Page 81 of Promise Me

“I don’t want to make you sad again.”

“How could you do that?”

“Well, it’s about the store.”

“Oh. Are things not good?”

“No. Oh, no. Things are great. I just …”

“You just what?”

“I was thinking we should open an online store. From what you told me, your mom wasn’t into that idea, but what if it wasstarter kits and other random things like boxes or trays or shirts with our logo and?—”

“It’s a great idea,” I cut in. “Mom didn’t like the idea only because she didn’t want any food shipped to spoil, but if you can find a way, you should do it.”

“We should do it,” she corrects.

I nod, but when she beams with joy and starts talking about the online store again, a thought comes to me that I wish I’d noticed sooner.

Brooke should own the bakery.

Not me.

“Afternoon, ladies.” Miles Asher walks into the bakery and stops. “Fuck, it smells good in here. What’s that?” He points at my plate.

“A new treat Brooke made,” I say, and I swear I see her cheeks turn a soft shade of pink.

“Do you have any more left?”

“Yes.” She stands quickly. “How many do you want?”

“Just two for today,” he answers and then takes her place across from me.

He’s looking at me with a grin I’ve never seen before.

“How’s your day going, Sadie? Good, I bet.”

I cross my arms and lean back.

“Why do you have that same stupid smug look on your face that your brother gets when he knows something he shouldn’t?”

He lets out a boisterous laugh. “Oh, we both know my brother well enough to read his facial expressions now, huh? Makes sense since I went to see him before the bar opened, only to see you sitting on the bar top with him?—”

“I got it.” But I fail miserably to hide my smile.

Brooke returns with the brownies, and he gives her his debit card as he stands.

“I just want you to know that I like this. Whatever it is between you two. I haven’t seen him this happy in a long time.”

He turns to look at Brooke, who is watching us now. “See you later, Brooke.”

The moment he’s out of the bakery, Brooke smacks the table.

“What is he talking about?”

I groan and cover my face.

“Hudson kissed me today.”

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