But here I was, grinning like an idiot as I moved through the bakery, remembering the way he’d looked at me this morning. The way he’d made me feel. The way he’d promised, with his hands, his mouth, his whole body, that this was just the beginning.
I caught my reflection in the display case glass and barely recognized myself. My cheeks were flushed, my eyes bright, and I was smiling so wide my face hurt.
Pati was going to take one look at me and know exactly what I’d been up to.
The thought should have embarrassed me.
Instead, I just smiled wider.
The kitchen door swung open, and Pati emerged with a tray of croissants, already golden and perfect. She must have come in early to get a head start.
“Morning, Nana,” she said, setting the tray on the counter.
“Morning, sweetheart.” I moved to help her arrange them in the display case, grateful for the distraction.
We worked in comfortable silence for a few minutes, the kind of easy rhythm that came from years of working side by side. But I could feel Pati watching me, her gaze lingering a little too long, and I knew she had something on her mind.
“What?” I finally asked, not looking up from the croissants.
“Nothing.” But she was smiling. I could hear it in her voice.
“Patricia.”
“It’s just—” She paused, and when I glanced over, she was grinning like she’d caught me red-handed. “Nana, you’re glowing. Like, actually glowing.”
My face went hot. “I am not glowing.”
“You absolutely are.” She leaned against the counter, clearly delighted by my embarrassment. “And you keep smiling at nothing. You smiled at a croissant, Nana. A croissant.”
“I did not—” I stopped, realizing I had no defense. I’d been smiling at everything since I woke up. “Oh, hush.”
“Popeye’s really got you all twisted up, hasn’t he?” Pati’s voice was teasing but warm, and she reached over to squeeze my arm. “I’ve never seen you like this. It’s kind of amazing, actually.”
I felt my cheeks burn even hotter, but I couldn’t help the giddy laugh that escaped. “He’s... he’s something, that’s for sure.”
“He’s crazy about you,” Pati said simply. “And you’re crazy about him. It’s sweet, Nana. Really sweet.”
I ducked my head, fussing with the croissants to hide my smile. “Well, don’t go spreading that around town.”
“Too late,” Pati laughed. “Everyone already knows.”
Before I could respond, the bell over the door chimed, and I looked up to see Stephen walking in.
He was dressed in his usual uniform of jeans, boots, and leather jacket over a black T-shirt. His silver hair was slightly mussed, like he’d run his hands through it, and his eyes found mine immediately, that familiar heat sparking between us.
“Morning, darlin’,” he said, his voice a low rumble that made my stomach flip.
“Morning,” I managed, trying to sound casual even as my heart raced.
Pati grinned and disappeared back into the kitchen, leaving us alone.
Stephen crossed the space between us in a few long strides, and before I could say anything, his hand was on my lower back, pulling me close. He kissed me. Not a quick peck, but a real kiss, deep and possessive and entirely inappropriate for a public space.
When he finally pulled back, I was breathless.
“Stephen,” I hissed, glancing toward the kitchen door. “Pati’s right there.”
“So?” He grinned, that cocky, infuriating grin that made me want to slap him and kiss him at the same time. “She already knows I’m fucking you. Might as well make it official.”
