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I vowed never to go to bed with a misunderstanding between us again. I wanted never to go to bed alone, but that was probably too soon. We needed to ease Kendall into it, no matter how much I wanted to just move Sophie in.
All those thoughts were too soon because I hadn’t fixed things with her yet. I was going to rectify that just as soon as I reassured myself she wasn’t hurt.
When I walked into the bakery, I got a look from Ellie, but she didn’t stop me. I figured that was a good sign. Deep down, Ellie and Travis were rooting for me despite my screw-up.
I kept moving, not taking in the space, the destruction, or the other people present. There was nobody but her. She looked exhausted and stressed. I wanted to help. I wanted to be the one to protect her. I never wanted to leave her side again.
“Are you going to help out, or are you just here to kiss the beautiful baker?” Cade asked good-naturedly.
Cade offered me a crew, but he and his brother, Nolan, showed up, too. They must have put their jobs on hold so they could help, and I was grateful. The construction business was a tight-knit group of men who were there for each other. I loved it.
Ignoring Cade’s teasing comment, I brushed a strand of Sophie’s hair back from her face. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving, actually.”
“Let’s get you something to eat.” I didn’t think the worry or fear would ease for a while. But I’d take care of her.
“Let’s get breakfast.”
She tipped her head to the side. “An official date?”
“An official date. Our first since high school.”
She smiled. “Let’s do it.”
“You’re not going to stick around and help, are you?” Cade asked.
While we’d talked, half of the damaged items were already cleared. “Sophie needs to eat, and I’m hoping when we get back, this place will look more put together.”
Understanding passed over Cade’s face. “We’re on it. Don’t worry about anything.”
Sophie wrung her fingers in front of her. “I can’t thank you enough for dropping everything to help.”
“We’re all part of the same community. Family, if you will,” Cade said to her.
Sophie smiled, but I could see she was near her breaking point.
“We’ll be back.” I interlaced my fingers with her and drew her away.
I wanted to take her away from everything. She needed to relax, and being around the destruction was only going to increase her distress.
“Thank you for getting me out of there,” Sophie said once we were out on the sidewalk.
I paused, turning so I faced her. “You need to eat.”
“It’s more than that. I should be in there, but…” Her voice trailed off as she gestured over her shoulder.
I tugged her closer to me. “It’s better you’re not. You put everything into that bakery, and to see it that way—”
Her nose scrunched. “It sucks.”
I chuckled. “It does.”
Looking up, I noticed Ellie standing next to Travis by the front door.
Ellie raised a brow. “Are you going to take care of my sister?”
“We’re going to get breakfast,” Sophie answered, not realizing Ellie’s double meaning.
