CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
WILLOW
Iswing my bag over my shoulder and head out through the front door of the shop. Pausing just outside, I turn the key in the lock, making sure that it’s secured before I take a step back. I look down both sides of the street, a smile tugging on my lips as I watch people moving about and the small town of Sugar Hill Hollow buzzes with life.
Fallen leaves from the maple trees pepper the sidewalk with varying hues of oranges, reds and yellows. The crunch beneath my soles on each step mixes with the whistle of the gentle breeze that drifts past.
The cool air sends a shiver down my spine as it blows across my face, tugging me back to the other night when I was wrapped up in Jace. I’m not sure what is happening between us, but we’ve officially crossed into that territory where the lines have begun to blur. Heat creeps across my cheeks as I remember the way he felt between my legs, exploring every inch of my body.
We’re just friends, except now we’re just friends who are sleeping with one another—in secret. I hate that we have to sneak around, if my brothers find out, it could ruin lifelong friendships.
What a mess I’ve gotten myself into.
“Willow!”
The sound of my name catches my attention and I glance over my shoulder to find Natalie poking her head out of the bakery entrance. “Hey!”
“I was going to text you, but I’m so glad I caught you now instead. I’m working on the last batch of cookies and wanted to see if I could bring them by for you to try later.”
“Oh my goodness, you’re so fast!” Turning around, I take a few steps closer to her, smiling brightly as I glance at the bakeshop and see Miss Maggie inside. She’s standing by the register and waves at me. “Maggie came today?”
“She helped me with one of the recipes and wanted to try it herself.” A smile parts her lips. “Her pain isn’t as bad today, although I think she’ll be going home to rest soon.”
“Let me know if there’s anything I can do for either of you,” I say, the smile on my lips fading a bit as I look back at Natalie. It must be hard for her, being in a town where she doesn’t really know anyone more than a customer. “Are you busy later?”
She shakes her head, her long ponytail swinging behind her. “Nope. I was just planning on finishing up these cookies.”
“My brother has some wood he’s planning on burning later. Would you want to come by and just bring the cookies along then?”
Natalie’s eyebrows lift. “Are you sure? I don’t want to impose.”
“I promise, you won’t be,” I say, a soft laugh escaping me. “It would be nice to have someone there who isn’t one of my brothers or one of their guy friends.”
The softest smile stretches across Natalie’s lips. “Okay, that sounds like a lot of fun.”
“I’ll send you my address. We’re just down along the river, so it isn’t difficult to get to.”
“Thank you, Willow,” she says, her eyes shining brightly beneath the fall sun. “Just let me know what time to come too.”
“Will do!” I give her a wave. “See you later!”
Natalie waves before ducking back into the bakery and I turn back around, making my way down the street to my car. As I climb inside, I take a moment to scan the street. There are a few people hanging decorations and banners from the street lights.
The Harvest Festival is one of the biggest events of the year here in the Hollow. Not only is it good for the morale of all the shop owners and the townspeople, but it really helps to bring new people in. I hope the grand re-opening for Grammy’s store will be a success, especially opening it during the festival.
The thought of failure looms in the back of my mind, but I shove it down as I turn on my car. One big failure in this lifetime is enough for me. I can’t let it happen with this store. I have to prove my brothers wrong.
And myself…
Jace
Noah invited me over tonight.
Are you going to be there?
Biting back a grin, I lift my phone, tapping on the camera button, and take a photo of the fire burning in front of me, then hit send.
Jace
