Page 66 of The Damaged Hearts Bargain

“Neither have you,” Lucy pointed out, coming over to kiss Cal’s cheek gently.

Cal felt a faint blush of wanting and then a proud feeling of belonging. Belonging right here in this moment, belonging to Lucy. The kiss was a reminder of something that they might have, could have. Something that Cal was more and more sure that she wanted.

“Have so,” said George.

Lucy rolled her eyes. “You switched the oven on to warmup some croissants, that’s the extent of your slaving. Don’t exaggerate or no one will ever believe a word that comes out of your mouth.”

“It was for dramatic effect,” George said, leaning up against the counter.

Lucy rolled her eyes again. “Are you sure you’re going to be alright around here with George?” she asked Cal. “Because his dramatic effects can become full on tantrums and hysterics should the worst happen.”

“What’s the worst?” Cal asked, eyeing George.

“Mouse,” George whispered, shuddering.

“I can definitely handle mice,” said Cal, smiling. “And I think George and I will be just fine. This shouldn’t take long, right?”

“Nope,” agreed George. “Just a quick walk-through of the cash register and putting on gloves and that sort of thing. You’ll be out in a jiffy and back to your house clearance.”

“Fine, fine,” Lucy said. “In that case, I’m off to pick up Billy’s dry cleaning.” She leaned into Cal. “I won’t be long. Meet you back here in a half hour or so and we can have lunch, if you like?”

“I would like,” Cal said, wrapping an arm around Lucy’s waist. She could get used to this, this easy comfort, this having somebody.

“Perfect, I’ll see you soon then.” Lucy leaned down and cupped Cal’s chin with one hand, kissing her slowly and softly.

“No kissy stuff in the bakery,” George groaned.

“Romance bookshop manager,” Lucy reminded him with a grin as she danced out of the bakery.

“You two look like you’re getting on pretty well,” George said once she’d left.

Cal took a breath. He cared about Lucy. “We are,” she allowed.

“And, uh, any sort of plans or anything?” he asked, trying to look casual.

“Are you asking me what my intentions are regarding your daughter?” Cal teased.

George had the grace to smile. “A bit? Maybe?”

Cal nodded. “Fair enough. Um, I’m not sure where this isgoing. But I like Lucy, I think she likes me. We’ve agreed to meet up in London. And… and that’s it.”

“Such romance.”

“I offered to take her to Paris,” Cal said.

“Okay, slightly better on the romance front,” George said. He folded his arms. “She’s not as strong as she looks.”

Cal turned to face him head on and sighed. “I know,” she said. “She’s told me a bit about her background. I can see that she might find relationships difficult given that she’s lacking in good role models. And I know that you’re worried about her. I can only tell you that I will absolutely do my best to look after her. Whatever happens, I don’t want to hurt her.”

“But you don’t want to marry her either,” George said. It wasn’t a question.

Cal shrugged. “A week ago I’d have said no. Now, I honestly don’t know. I can’t answer that question. But I get what you’re getting at. Lucy’s looking for something long term. It is something she and I have talked about. She’s aware that long term… might not be my thing. I’ve hidden nothing from her.”

George sniffed again. “A woman of integrity, huh?”

Was there something hidden there? A poke? A sly reference to what had come before? She wasn’t stupid enough to think that George wouldn’t know about her past by now. But he was smiling a little and his eyes were clear and blue and Cal decided to take him at face value. “I try.”

“Fair enough,” George said. “So, how about I walk you through the bakery and then you can get back to things. I appreciate you doing me the favor.”

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