Page 63 of Something Handsome This Way Comes

Sadie was carrying six trays at once.

“MY SAVIORS!” Rowen threw both arms wide.

“No,” Grievance said.

Rowen stopped. “I haven’t even asked anything yet.”

“No.”

Milo laughed and set the crate on the counter. “Last batch of popping crystals.”

“Thank the Lantern.” Rowen snatched one jar from the crate and kissed it. “Do you know how many Pumpkin Pop Toffees I have left?”

“Considering the line outside?” Milo asked.

“Seven.”

As though summoned by the number, someone outside shouted, “ARE THE TOFFEES READY YET?”

Rowen screamed back, “THEY WILL BE READY WHEN THEY’RE READY, AGATHA!”

Sadie covered her mouth, giggling, and Grievance narrowed his eyes suspiciously at her.

Rowen began unloading jars. “While I have you both here…”

“No,” Grievance said again.

“I wanted to apologize.”

Grievance paused.

Rowen pressed both hands together. “Properly. For the incident.”

Sadie immediately looked at the floor as though the sight of Milo and Grievance was enough to send her over the edge. Her shoulders shook as she visibly struggled to maintain a polite expression.

“It was an accident,” Rowen continued solemnly. “A terrible, unfortunate, completely unintended accident.”

Sadie made a strangled noise.

“Sadie,” Rowen warned.

“Sorry.” She covered her mouth with both hands.

Rowen managed to maintain his composure for approximately three more seconds.

“Though, judging by Milo’s neck, I suppose some good came out of it.”

“ROWEN!” Sadie doubled over, her mirth bubbling like sticky-sweet syrup as both of them started snorting and hugging their stomachs.

Grievance’s gaze slid toward his mate, who had gone a brilliant shade of scarlet. He didn’t have to look hard to see the mating mark imprinted on his neck, only partially covered by the collar of his shirt.

Grievance felt a deep, possessive satisfaction curl through his chest at the sight of it. Had it not been for the incident, he might never have found the courage to ask for what he’d been quietly yearning for all this time. To ask Milo to accept his mark. To wear it proudly upon his skin. Another surge of pride swelled in his chest.

Perhaps he could forgive the bakers. Someday.

He looked at Sadie again, who was still laughing.

Grievance pointed at her. “You.”