But it didn’t feel true.
Chapter 3
Rafael
It started with a box.
A medium-sized, boring cardboard box sitting on the counter like it owned the place. I narrowed my eyes at it as I walked in, wiping flour off my hands with a towel.
We’d just finished a round of morning prep at Bear and Bun, and I was already on my second cup of coffee. I wasn’t in the mood for surprises.
“What’s that?” I asked, nodding toward it.
Cassian didn’t even look up from where he was elbow-deep in brownie batter. “Delivery guy brought it earlier,” Cassian said.
“It’s not ours,” Sean piped in from behind the espresso machine, frowning slightly. “The label says Wolf and Whisk.”
I blinked. “And it’s still here… why?”
Beau stepped out from the back just in time to catch the question. “We thought you’d like a change of scenery.”
I stared at him. “What?”
Cass finally looked up, a mischievous glint in his eye. “You know. Get some fresh air. Stretch those long, brooding limbs of yours.”
“I did the morning deliveries the other day,” I said flatly. “Why am I the one getting stuck with this?”
“Fate,” Leo said solemnly, walking by with a tray of cinnamon knots.
Sean tried to hide a smile behind his mug. “We all drew straws again. You lost.”
“I wasn’t even in the room this time!” I snapped.
Beau gave me that slow, innocent blink of his. “And yet, the universe decided.”
“I hate all of you,” I grumbled.
“That’s fair,” Cass muttered. “Now grab the box, Grumpy Bear.”
I glared at him but stepped forward anyway, snatching the package off the counter like it had personally insulted me. The tape squeaked under my grip.
“Anything else you want me to deliver? A heartfelt apology for our rival bakery’s superior scones? A lock of hair?” I grumbled, heading toward the door.
“No, but if James is working, tell him I said hi!” Sean called after me.
“Tell Rowan I miss his croissants,” Leo added.
“Tell their espresso machine to go to hell,” Cass said.
I muttered something unprintable and pushed the door open, the little bell jingling behind me like it was in on the joke.
The box was surprisingly light, and I debated "accidentally" leaving it on a bench halfway down the street.
But I didn’t. Because apparently, I was the guy who took care of things. Even things he didn’t want to take care of. I sighed and kept walking to my truck.
* * *
I debated leaving the package at the front counter. But no. I reminded myself to remain professional. I stepped inside Wolf and Whisk with the small brown box tucked under one arm.
