I rolled around in bed for what felt like an eternity before my alarm went off. When I jumped out of bed and escaped into the kitchen for some hot coffee to warm my insides, I saw that the kitchen island was full to the brim with muffins, cookies, loaves. It was like walking into a bakery, but for the first time I hated the sight of them. Or not the sight so much as the idea of them.
Zach baked when he was bored and when he was happy, but this? This was something else completely. And I knew as soon as he was up, he’d be at it all over again.
While my coffee brewed, I boxed up as many baked goods as I could and carried them to the car before pouring myself a cup and checking my deliveries for the day.
“Damn it,” I muttered when I realized I only had two drop-offs today.
It wasn’t ideal, but they could keep me busy for an hour. Then I could always spend the rest of the day out in the field. I needed to, anyway, having lost so many precious days already. I only had so long before the first frost hit, and I needed to be prepared.
After I prepared the orders and downed my coffee, I set off. As I drove away, a light turned on in the house in the rearview mirror.
He probably thought I was cruel. But better for him to think I’m cruel and hate me than me giving him my all, and having to pick up the pieces of my broken heart after. I couldn’t go through this again. Not fucking again. Not ever.
I didn’t need love. I’d been fine for five years. More than fine. I’d built a life I was proud of. A life that got me out of bed every morning, one I was happy to live. Love would be a poison in my life right now. A pest I’d have to deal with. A complication. I was done with complications.
I made it to town and stopped by the organic store to drop off their boxes of jam before making my way to the boardwalk to deliver to Martha’s grocery store. Everyone was in full swing, bracing themselves for the holiday season and the imminent Winterberry Festival. Christmas decorations had started going up in various stores, and some already had their windows painted with festive scenes and snow people. The cafes had introduced their holiday flavors and signs were up for last minute Thanksgiving reservations.
I always looked forward to December in Mayberry. It was nothing short of magic around here this time of year. The festive spirit seeped from every corner of the town center. Even the overwhelming number of tourists added to the charm. But there was something missing this year. Someone.
He should be here. He should be part of the holiday craze. He should be standing in his little food truck, with a scarf twice his size wrapped around his neck, serving his customers while trying to stay warm. But he couldn’t because of that bastard.
Everything was so much better before that fucking scum of the Earth had found him. I was quietly lusting after Zach in secret. Zach had his business. I handled mine. I had my little remote farm to hide in.
Now everything was fucked up, confusing and chaotic. Even in my own head. I wish we could go back to that. Back to normal. Back to living our separate lives, our paths only crossing for alittle chat, a little flirting, some cake, and coffee every morning before retreating to my little slice of heaven where there was no threat of heartbreak. No temptation.
“Earth to Dare, do you copy?” someone caught up with me and grabbed me by the shoulder, startling me.
I shook my head clear, and focused on the man standing in front of me. Warren.
“Hey,” I said. “What?”
Warren frowned as Ari joined him and they both stared at me as if I’d insulted them or something.
“We’ve been calling you for like a minute. Are you okay?” Warren asked.
“I’m fine!” I said.
“Are you sure? Are you still feeling poorly?” Ari stepped up, and his brows knotted with concern.
“I’m fine,” I grumbled.
“You’re not fine,” Warren grumbled back. “You’re being a grump. And you’re usually only a grump when a certain someone’s involved.”
I stared at my friend and grimaced.
“Huh?”
“What did he do?” Warren asked and before I could ask who, I realized he was talking about his brother.
“Nothing.Hedidn’t do anything. Well, not anything new.”
“So, what is it?”
I huffed.
“How many times do I have to tell you I’m fine before you stop asking?”
He exchanged a look with Ari before Warren grabbed me by the arm and dragged me to Ari’s medical van.
