AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He smiled at his daughter. “Remember the cream puffs?”
Ruby nodded enthusiastically.
“Chef Giordano made them.”
She was impressed he knew to call her chef. But then, hadn’t the little girl mentioned her mom worked in a restaurant? “Do you like cream puffs?”
Ruby nodded with total sincerity.
“If you promise to never leave your house without an adult, I’d be happy to make some and bring them to you.”
“Could she, Daddy? I want them.”
“You heard what she said. Only if you promise not to take off on your own.”
With a solemn look, she pressed her hands together. “I promise so hard. I promise, promise, promise.”
Tires rumbled across gravel, and a car came to a stop.
“Then, I sure will.” Their family was kind enough to let Grace stay here and loan her a car until she got herself situated.It’s the least I can do.
Out front, a car door slammed.
“All right, well, I apologize for barging in. It won’t happen again.” Will looked at his daughter. “Actually, that’s not a promise I can in good faith make.”
Grace laughed. “It’s okay. Don’t worry about it.”
“Let me know if you need anything,” Will said. “Ruby and I are going to head home.” He was so tall and muscular that he blocked the doorway. “Hey, man. Good to see you.”
She couldn’t see who’d just shown up. Brodie, maybe? Checking on her?
“What brings you out here?” Will asked.
“I’m looking for Gracie.”
But she sure as hell recognized that voice. Adrenaline crashed her system as if she’d pounded ten energy drinks all at once.
“You found her.” Will jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “We’ll get out of your way.”
And then, the two large men switched places. Will walked out, and Jaime stood before her.
It had only been a week, so no, she hadn’t forgotten what he looked like. But it would never change, would it? She would always get that hitch in her breath, the tumble of nerves in her stomach, and the swell of affection at the sight of him.
The look in his eyes mirrored her own reaction. She knew they both felt the magnet that pulled them together because it came from deep within their souls. It was undeniable.
And in a perfect world, one where he hadn’t witnessed his friend’s accident, they would live happily ever after. But life didn’t work like that, and he couldn’t seem to break free of the self-imposed shackles.
So, instead of running into his arms, throwing her arms around his neck, and giving into her agonizing need to be with him, she held her ground. “Well, I guess you finally caught up with me.”
“You had to know I’d never give up.”
Three months ago, she’d put off having her “closure” conversation with Ian. She never imagined she’d have to do the same thing with Jaime. “How did you find me here of all places?”
“It’s a small town. Rhys told me you’d signed the lease.” He stuttered out a laugh. “I missed it.”
“Missed what?”
“That moment when you found out something had opened up.”
