Reina shook her head."She's been so great.I think she thinks the fire is her fault."
The town was a lot to keep up with.I couldn't inspect every property and prevent every possible scenario."That's really nice of her."
"I'm focused on selling to my usual walk-ins, and I'm taking more online orders.It's been great.I'm so happy to have a kitchen and be baking again."
"I'm happy for you."And I was.She was practically vibrating with excitement.All this woman needed was a kitchen to bake in, and she was fulfilled.
Did my job bring me the same satisfaction and joy?Why did it feel like I was missing something?
She moved closer to me and touched my arm."You were right.Everything is going to work out.And I think it will actually be even better.If I can get through this, I can get through anything."
I swallowed over the thickness in my throat.How long until some other man, who didn't have the issues I did, asked her out?There was something about her countenance; she was confident and sure of herself.It was an attractive quality in a woman."You're right about that."
She dropped her hand and I missed the warmth of her touch."I've always wanted to build something bigger than myself, and I think I'm doing that now."
"You are."She was amazing.
She beamed at me, then lifted onto her toes and kissed my cheek.Her hand rested on my arm, and she kept my gaze."I can't thank you enough for everything.Not only did you save my life, but you gave me a new kitchen."
"That was all you."If another firefighter had rescued her, he probably would have already asked her out because she was special."Are you going out tonight?"
She blinked."Yeah, with the girls.We're going to celebrate."
I wouldn't invite myself along.That would be inappropriate."Where are you going?"
"The bar across from the bakery."
"Call me if you need a ride," I said, my voice rough.
She grinned and turned to go."I can call a driver.But thank you."
"Have fun."Why did I feel like she was leaving me behind?I'd decided to remove myself from the equation, and now she was going out in that outfit.I bet every guy in that bar would have the same thoughts that I did.She wasn't going to be single for long.
But I was her roommate, her brother's best friend.There was no way I should be anywhere near her.I paced the room when the truck engine turned on and when the lights disappeared down the drive.
The thought of her operating a truck in that sexy outfit was driving me crazy.I grabbed my phone and sent a message to the brother text chain.
Morgan: You want to go out tonight?
Maverick: I'm with Belle.
So that was a no.
Morgan: Hudson, Ford?Anyone else up for hanging out?
Ford: I'm busy.
Hudson: Yeah, maybe another time.
Everyone had a woman to spend time with.Why would they want to go out with their brothers to a bar?I was pathetic.
Cooper: I can meet up.
Hudson: Wait, Cooper's on this chain?Isn't this for brothers only?
Cooper: Shut up.
Morgan: Meet you at the bar in Christmas Town in twenty.
