Page 88 of The Summer of Us

“See you at the bakery.”

* * *

Linc

Escaping the parking lot was easy. Making it through the bakery was a different story. Even though the only people in it were Michael and Abby.

When we walked in, Abby at first looked relieved, then her eyebrows shot up and her lips twitched, looking at the outfits Sunny and I wore. My shirt and sweats hung off Sunny, showing all the love bites I had left on her neck. Her hair was wild, her cheeks and neck pink from the scruff on my face. She looked well and truly fucked and no doubt, so did I. I certainly felt it. I was sure my ass was covered in bruises from the rocks.

Michael blinked, looked at Abby with a grin, and stood. “I, ah, should be going.”

I refused to feel ashamed, although I didn’t want Sunny embarrassed. But as usual, she surprised me.

“Oh, sit down, Michael. It’s not as if I didn’t see you making out with Abby this morning while you were supposed to be cleaning the supply room.”

He gaped at her. “I was helping her reach something on the shelf.”

Sunny snorted as she poured us each a cup of coffee and reached for a plate of cookies. “What was her mouth reaching for? Your tongue?”

I barked out a laugh and sat down, pulling Sunny to my lap. I wrapped my arm around her, holding her close. “Your mouth looks a bit swollen, Mike. Allergies acting up?”

Abby chuckled and pulled on Michael’s hand. “We’re all adults here, Michael. Relax.”

He shook his head and sat.

“Everything okay with the store?”

“Yes. Martha canceled everything. Business as usual again tomorrow.” He cleared his throat. “Thank you for, um, anything you did.”

I shook my head. “I did nothing but talk. I think our deputy mayor realized she had made an error.”

“Well, I still appreciate it.”

“No thanks needed.”

We sipped our coffee, and they chatted. Talked about the baking to be done for the weekend, plans for a barbecue maybe on Sunday—all normal, everyday things most people would take for granted. I loved listening to it. Being part of it.

I let the conversation drift away as I thought about what I’d said to Sunny earlier. I meant it. I was going to marry her—and soon. We had lost enough years, given up enough happiness already. I wanted my life with her to start now.

I simply had to figure out the how-to’s.

The touch of her hand on my cheek startled me, and my eyes flew open. I blinked, confused.

“Where are Abby and Michael?”

She smiled, stroking my hair. “They left about ten minutes ago. You fell asleep.”

“Holy shit.”

“You’re exhausted, Linc. Abby is going to have supper with Michael and his kids. We’re going upstairs, and we can have a shower. I’ll make you something to eat and you’re going to bed.”

“You’re coming with me.” It wasn’t a question.

She smiled softly. “Yes. I will come with you. I have a busy few days ahead of me.”

I stood, swinging her up in my arms and heading to the kitchen and the stairway.

“I’m gonna help.”