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Donovan dropped his head and groaned.
But Boomy only laughed. “Most people can’t see past my good looks to spot the brains. Thanks for noticing, young lady.” He picked up his cupcake and shuffled to the door. “Y’all have a good one now.”
I teared up, watching him go, suddenly so full of love for the people of this small town that I could hardly breathe. I snuffled.
Donovan glanced at me and instantly started steering me toward the back hallway. “Sienna, will you be okay out here alone?”
I picked up on the trepidation in his voice.
In my opinion, he had good reason to worry.
Though I wasn’t really one to talk today. Just this morning, I’d burned my arm on the steam wand.
“Sure!” She looked around as if not knowing what to do with herself.
His steps faltered but he forged onward, guiding me down the hallway, through the kitchen, then into an office. He closed the door behind us, leaned against it. His intense gaze swept over me.
The room was jewelry-box small. Just enough room for a desk, chair, and filing cabinet. It was tight with two of us in here. And hot.
“What’s with the tears?” he asked, tipping up my chin.
I wiped my wet eyes. “Just emotional. It’s been a rough week. You’re a brave man, hiring Sienna. A kind and brave man.”
He smiled. “She needed a job, we needed the help, and we keep the sharpest knives away from her. She’s been here for a couple of days now and so far, nothing catastrophic has happened.”
I thought about the measuring spoons I’d given her, and wondered if they had led her here. Was the bakery where she’d find what was missing in her life?
“She’s fitting in quite well, actually,” he added, “which has been a nice surprise to most everyone.”
There was flour on his arms, dusting the fine hairs. The loose wave in his hair had started to curl with the heat and humidity. He smelled of vanilla and birthday cake.
I wanted to lean into him, melt there against the heat of his skin, and lose myself for a while. I clasped my hands instead and met his gaze.
His voice was tender as he said, “I heard you had a fight with your father.”
Of course he had.
“Why don’t you tell me about it while I tend to your arm. Is that a burn?”
I nodded. “Steam wand.”
“Ouch.”
“I’m not usually so clumsy.”
“You have a lot on your mind these days.”
An understatement. “I thought I saw relief in Ava’s and Rose’s faces when I left the shop a few minutes ago. I think Rose, especially, was having Sienna flashbacks.”
“It’s probably just relief that you’re taking a minute to yourself.” He gently took me by my shoulders and walked me backward, to the edge of the desk. “Have a seat. There’s a first-aid kit around here somewhere.”
“The burn isn’t that bad. It just stings. I don’t need—”
“Will you please sit and let someone take care of you for once?”
“I—”
He arched an eyebrow. I snapped my mouth closed and sat on the edge of the desk.
