Bailey didn’t waste any time before pulling off her apron and grabbing her purse. She was out the door and making haste across the park, wanting to talk to Rex before she lost her nerve. She was so engrossed in working through what she wanted to say she didn’t notice the truck in the lot. Nor did she realize Rex was sitting on the front porch, his brother leaning against the railing while they chatted.
Unfortunately, Rex saw her before she could turn and head in the opposite direction.
“Hey, girl. What’s up?” Rex called out.
Rafe glanced back over his shoulder, his expression shifting as his familiar mask fell into place, concealing whatever he’d been feeling before she arrived.
“I know you said we’d talk at noon…”
“Now’s good, too.” Rex got to his feet. “Rafe was just tellin’ me you spent the night at the bakery last night.”
Bailey’s gaze darted to Rafe. He wasn’t looking at her, but the incredulous look on his face was directed at his brother. Obviously, Rafe had told Rex that in confidence.
Rex smirked. “Like I told you yesterday, you’re welcome to stay here until we’re completely moved out.”
“I’d like to take you up on that. Thank you.”
“No problem. And if you don’t mind helpin’ with a few things in the evening, perhaps I can move the date up by a couple of days.”
Bailey’s chest squeezed with both relief and gratitude. “Gladly. I can work up until my shift at the bar.”
The screen door opened, and Jack appeared, glancing at Bailey, then Rex, then Rafe.
“Looks like y’all are having a party out here.” Jack smiled. “Hey, Rafe. Bailey.”
“Hi, Jack,” she replied when Rafe merely grunted.
Rex tipped his chin at his husband. “Why don’t you show Bailey her temporary accommodations, and I’ll get her employment paperwork. We can knock it all out in just a few minutes.”
Leaving Rafe and Rex to talk, Bailey followed Jack inside. If he noticed the tension between her and Rafe, he was kind enough not to mention it.
***
“Holy shit. You feel that?” Rex saidwhen Bailey disappeared inside with Jack.
“Feel what?”
“The cold chill. If I didn’t know better, I’d think winter came early.”
Rafe should’ve known his brother would give him shit.
“Fuck off.”
Rex laughed. “Lover’s quarrel?”
“It’s not like that, and you know it.”
“So you say.”
As usual, Rex was pushing his buttons, angling for a story, but Rafe had no intention of giving him one. He’d told Rex more times than he could count that he and Bailey were merely friends. Nothing more. Not that Rex believed him. And no amount of denying the accusations would convince him, either. So the best thing to do was for Rafe to brush it off and move on.
“I should head out. I’ve got some errands to run. Then I need to get some sleep before my shift tonight.”
“You work too much, little brother.”
Rafe snorted, gesturing toward the house. “You’re one to talk.”
“Touché.” Rex turned toward the door. “Maybe we can grab dinner one day next week. Catch up.”
