Evie nods and I disappear into the kitchen to get to work.
By the time the doors open at 6 am, the pastry case in the front has been filled with fresh-baked treats.
Customers are lined up down the street, like we’ve been closed for months and not just a few days. There’s a steady stream of patrons coming in and out of the place for hours. Business was steady before the fire, but if this trend continues, we’ll definitely need more help. Maybe only for the holidays.
While I check out the next customer, I make a mental note to put out some feelers and see if anyone would be interested in working part-time at the register. That would give me time to keep the pastries restocked.
It’s closer to 9 when the crowd thins out a little and I’m able to take a deep breath. With everyone waited on, I step out from behind the counter with a clean rag to wipe down tables.
That’s when I see him.
Hayes is outside, talking with his crew, steam rising from their breath. He’s laughing—big, bright, unburdened.
He looks happy.
“You know, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re the reason behind that goofy smile on his face,” Evie says, sliding up behind me.
I sigh. “Evie…”
She sobers. “I’m serious, Em. I like him for you. I always have. He’s steady. Loyal. He looks at you like you’re literally the only person in the world.”
My chest twists painfully.
“Do you think it’s too fast?” I ask quietly.
“No.” She shakes her head. “I think you’ve been waiting years to take the brakes off.”
Outside, Hayes turns, like he senses me watching.
Our eyes meet through the glass.
My heart skips a beat.
He says something to his guys, nods toward the door, and just like that, the whole group starts moving.
Evie nudges my shoulder with hers. “He even brought his entire calendar-worthy fire crew.”
I glare at her—but I’m smiling. I can’t not smile. “I’m telling Gideon."
She shrugs. “Guess I better go take some coffee orders,” she finishes with a wink.
The rest of the crew fans out behind him—familiar faces, teasing grins, big appetites—but Hayes? He heads straight for me. Like there’s no question where he belongs.
“Morning, Em,” he says with a grin that I finally realize is the one he’s reserved just for me.
Evie’s words echo in my ear:You’ve been waiting years to take the brakes off.
His fingers slip into mine, cold from the snowy air. “You know,” he murmurs, pretending to kiss my cheek, “last night was really something.”
“That’s one word for it.” I blush.
“If you’re up for it. I plan to take you out on an actual date tonight. One that ends somewhere other than the firehouse supply closet,” he says, keeping his voice low so no one else can hear us.
Heat flushes my face. “I cannot believe we actually did that.”
“Oh, we’re doing it again. But with a bed next time.”
I smack his chest, laughing breathlessly.
