He’d have to hang the “Help Wanted” sign back up. The thought of someone else doing Allie’s job filled his heart with dread, but he tried to ignore it, too, shoving it deep, somewhere under his lungs.
In the long list of things he was trying to ignore, he added Brandon’s audacity, and told himself the kitchen mess was because he was distracted by the timer on the oven.
No other reason.
“…unavailable.” The raised tone coming from downstairs had Dom stand up from the desk and take a few steps toward the stairs.
“What do you mean he’s unavailable?” He recognized Anna’s voice, getting louder with each word. Whatever the reason, she had no right to yell at Allie. Meaning, at his employee. He took two steps down before another female voice pierced the air.
“I mean, he is not available,” Allie said in a no-nonsense tone steeped in that Witch-like sneer she never displayed. “You can either sit down and wait for him or come back later.” There was a moment of silence before he heard Allie’s voice again. “If you’re not ordering anything, please step aside as there is a line behind you.”
Dominic heard stomps followed by the doorbell. He couldn’t control the half-smile that ticked his cheek up at Allie’s display of fierce protectiveness.
Fool.
What protectiveness? She was just doing her job, doing what he asked her to do. As her boss.
But Dominic could count on her. He was learning that with every day, and the dread he’d tried to bury resurfaced with the thought that maybe he shouldn’t. He should not count on her as she would be leaving, but…
He did.
The week before the wedding, Dominic was laser-focused on having everything ready for Tina and Harper. Allie didn’t want to risk jeopardizing anything for their special day, so she took up more tasks around the bakery. She followed Dominic’s instructions to the dot and had him taste everything she made, but he was the one to tackle the more complicated doughs and pastries. They were so busy that Dominic even allowed Ekko to help them. The dragon was beyond excited to be out of the boring studio, and he executed each order with adorable pride and care, making sure to stay out of their way—mostly Dominic’s—when they didn’t need anything.
Every night after dinner, disregarding her exhaustion, Allie dragged herself to the secluded area in the forest to practice her magic. She started by focusing on the source of power in her heart, and each time she found it ready, waiting for her to pull on its threads. The first time Allie tried to summon a flame, only tiny, colorful sparks ignited at her fingertips. The second night, she had summoned a flame so big she was lucky it floated and landed on the river, putting itself out. Clearly, she had to learn how to calibrate the power, but even with all the mishaps, she felt much closer to her goal. Soon, she would be ready to prove to Lydia and her coven sisters that she had her power undercontrol. They would feel safe around her, and she could go back to her life.
A thought that used to bring her more hope and joy than it did now.
Mia came by one evening, three days before the wedding, when the bakery was closed. She brought a pot roast, caramelized carrots, and mashed potatoes, and the three of them had dinner together.
Allie had told them a dozen times she didn’t want to intrude. She also wanted to eat quickly and sneak out to practice because every minute counted, but the siblings had none of it.
“Can I borrow your car tomorrow? Mine’s not back from the shop,” Mia asked Dominic over dessert. He’d made dulce de leche again because it was Mia’s favorite, but Allie still couldn’t stomach the sweetness. So Dominic had offered her a piece of pear and lemon tart, which she hopefully devoured with poise and restraint, and not like she had never tasted a fruit tart.
“Sure,” he answered around a mouthful of tart.
“I’m going to a shop in Rocky Hills to pick a dress for the wedding. You should come with me,” Mia said, looking at Allie over the clasped hands under her chin.
“Really?” She’d rather wear jeans than visit Anna’s store again anytime soon.
“Really.” Mia chuckled. A meaningful glance passed between brother and sister, leaving Dominic narrow-eyed and Mia grinning. “It’s a date,” Mia declared, and Dominic choked on his tart.
Allie smiled at Mia and pushed a water glass to her boss, which he gulped before getting up and rounding the table. He stopped behind Mia’s chair and faked gripping his arm around her neck, but leaned down and kissed her on the top of her head.
“Bye, menace.” Allie watched his retreating broad back as he headed toward the stairs. She and Mia got up and tidied the table.
“Sometimes I don’t know if I want to shake him or squeeze him into a hug, you know?”
You and me both.
Chapter 19
READY WHENEVER YOU ARE
The next day, Mia drove them a couple of towns away to a charming place hidden in the mountains. The evening air was frigid and harsher than in Sycamore Falls when they stopped in front of a boutique and entered quickly, running from the wind.
The owner greeted Mia and welcomed them to look around the store. They had their backs to each other, perusing opposite racks, when Mia cleared her throat and drew Allie’s attention.
“So, are you getting along with my brother?” she asked as if talking about the weather.
