“Thanks, Waylon,” Shiloh said, offering a warm smile that sent my heart racing. If he caught the double meaning, he did a better job ignoring them than I did.
“Speaking of teams,” Jasper chimed in, starting to unload supplies from a bag he’d brought, “we picked up some snacks and drinks for everyone. Figured it might help keep the energy up today.”
“You’re a lifesaver,” I sighed gratefully, focusing on the distraction as I tore open a bag of chips. Could something sweet and airy be called chips? It didn’t matter, these airy puffs of cinnamon goodness were addictive as hell.
“Anytime,” he replied with a knowing smile, clearly aware that he had steered the conversation away from my growing connection with Shiloh. I’d have to thank him at some point.
“Thanks, Jasper,” Shiloh added, reaching for a drink. “You guys really didn’t have to do this.”
“It’s not a problem,” Jasper insisted. “So, what do you want us to do?”
“You could help Shiloh hang the shelves along the back wall.” My voice grew steadier as I regained my composure.
Lacey and a couple of her friends stopped by to help us, and we were able to get today’s task list checked off before lunchtime. When I suggested Shiloh take off the afternoon so we could enjoy the early spring day, he begged off saying he and Lacey had too much work to get done prepping for the week.
As I waved on my way out the door, I tried hiding my disappointment. If everything went well, we were less than a week away from me turning the keys in to Shiloh, and that would be the end of our professional arrangement.
9
SHILOH
I watchedfrom behind the counter as Teddy took a step back, surveying his handiwork with a satisfied smile. His gaze traced the fresh paint and carefully placed decorations breathing new life into my bakery. My heart swelled with gratitude; not only had he transformed the space, but he’d given me a renewed sense of pride in what I’d built.
I couldn’t believe this was really it. The only thing left to do was bring in the furniture once it arrived, and then we’d be ready for the grand reopening. My breath caught as I looked around. This was so much more than I had ever imagined. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t have believedthis hadn’t always been one continuous space.
“Teddy.” He turned to look at me, and our gazes locked for a moment. In his eyes, I saw a reflection of my own hesitance and uncertainty about the future, but also an undeniable glimmer of hope. “Thank you. You’ve done so much more than just fix up this place. You’ve... well, you’ve brought it to life in a way I hadn’t imagined.”
“It’s been my pleasure,” Teddy replied, his cheeks flushing a deep shade of pink. He sounded so formal, I wondered if this was goodbye. I sure hoped not because I’d been looking forward to thesomething moreI’d stupidly insisted we put on hold while we had a professional partnership.
I’d been jerking off so much lately I was surprised I didn’t have a repetitive strain injury. I was desperate to feel Teddy’s strong hands on my bare skin and hopefully see the erection that was impressive even through a pair of jeans. “You’ve worked so hard to make this bakery a part of Harmony Grove. It was the least I could do.”
“Come on,” I said, beckoning him over. “Let’s sit out on the patio and take a break. We both deserve it.”
As much as I loved the way the inside of the bakery it turned out, the patio had quickly become my favorite feature. I couldn’t wait until the weather warmed up a little bit more to see people spending their afternoons outside even if that meant staying open a bit later. If the business supported the hours it would be worth it.
Teddy took the lead, holding the back door open as I passed through. The air was cool, but not uncomfortably so, carrying with it the promise of a beautiful spring evening. As we settled into chairs that were designed for outdoor use but comfortable enough they’d have fit into the interior decor as well, I couldn’t help but notice how Teddy’s strong hands dwarfed the dessert plate he was carrying. It seemed like an insignificant detail, but it struck me as symbolic of the contrast between us—how he was able to create such beauty with those strong, calloused hands.
“So, now that the work is done,” Teddy began, his voice barely audible above the soft rustling of branches with the first buds of spring in the wind. “Do you have any regrets?”
“Not at all,” I said, my voice cracking slightly. Hearing the vulnerability in Teddy’s voice twisted something inside my chest. “I’m grateful for everything you’ve done to help me get to this point. I don’t think anyone else could have understood just how important Shiloh’s Sweets is to me.”
“It means a lot to hear you say that,” he replied, his eyes meeting mine once more. “I feel honored that you trusted me with your dream.”
Teddy gave me one of those humble smiles that could melt anyone’s heart, and I found myself drawn to the creases forming around his eyes as he did so.
“Starting this business was anything but easy,” I confessed, my eyes drifting to the newly installed fairy lights above us. “There were plenty of times when I questioned whether I’d made the right choice. If I’d stayed back home, I could have worked for my grandparents and eventually taken over when they retire but that’s not what I wanted. It was important that I make a name for myself.”
“The fact that you faced your challenges head-on and came out stronger says a lot about your character,” Teddy interrupted, waiting for my gaze to return to his before he continued. “You’re determined, and that’s something I truly admire about you.”
“Thanks,” I said softly, touched by his kind words. My chest swelled with pride, both at my accomplishments and the fact that someone like Teddy saw the value in what I’d created. “But really, these renovations wouldn’t have been possible without your help. They’re going to let me do so much more with the space, and I can’t thank you enough for your hard work.”
“It was my pleasure.” Teddy reached across the table to give my hand a reassuring squeeze. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down my spine. I wished we were somewhere more private because I desperately wanted to pick up where we’d left off the day Waylon and Jasper interrupted us. As fun as it was hearing Teddy tease me about being caught with my pants down, I wasn’t sure it was something I wanted in reality. “I’m just glad I could be a part of it.”
As we sat there, our hands still connected, I couldn’t help but think about the journey that had led me to this moment. The countless hours spent in the kitchen with my grandma while my cousins were outside playing tag and soccer. Perfecting recipes and honing my craft, all to prove to myself I had my own talent.
“I don’t know what the future holds for either of us, but I do know one thing: I’m enjoying the friendship we’ve found in each other.”
“Me too, Shiloh,” he replied, his voice thick with emotion. “Me too.”
