AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“The smile. I remember those dimples.” He touched her cheek again, like he had last night. It left a trail of heat. “It’s sweet.”
“I-I’m twenty-seven,” Bailey said. “I think my sweet years are behind me.”
“I don’t think you could ever lose your sweet, Bailey Jones. You were special at thirteen, and from where I’m sitting you still are.”
Bailey got off the seat so quick she stumbled. Righting herself, she dug into her bag and found some money to pay for her meal.
“You d-don’t know me now. You can’t say that.”
“You’ll still be the same person inside, even if the facade has changed.” His green eyes were steady on her face. “Did you manage to fulfil those dreams you told me about, Bailey? The ones we shared on that winter day huddled in our secret place?”
“I’m not that silly little girl anymore, and dreams change... I’m sure yours have.”
“She wasn’t silly. She was kind, and loving, and one of the most amazing people I have ever met. That girl saw something in me no one else ever had.”
Their eyes held for long, painful seconds before Bailey made herself pull away. She walked away from him and didn’t look back, returning to the safe haven of Maggs’s little house as fast as her legs could carry her.
Chapter 8
Joe followed on Bailey’s heels.
“I didn’t mean to upset you, Bailey.” He caught up with her as she walked out the door. His fingers closed around her wrist. “I just wanted to talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about, Joe. That was then and this is now. We’re different people, and don’t need each other.”
“I can always use a friend. How about you?”
She pulled her arm free and turned to look at him. Her face was composed, emotions locked away.
“I don’t need friends, Joe, I need a job, and as you are my boss, I don’t want to have this rear up between us again.”
“This being talk of our past, and anything too personal?”
She nodded. “L-let’s just leave it there.”
“In the past?” He wanted to touch her again, see if she softened any and the chill in her eyes warmed.
She nodded. “Exactly. I’m glad that’s cleared up. Bye.”
Joe watched her jump down the steps to the pavement, then hurry away.
“I was never good at following orders,” he muttered, turning to head back inside. His mind was full of her. What had happened to turn her into the person she was today? Where had that open, caring girl he’d loved gone? His Bailey. His savior.
“What the hell was that about?” Pip stood before him behind the counter, hands braced on top, her eyes telling him she wanted answers.
“What?”
“The chemistry between you two.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Now bring me more food, woman, or I’ll have to charge you for that meal tonight.”
She didn’t budge.
He sighed... loudly. “Leave it, Pip.”
“We’ve never had secrets, Joe.”
Yes, we have,he thought,and she just walked out the door.
