Pink flowers draped around the room, and soft velvet chairs in blush tones sat between white and gold tabletops. It was more than I could have imagined.
Miss Lottie wrapped her free arm around my waist pulling me in for a side hug, then tapped my hip before releasing me.
“Now go get cleaned up. You only have twenty minutes. You want to look your best before you open those doors. Oh, and make sure you get that flour out of your hair,” she instructed.
My eyes widened as I touched my face, flour coating the tips of my fingers. I turned to leave, then doubled back to kiss her cheek and thank her before rushing to the back to get cleaned up before the doors opened.
Time seemed to pass in a blur. I made it back downstairs with only a few minutes to spare. We turned on some ’90s R&B and let everyone in. The first people to step inside were Mr. and Mrs. Whitman. Their eyes widened as they held hands and walked toward me, and I smiled as they approached.
“You did such an amazing job, honey. This place looks nothing like it used to, but it looks perfect for you. I hope this old building gives you the same fulfillment it gave me and my love. Oh, and what would you suggest we try?” Mr. Whitman asked.
I smiled and grabbed a box, then filled it with a few different things I felt they would enjoy. Then handed it over to them.Mr. Whitman reached down into his pocket for his wallet, but I stopped him.
“No, it’s on me. I hope you enjoy them and thank you for trusting me with your legacy.”
They smiled and thanked me a few times before walking out of the shop.
I took a breath as I watched everyone file in, their eyes drifting around in amazement. I was sure it felt like a big change from when it was Hole Hearted. When the Whitmans owned the place, it had that mom-and-pop feel—simple, familiar. It worked for this town.
But I wanted to give them something different. A touch of luxury. Even if I’d left my old life behind, I couldn’t deny that pieces of it had followed me here.
Jessa was running the register. Miss Lottie and I handled packaging the orders. Aubree walked around making sure everyone was comfortable and cleaned tables. Things had been moving fast-paced all day, and it was close to closing time. I instructed Jessa to take Miss Lottie home. I appreciated all her help but today was a lot and I am sure she was tired. I tried to give her the box of treats, but she declined telling me to gift it to someone else.
Aubree and Jessa grabbed their boxes to go after I told them they were free to leave. With just thirty minutes before closing, things had finally slowed down. I’d sold out of everything, so I kept telling everyone to come back tomorrow when I’d have more. That was just one more thing I needed to get started on tonight.
I turned up the radio as “I Like” by Guy played. I grabbed the broom from the back storage closet and began sweeping the floors. I swung my hips, following the beat, celebrating my successful opening. The customers had stopped coming in, so I wasn’t too worried about anyone else coming by.
I sang into the broom like it was my version of a microphone. I continued to wind my hips seductively while Aaron Hall sang about how much he liked the way she turned him on. I was so wrapped up in the song I didn’t hear the bell over the front door ding. The minute the song ended, I heard clapping and almost jumped out of my skin.
I gripped my chest as I turned around, coming face to face with Duke. He was wearing joggers, a white tee with a black leather jacket, and sneakers. The steady beat of my heart slowed at his presence and a peace settled over me.
“You scared the hell out of me.” I announced.
He still hadn’t said anything, just staring at me like he was memorizing every part of me. His gaze made me nervous, but not in a terrified way. More like I knew exactly what he could do to my nervous system—and it might not be for the best. Shit, he had a girlfriend… or at least a crazy ex I had no intentions of dealing with.
He glanced back at the door, then back at me. “The door is still unlocked, love. Not to mention, you got this music blasting in here like you in a club. That’s unsafe as fuck, but I enjoyed the show.”
I rolled my eyes and brushed the loose curl that wouldn’t stay out of my line of sight away. I exhaled quietly. He was right—but I didn’t want him to know that.
I turned to walk past him, catching a hint of his scent. Worn leather and sandalwood, with something warm and faintly sweet beneath it. Vanilla, maybe. But there was nothing soft about him. I knew that. There couldn’t be—not with all the leather and that motorcycle.
I’d seen all the movies. Even acted in a few. My perception had to be right… because my mind and heart were at stake.
I stepped behind the counter and tapped it a few times, causing his eyes to travel to the empty pastry case. I hoped thiswas enough space to keep my hormones in check. I glanced at the clock and he followed my line of sight to the clock, then smirked.
“You ready for me to go?” he asked, with a lift of his brow.
I wiped my now moist hands onto my apron with a nervous laugh.
“Oh no, nothing like that. But I don’t have anything left. If you come early tomorrow, I’m sure I’ll have something.”
He stuffed his hands into his pockets and nodded. “I figured I just wanted to congratulate you. Since we’re neighbors and shit. I hope you have a goodnight, oh and lock this door behind me.”
I gave him a small nod and watched as he turned to leave. When the thought of the treats on my back counter flashed through my mind. Before I could talk myself out of it or he reached for the door handle, I called out to him.
“Wait. I think I have something in the back.” I told him.
Duke glanced over his shoulder with a rise of his brow and a closed-mouth smile. He turned to walk back over towards the counter.
