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Had I really just said that?
Grim.
After a few seconds, I heard the rumble of his truck’s engine.I peeked over the lip of the windowsill, and he was gone.
I cannot get into anything with Rick Callahan,I told myself.
If heevenlikes me.
I cannot get into anything.
I was engaged until very recently.
I donotlive in this country.
Shaking it off, I got ready and left to openCake Away.
The old, clunky keys jingled in my pocket when I opened the door, pausing to consider how quiet Redwing Falls was this early in the morning.
Aunt Laurie wasn’t coming in for a couple of hours, but that was okay.We had made the bulk of the bakery stock yesterday, and Jess had left explicit instructions, the kind that were completely idiot-proof, for the register.
When I let myself in, the welcoming scent of baked goods made my heart a bit lighter.This was familiar.This I could do.
I lined up the fresh cinnamon buns on the racks as people in work clothes passed by the big picture window.The scent of nutmeg and mixed spice filled the air, and I inhaled greedily before setting out the fridge section, filling it with the eclairs and other pastries my aunt and I had baked yesterday.
The racks and cake stands Jess had invested in were gorgeous.The small town, shabby chic vibe worked well forCake Away.That wasa great name for a bakery, but of course, I was biased.
As I breathed everything in, thinking how lucky Jess was to have Connor and her mum help her fund and run this place, the wholesale delivery truck arrived.My aunt had mentioned it and I signed off on the delivery of pre-packed sandwiches and the bakery’s staples like flapjacks, carted them inside and set them out.
Jess, Aunt Laurie, and Connor made popular signature bakes like rainbow sprinkle cookies and chocolate muffins, but having the wholesaler bring sandwiches and treats helped with the baking load.
I flipped the sign fromclosedtoopenand, just as I stepped back, Rick Callahan opened the door, making the bell tinkle.
“Couldn’t stay away?”I asked before I checked myself.
Oh, God.Stop it, Maddie.
He smiled, flashing a dimple.“This week’s staircase build is across the street.Came for coffee.”
“Oh.”Duh.Coffee.Not because he wanted to see me.I needed to get my head on straight.“Of course.You want to try Jess’ new blend?She says it’s great.”
He shrugged, stretching the white t-shirt that I liked because it showed off the bottom of what looked like a large shoulder tattoo.“Why not?Two cups, please.”He flashed that grin again and my heart flipped.
I crossed behind the counter and pretended to rearrange some pastries, trying to resist checking out Rick’s ass as he perused the pre-packed snacks and drinks in the fridge opposite the counter.
I failed.Man, those jeans didobscenethings to his backside.Flat-assed Sebastian could eat his heart out.
What was my ex doing right now?Was he—
“You okay?”
I jerked from my reverie to look at Rick.“Yes.I’m fine.Why?”
He nodded at me.I glanced down at my knuckles, twisted so hard in my apron that they were white.“I’m fine.I’ll get your coffee.Two cups, you said?”
“Sure,” he said easily, but his hazel gaze was quietly assessing me.He could tell something was wrong, but I hoped he was too much of a good, polite southern boy to mention it.“Two cups.Got my apprentice on the job today.He might be over to get us some lunch later.”
You won’t come?I nearly asked, but thought better of it.
