Page 52

S unlight streams through the bedroom blinds, and brawny arms encircle me. I lost count at the number of times me and Logan had sex last night. I know it was a lot because I’m sore. A good sore.

I smile, nestling my back deeper into Logan’s steel chest, but let out a yelp when his arm around my stomach tightens.

“Keep wiggling that ass of yours and we’ll be going for another round.”

“How are you able to handle another go? I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to sit for a week.”

“You’d be surprised what a man in love is capable of.”

Love.

Will I ever get used to how that sounds from his lips?

When I say nothing, Logan asks, “Sora. This isn’t moving too fast, is it? I don’t want to pressure you into anything.”

I spin in his arms and holy cow. Logan, shirtless in bed with the morning light brushing over his face, is euphoric.

“Sora?” His concern brings me back from my state of admiration.

“Sorry.” I shake my head. “And no, it’s not too fast. I wish we could have been together sooner. Or if maybe my ex-husband never existed, and we met—”

Logan rests a finger to my lips, shutting me up. “My only regret in life is that I didn’t find you sooner. Stopped the darkness from taking you. But the universe doesn’t work that way.”

I smile. “No. It does not.”

He kisses the top of my head, and I nestle into him with his arms closing, encasing me.

“Since it’s early enough, I should probably pop in at the café. Help Shelby.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure. I’m ready to keep going.”

“I figured you’d feel that way. I already told Shelby you’d be in at some point today.”

A warm, genuine smile spreads over my face. “You know me so well.”

Logan is right. I don’t want to vegetate my days away. Besides, I’m the happiest I’ve been in so long. Maybe ever.

“Even if I want to keep you in my bed all day holding you, it’s not what you want.”

While yes, him holding me with his bare chest and muscled arms does sound like a dream. But helping Shelby is what I need. I don’t want to lose the only job that actually meant something to me.

“See you tonight?” I pat his chest, taking my time running a finger down its stony middle.

God, he feels good.

“I have to be on call tonight. Be in our spot when I get back?”

The balcony.

My insides dance, thinking about keeping our little tradition.

“Can’t wait.”

When he grins, my chest aches. I truly love this man.

When I arrive at the café, the early morning rush had already died off, and Shelby and Olivia clean the front near the coffee machines.

Shelby’s face lights up when she sees me. “Sora!” She kisses my cheek and pulls me into a short, but motherly hug. “How’s that… illness of yours? Taken care of, I hope.” She holds my shoulders, her face dropping in worry when her eyes zero in on my face. “What on earth?”

The extra layer of foundation apparently never stood a chance.

“It looks worse than it feels.”

“Sora… what happened?”

This is the second time Shelby has witnessed me in some battered way. She must think I’m nothing but trouble. I take my time explaining everything to her in solid detail but leaving out the part where I was sold because there’s no reason to add to the already deranged story.

“Welcome back, Sora!” Olivia throws me a bouncy wave as she greets a customer, and I smile back at her from the table.

I missed it here. Even though I wasn’t gone for that long, it seems like a lifetime ago. I’m happy in this town with these people and baking seems like the right path for me.

“Are you sure everything is all right? You’re safe now?” Shelby asks from the wooden chair across from me, her eyes gloss over with emotion.

I am safe.

“Yes.”

She lets out an anxious breath then nods. “Well, there is something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.” When she slides an envelope my way, I grow nervous.

“What’s this?”

“Open it and find out.”

I do, taking out the piece of paper folded inside. When I read the typed print, I cover my mouth to stifle a gasp. This is nowhere near what I expected to read. This can’t be real, can it? “Shelby?” I struggle to say her name.

“I know it’s a lot. But you see, I knew it’d be you when I hired you. I sensed it in my heart. In my soul. And there hasn’t been and never will be a better match for this place than you.”

“You’re gifting me the café?”

“Me and Frank decided together. I’d tell you we talked it over, but that would be a lie.

It took us both a whole five minutes to come up with the idea.

” Shelby leans forward, taking my hand. “I know it will be in excellent hands. And that alone will let us retire in peace. These old bones aren’t what they used to be. ”

My tears fall on our hands.

“Oh honey. I don’t mean to make you cry. You don’t have to accept it. I just thought—”

I reach across the short square table and hook both arms around Shelby’s neck as I sob. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

Her smile grows against me. “Oh dear. I’m so glad. I’m so happy.”

Then panic hit. “Wait.” I pull away, wiping tears off my cheeks. “I don’t know the first thing about owning a business. What if I run the place into the ground? What if it’s a total disaster waiting to happen? What if—”

“Now those are a lot of what ifs.” Shelby stands and I follow.

“I will teach you everything I know. But I believe in you. You’re a smart, capable woman.

This place will thrive more than it ever has.

I mean, just look at how much it’s grown since I hired you.

You’re a professional already.” With a warm smile, I’m hit with more overwhelming emotions.

“Okay. Okay, yeah, I can do this.” I take a deep breath and then let out a huge squeal. The customer at the corner table jumps, almost spilling their coffee. “Sorry.” I give him a wave as he flashes an awkward smile.

Holy shit. I was going to own the café.

Me.

My lip quivers. “Shelby…”

“Yes, dear?”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. But here’s the deal… no more thanking me.” Shelby lands a warm peck on my cheek. “Thank fuck. Now me and the Mr. can finally go on all those beach trips.”

With wide eyes, I burst into laughter. Shelby does the same. This may be the only time I will ever hear her curse.