AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No. Not at all.”I’m the one who got it wrong. “Some people are fine making croissants all their lives because it gives them an income, or in my case, it connects them with family. It’s enough. But other people need more.”
I need more.
She’d suppressed her passion for the good of her family, but she’d always yearned for something different. She’d ignored it because of thecultureof the Giordanos.
It was an inherent, embedded fear that the world was dangerous and the only protection came from the strength of relatives. Outside the fortress lurked uncontrollable forces. Inside was safety.
Butshe’dnever been afraid to leave. She’d craved different sights and tastes and experiences. And yet, as a good soldier, she hadn’t wanted to hurt her parents or rock the boat.
“I like talking to you.” He leaned across the table.
She would never know whether he’d intended to kiss her or confide in her because loud, raucous laughter caught their attention.
Jaime’s group had become the nexus at the bar. The bartender lined up the shots—there had to be twenty glasses—and then lit the first one.
“Well, look at that,” she murmured. “He does let go every now and then.”
“Nah. He doesn’t. Watch.”
While Jaime laughed and was right in the thick of it, he didn’t reach for a glass. Everyone knocked back their shots, except for him.
Lou watched for a moment. “He’s a tough one to figure out. He’s a great guy, takes his job seriously. He’s really turning the team around. But he doesn’t get too close to anyone. I hear he used to be a wild man, but I guess having a kid changes you.”
The redhead pushed through the crowd to sidle up to Jaime. When he smiled down at her, Grace forced herself to stop paying attention. She looked away, but the image lingered in her mind, twisting her up, until she could barely breathe. “So, how do you like playing for the Renegades?”
“I love it. It’s been hard to build a competitive team because of where we’re located. I sure as hell wouldn’t have even considered it, but once Cole Montgomery signed, other top players started paying attention. And now that I’m here, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I’ll show you around. You won’t believe this place.”
“I’d like that.” She didn’t want to presume anything, but she should probably let him know where she stood. “Just…I need to get it out there. I’m only in town for a month and a half, so I’m not looking for a relationship.”
He flashed her a cocky grin. “Oh, I know. I get it.”
She didn’t know what he was thinking, but since he seemed okay not dating, it didn’t matter. “I’ll be honest with you. I feel like I’m playing hooky from my real life, and I’m loving every minute of it. Actually, I feel like Cinderella, and at the end of summer, I go back to churning out croissants.” But no. She wouldn’t do that. Renzo’s would have to hire someone else to do the basics. When she went home, she’d have a talk with her family.The only way to keep me is to let me sell my pastries. “So, all I want to do is bake and make money. I don’t want”—she glanced at Jaime—“distractions. Even with fun relationships, someone inevitably winds up hurt. And that’s just not where I am right now.”
He seemed genuinely concerned. “I get you. I’ll let you know when a bunch of us go hiking or have a barbecue or something. That sound good?”
“I would love that. Thank you.”
“Cool.” He did a double take to the bar, and his smile grew wider. “Took him long enough.” He scraped back his chair. “Come on. Let’s dance.”
As she got up, she followed his gaze and found Jaime staring at her. Their gazes locked, and her pulse rocketed. The longing she found in his eyes matched hers.
But for her, it quickly turned to anger.
Your date is standing right next to you.
Do you think I can’t see?
Do you think I don’t care?
She broke away from the table. “Let’s do this.”
Together, they headed onto the dance floor. Honestly, she was devastated. The last place she wanted to be was in a crowded bar, but she’d asked Lou to come out with her tonight, so she’d get through a song or two.
Then, she’d go home and sleep until it was time to lose herself in the joy of baking.
It was a lively country song, and the dance floor was crowded, so it confused her when Lou reached for her hands. He placed one on his chest, and the other on his hip. And then, he swayed with her. She started to pull away, but he lowered his mouth to her ear. “I can see that he’s hurt you, and I’m sorry about that.”
She relaxed a little. His shirt smelled clean, and he wore an expensive cologne. “It’s fine. We want different things.”
