught it, steady as ever.
“Thank you.” His hand covered mine, his warm palm swallowing my fingers. “Delicious.”
My heart fluttered. Words were hard.
The rest of the morning zipped past in a daze. I restocked the cookies, wiped the tables, even managed the register with no problems. Vera winked at me every time I passed, but instead of teasing, she just stuck a gold star on my apron and told me I was “crushing it, kiddo.”
Walker didn’t leave. He hung back, sipping his coffee and scrolling his phone, but every time I looked up, his eyes were on me. He didn’t even try to hide it. Sometimes he’d catch me watching and just tip his head, slow, like he wanted me to know it was okay to be seen.
I loved it.
When my shift ended, he came around the counter and scooped me up like he’d been starving for it. My feet left the ground, and I clung to his shoulders, face buried in his shirt. It was safe. The noise of the café faded out like it was behind glass.
He kissed the side of my head, rough and fast. “Let’s go, princess. Got you.”
Vera made a happy sound. “Don’t you come back here without pictures, sugar. I want to see those new stickers I got you put to use!”
I ducked my head as Walker spun us around and headed out the door, his hand never leaving my lower back. It was bright outside, and the heat made my skin prickle, but I didn’t care. All I wanted was to be with him. I felt stupid, probably looked it too, but he didn’t tease or let go. We barely made it to the SUV before he had me pressed up against the side.
“Missed you.” The words came out hot, almost desperate.
I squeaked. His mouth landed on mine, hungry, and I melted. Couldn’t have stood up if he wasn’t holding me against the metal. My hands fisted in his shirt, twisting the fabric.
He finally let up, just enough so I could breathe. His grin was slow, lazy, pure Walker. “I’m so proud of you.”
I buried my face in his chest. I didn’t know what to say. Didn’t need to. He just picked me up again and set me in the SUV like it was nothing.
We drove home with the windows rolled down. Walker’s hand stayed on my knee the entire time, thumb stroking the inside of my thigh. The heat in his palm made my whole body go soft.
“Did Vera feed you?” He glanced sideways, already knowing the answer. I nodded, but he didn’t look convinced.
“I had breakfast. I also ate two low-sugar berry bars.” We had the appointment with the endocrinologist in two days and for the first time I wasn’t scared.
“Good.” The word was soft but loaded. “You’re doing good, princess.”
