Page 56 of The Comeback Road (Leaving #2)

Lexie

Winter quickly rolled into spring, the air turning to water and the world outside starting to burst with life, old and new.

The Bar-kery and its construction were well on their way to almost being complete, and buzzed with constant activity day by day.

We were at the point where we were trying new recipes, and since I had figured out the software weeks ago, I was currently elbow-deep in baking—Magnolia had talked me into it.

I found myself huffing around flour, sugar, salt, and measuring cups, but there was something calming in the flurry of it all. Seeing it all come together to create a fresh, sweet-scented pastry that I got to eat at the end was always a plus as well.

As I stood behind what would eventually be the counter, my hands dusted with flour, I rolled out the dough for what we were trying as a daily special—peach tarts, a fitting tribute to Miss Peaches, our self-appointed mascot, who was currently snoring in the corner, unbothered by life.

There had been discussions of using the puppies for our advertising and mascots, however, they were too chaotic and spoiled to sit still for even one picture.

I continued to work, catching— no, stealing —glances at Jace through the large bay window, his warm smile always a steady force that I couldn’t help but look at.

I couldn’t help but seek out his presence every chance I got.

His smile was something to absolutely write home about.

It radiated a comfort that made my heart flutter rapidly.

Jace was always there, either helping with deliveries or just stopping by to check in. He still slept on the sofa, and he still cooked me dinner every night. His presence wreaked havoc on my once-again beating heart.

“Starlight,” Jace murmured reverently as he made his way through the poly sheeting that would eventually be where the front door hung.

I looked up, meeting his gaze. His irises seemed to bleed into his pupils as he looked at me.

I was a mess, covered in flour and dough that I was pretty sure I saw hanging from the hair, falling from my messy bun in front of my face.

An unmistakable spark sent a flutter through my chest. “Need any help?”

“Unless you can magically make this dough roll itself, I think I’m okay, but I appreciate the offer,” I shot back at him, a teasing tone lacing my voice.

“Magical dough, huh? Sounds like my kind of gig,” Jace said as he reached to brush some flour out of my hair.

“Adorable.” His touch lingered just a moment too long before he slid behind me and rolled up the sleeves of his flannel.

“So damn adorable,” he whispered. I felt his breath and words on the back of my neck.

A shiver ran down my spine at his nearness, my heart racing as I tried to focus on the dough and not my trembling body.

“It’s messy. Really, really messy,” I said, trying to downplay the chaos I was surrounded by.

“I like messy with you, Starlight. I like anything with you.” His words wrapped around me, and I couldn’t help the heat that flooded my cheeks.

I was listening to him, really, but my eyes were fixated on his forearms as he kneaded the dough. The veins in Jace’s arms became more pronounced with each movement. Who knew rolling dough could be so hot? Is it hot in here? Am I panting?

“Lexie…are you listening to me?”

“Hm? I’m sorry. What did you say?” I snapped myself out of it and finally looked at him. My face had to be fire-engine red.

“Would you like to go on a date with me?” I could hear the worry in his voice, a hint of vulnerability that made me grimace.

A few months earlier, there was no way I could have ever imagined that we would be there.

But I’d been focusing on healing lately, and I knew I owed a lot of my progress to him.

“Yes.” My breath caught in my throat, and we just stood there, staring at each other, smiling until Sweet Potato and Pie came running through. Mac was close on their heels, knocking over a large bowl of ingredients as one of their overexcited tails hit the table.

“Some help here, Peaches?” Jace groaned, exasperated. She barely opened her eyes, as if to say, they are your problem now . I lost myself in laughter at the absurdity of the moment, the tension breaking with the added chaos.

“Tonight, Lex. No more waiting.”

No more waiting.