Maddox shook his head."You've screwed things up good."
"You have any advice?"I asked dryly, moving to grab the suitcase she'd left behind.
"Grovel.Ask for forgiveness, and stop treating her like Tom's little sister.I don't know if you've noticed, but she's all grown up."
I grunted, because I knew that.She reminded me at every turn that she'd filled out since we were kids with the most delicious and enticing curves.I was helpless against her.What the hell would Tom have to say about that?
I couldn't let Tom down, but I also couldn't make a move on his sister.Reina was off-limits.
Chapter3
Reina
Idon't know what I expected, but the reality was devastating.My kitchen was a mess.The appliances needed to be replaced.The fire and water damage was extensive.I couldn't bake.I wasn't sure when I'd be able to reopen.
I was so used to starting my morning with baking in this kitchen; I wasn't sure what to do with myself.The next few months stretched ahead of me without any purpose or intention.What was I going to do with my time?If my business was closed, how would I make money?
I needed to renovate the kitchen, but that was a task for the Sterling brothers and Eve.I was a baker without a kitchen.How would I fulfill the orders I already had?
I needed to call around town and see if anyone had a kitchen that could accommodate me for a few months.Maybe I could increase the online ordering portion of my business until I had a storefront again.
I couldn't even deal with the conversation I'd overheard.Morgan telling Maddox that he'd handle me because Tom was deployed and couldn't be bothered?Screw that.
I wasn't a burden.I took care of myself and my business.
I waited in the passenger side of his truck, fuming while he lifted my suitcase into the back.
He opened the door and looked at me."I'm sorry you overheard?—"
"I don't care," I said curtly, refusing to look at him.
He sighed."I wanted to apologize."
"There's no need."He'd been honest about what this was.He'd offered me a place to live to alleviate his guilt over his stupid vow to my brother.I couldn't deal with their stupid pacts.I wasn't a damsel in distress.I didn't need anyone to save or protect me.
Even if my heart contracted at the memory of him pulling me out of that fire.
But he'd probably done it because of my brother.Not because he was worried about me.
Men were stupid.
But I had a bakery to save.I couldn't be distracted.
Morgan sighed again and turned on the engine."After the investigation is completed, I can do a full inspection.The good news is that when you reopen, you'll have more than enough capacity to handle whatever appliances you want to install."
I didn't want to have to deal with him at all, but he was the town's electrician.I'd have to work with him."In the meantime, I'll find another place to live."
His jaw tightened."That's not necessary."
"I don't want to be a burden."
"I wish you hadn't heard what I said.That's not what I meant.I want to help you.Why won't you let me?"He glanced over at me.
I looked out the window."Because it's due to some misguided promise you gave my brother.It's ridiculous."
"You know how it is when someone deploys.He was worried about you, and I wanted to alleviate his stress.I wanted to take one thing off his plate."
That made me pause because I understood that desire."I don't want Tom to find out, but I'm nota thingto be handled."
