"I wasn't interested in a relationship.You know I was busy with this new business endeavor, and we have our first big contract with Christmas Town."Tom nodded, so I continued, "I rescued Reina from the fire, and she needed a place to stay.It was a no brainer to offer her a room here.As soon as I realized that I was attracted to her, I tried to stay away.I worked long hours to avoid her.But it felt wrong.When I spent more time at home, we got to know each other quickly."
Tom held up his hand."I think I'm going to be okay with your relationship eventually.But I don't think I can handle the details."
I shook my head."I wasn't going to go there.My point is that you never know when you'll meet someone, and most likely, it won't be the best timing.It won't fall perfectly together with what you want.But you'll feel really good about her."
He considered me."You know, in a weird way, I'm happy it was you.I know you'll take care of Reina?—"
"Don't let her hear you talk about her like that."
He chuckled."She can handle herself, but I like knowing that she has a safe place to land, someone who's there for her."
"I want to be deserving of her.I'm just not sure she'll give me a second chance."
I nodded."My parents said that the rest of your brothers are dating."
"That's true."
A line appeared between his brows."You sure this thing with my sister isn't just pressure to be with anyone?"
"The fire brought us together.Otherwise, I don't know when we would have realized that there was a connection.But maybe it would have happened eventually."
He chuckled."If everyone is falling in love, do I stand a chance?Maybe there's something about that town."
"What I've realized over the last few weeks is that if you want something badly enough, you'll figure it out.Whether it's in business or personally."
"You grew up when I was deployed," he said with a smirk.
I threw the remote at him, and he laughed."Just wait until it happens to you.And it better not be with Aspen."
He raised a brow."So you don't want one of your friends hooking up with your sister.Imagine that?"
I pressed my mouth into a thin line."That's different."
He arched a brow."How so?"
"It just is," I insisted, even though I knew how ridiculous it sounded.
"Sure it is."He threw the remote back to me.
I flipped to the baseball game, and we watched it, both lost in our own thoughts.Tom's entire life was up in the air.He wasn't sure where he'd be working once he'd rehabbed his knee.And I wasn't sure if Reina would accept my apology.
I'd captured her attention, and now I had to keep it.
Tom flew to Florida to visit his parents, and I worked overtime to finish the bakery.I wanted Reina to be able to reopen soon, but I also wanted to give her the apology she deserved.When Tom suggested timing it with the end of the renovation, I couldn't think of another option that made more sense.
She'd have to meet with me.Afterward, she could walk away.It was a possibility, but I had to try.
I'd never let Tom come between us again.Only time would really show her that.But I was excited to start our relationship fresh.This time, without the stress.What would it be like when we weren't worried about her brother finding out?
On the day I was supposed to show her the bakery, I finished a few last minute jobs and cleaned so that there wasn't any lingering dust or nails lying around.
The crew had already left, and it was just me.I'd told Reina to meet me at six.While I was vacuuming, someone knocked on the door.
I saw a few women through the glass window, and I gestured for them to come in.
Clara breezed in with a few of the other shop owners: Belle, Angela, and Meg."We heard that you were showing Reina the bakery tonight."
"That's right," I said, a little taken aback that they were here and carrying bags of what looked like decorations.I hoped they weren't planning a party."I'm hoping to talk to her."
