And sheknowsthat I know it.
And that’s why I’m in this predicament in the first place.
I’d been unable to avoid Sorren Mackay and hisdon’t be an idiotpep talk.
Hell, we were basically bonding.
“It will be fine.”
Smiling, she nods. “Yes, you will.”
* * *
ELLA
“Ella—”My boss’s husband calls my name as I move behind the counter. The Poppy Seed is bustling like it always is, the bright and airy but comfortable space leaving everyone feeling better than when they arrived.
“One sec!” I call back and he nods, disappearing down the hall toward Rhea’s office. I’ve been working here since I was a teenager, and over the last few years, I’ve seen Rhea and her brothers all find their happily ever afters, and thankfully I’ve grown out of being wowed by their good looks and charm.
Mostly.
I mean I still have eyes.
I found myself here, no longer the timid girl without a path in life. This place has been more than a job, Rhea giving me more responsibility with each task I master. It’s rewarding, and as long as I’m willing to learn, she’ll be here to teach me.
“Hey, what’s up?” I say, out of breath as I burst into the office, his lips twitching like they always do when I buzz around the bakery.
“Rhea asked Bodhi to go with you to get the countertops and?—”
Slamming my hands on my hips, I shake my head. “I don’t need a babysitter.”
“I know,” he says slowly, “but Rhea and I have some concerns about the trip, and we don’t want you to be out there by yourself. Not because you’re not capable but because there are too many variables—things that could change.”
“But you know he barely talks to me, right? There’sno oneelse you can send? Heck, what about Tanner? He likes me.”
“I need Tanner at Vetted Paws. We have another interview thing and you know I hate that.” He grimaces and I sigh.
“Fine,” I tell him, knowing that it’ll be easier if I just give in now even though I’m pissed they think I can’t do it.
“You’re a delight. I’m sure he’ll warm up to you in no time.”
“Ha, ha,” I deadpan even though he won’t have a choice if we’re trapped in the car together.
“Also…”
“Seriously? Something else?” I tease but his face has returned to its factory setting of stoic and serious.
“I need to ask you to keep an eye on Bodhi while you’re away.”
“What? Why?”
“Because he needs a little sunshine in his life and he needs a friend—someone who will let him exist in the present and not the past.”
“You want me to be friends with Bodhi Maxwell?”
“Sure, let’s go with that.”
“Did you not hear the part where I said he doesn’t talk?”
