Her eyes dart back to me, and she gives me a small smile. “Thanks, West. Well, I better get back to the bakery. I just wanted to bring you a treat and a coffee, so I’ll head out now.” Spinning on her heel, she dashes out of my office before I even have a chance to say goodbye.
I pin Ian with a glare. “What the fuck was that?”
“Nothing. Like I said, just thought blonde would suit her,” he says, getting up from his chair. “Better question being, what was that with the whole girlfriend thing?”
“Mind your own business, Ian.”
He leaves my office with a chuckle, and I let out a shudder at the thought of Jade being blonde. Not because I don’t think she would look great, because she would be beautiful with any hair colour, but because as a brunette I know she’s safe from the monster terrorizing women in my town.
Istep outside, gathering myself as the cool summer breeze ghosts across my skin and soothes my racing heart. I breathe in the soft scent of grass and water and focus on my surroundings. I’m not sure what made Ian talk about the colour of my hair, but there was something in the way he was watching me that I didn’t like. I’ve known Officer Ian since I moved here, and he’s never once made me feel so uncomfortable before. Any interactions we’ve had have always been friendly, and I’ve often wondered if he would be a good match for Sarah. He seems fun and like the type of guy she’d be into.
There is no possible way he could know who I am.
Shaking it off, I rub my sweaty palms down my skirt and make my way back to the bakery. The sun is beating down, and it’s finally starting to feel like summer. I cross the street through Town Square and wave at Mrs. Ira and the knitters. Harper is out by the gardens reading to a group of children, and I notice their moms all leaving the bakery. A lot of shops along the street have their doors propped open, letting in the fresh breeze, and I get the idea of setting out some chairs and mini tables under our window on the corner. We have enough space to do so, and I think it would be a great addition to the bakery. A place for thosewho want to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine but don’t want to go across the street.
I step into the bakery, worries about Ian forgotten, and greet all the patrons as I make my way behind the counter. Grabbing my apron, I tie it on and open up the display case and begin filling a box of cream horns for the guys at the station.
“I need your help,” Sarah groans next to me.
“Sure. With what?”
“I’m going on a date with Ford again tonight before he leaves town, and I can’t decide what to wear. He booked a reservation at Lily’s Gardens, so I want to look nice. I tried both of these at Everly’s during my lunch break, but couldn’t choose and I’m kind of running out of time.”
Grabbing Sarah’s phone from her hand, I look at the first dress option. It’s a white lace with floral detailing and a corset top that stops mid-leg. The straps are thin and tied in neat little bows, and there is a matching bow on the waist. The red of Sarah’s hair really makes the floral designs pop, and her chest looks amazing in the cups of the corset. I swipe to the next picture, and my eyes pop. The second dress is a light green with pastel florals similar to the first but hits about mid-thigh. There is lace trim along the top and waist, with a giant cut out from the breasts to navel. Sarah looks hot.
“This one,” I tell her, holding up the screen.
“Perfect! I was kind of leaning towards that one but wasn’t sure if the cut out was classy enough for Lily’s. I’ll text Everly and tell her to hold it for me.”
“I have to say, I’m really impressed you’re still seeing him.” I think this is the longest she has ever entertained the same guy.
“A girl can’t say no to a fancy dinner, plus, the sex is hot as hell. Who knew being tied to a bed could be so fun?” She winks, and I shake my head.
“I can’t believe you let a stranger tie you up.”
“Ooo, I wish I could be tied up. Sounds hot,” Wren says, joining us.
“You guys have issues.” I laugh.
“Are we talking about old guy cowboy?” Wren asks. “Did you tell Jade he actually let you call him daddy?” She gags, making Sarah hip check her.
“Hey! It was hot!” Sarah defends herself.
“How old is he anyways?” I ask.
Sarah’s cheeks pink, and she rolls her lips between her teeth. My brows arch as I wait for her to answer.
“He’s fifty-six, all right.” Her hands hit her thighs, and I rear back, shocked.
Wren’s mouth drops open, and I’m sure I must have heard her wrong. There is no way she just said that.
“Fifty-six? Sarah! He is literally twice your age!”
“I know, okay!” she groans. “Don’t judge me.”
“Wait,” Wren says. “Does that mean he really is a daddy?” She giggles.
Sarah’s face pales, and I groan. “Sarah!”
