He knew tomorrow he’d have to go back to work. Hell, even now he was waiting for the call from Paxley about Denny’s autopsy report. He hadn’t told Sadie about that yet. He didn’t want to. He wanted to remain in this bubble of theirs for as long as possible. But she’d ask again, and when she did, he wasn’t going to put her off again.
He stepped into the kitchen and moved behind Sadie to nip her neck.
She gasped. “Eastern. You’re going to make me burn the cocoa.”
“It’d be worth it.” He trailed kisses up her neck.
“Avery will be back any second,” she whispered.
She’d gone to her bedroom to change into pajamas, and yeah, she’d be back any second. “I don’t care. She knows I love you.”
“Does she?”
“I think everyone knew except you.”
Sadie turned, her eyes boring into him. “Say it again.”
“Everyone knew except you?”
She shook her head and wrapped her arms around his neck. “No. The other part.”
“I love you.” He’d say it a thousand times if she asked.
She stretched up, her mouth hovering a mere inch from his. “I love you too, Eastern Walker.”
Their lips had just touched when her phone rang.
He growled. “Ignore it.”
She chuckled before checking the screen and sighing. “I can’t. It’s the bakery.” She clicked a key on her cell before pressing it to her ear. “Hello.”
Eastern lowered his head and began to feast on her neck. Her skin was so soft, he never wanted to lift his mouth.
“Oh, okay.” Sadie paused. “No, no, don’t call my grandmother. I’ll be down in a second.”
His body locked. She was leaving?
“Okay, see you then.”
He straightened, his words coming out slowly. “What’s going on?”
“Marjory went home sick, and Anna only realized Marjory had the key after she’d left. They could call my grandmother, but she’ll be at book club this afternoon and I don’t want to bother her. I need to go down there and lock up.”
“I’ll come with you.”
She was shaking her head before he’d finished speaking. “No. Avery’s tired and we promised her a movie. Plus, she’s probably already in her pajamas. I’ll be back in ten minutes.”
“Sadie—”
“I’m ready!” Avery ran back into the living room and dropped onto the couch. She wore her favorite pink pajama set and had a big, excited smile on her face.
“See,” Sadie whispered, leaning forward and lowering her voice. “Start the movie but save me some hot cocoa.”
He didn’t like it. “You go inside, lock up with Anna, and leave together. Got it?”
“Well, I wasn’t planning on having a solo party in the shop.” She grinned as she kissed him.
After a quick goodbye to Avery, Sadie left, and Eastern joined his daughter on the couch, hot cocoas in hand.
