Page 27 of Sweetly Yours

“You’re not,” I interrupt, gentler this time. “I want you with me. Let me take care of you, baby.”

Her shoulders sag slightly, like she’s finally letting herself feel the weight of everything. After a moment, she nods, her voice quiet. “Okay.”

I nod back, relief washing over me. “Good. Now, where’s Frankie?”

Willow glances down the sidewalk where Frankie is sniffing a planter box. “Frankie, come here,” she calls.

Frankie sniffs again, ignoring her completely.

“Frankie,” I say, my voice low and commanding.

To both of our surprise, Frankie’s little ears perk up. He looks at me, then trots over like he’s known me forever.

Willow’s jaw drops slightly. “He doesn’t even listen to me half the time,” she says, watching as Frankie sits obediently at my feet.

I crouch down, scratching behind his ears. “Smart dog. He knows who’s in charge.”

She huffs out a soft laugh, shaking her head. “You’re impossible.”

I straighten, pulling out my phone. “Let me call Liam. He can tow your car to his shop tonight.”

Liam pulls into the lot twenty minutes later, his tow truck rumbling to a stop beside Willow’s baby blue Mini Cooper. He steps out, his tattooed arms visible even in the dim light, and surveys the car with a low whistle.

“Slashed tires, huh?” he says, glancing at me.

“Yeah,” I reply, my jaw tight.

He walks over to the Mini, crouching to inspect the damage. “Damn. Clean cuts,” he mutters. “Whoever did this wasn’t messing around.”

“Exactly,” I say, stepping closer and lowering my voice so Willow doesn’t hear. “Liam, can you check the car over when you get it back to the shop? Make sure nothing else is wrong with it.”

Liam looks up at me, his brows furrowing. “You think this is more than just tires?”

“I don’t know,” I admit, glancing back at Willow. She’s standing by the bakery, holding Frankie and looking lost in thought. “But I’m not taking chances.”

He nods, standing and dusting off his hands. “You got it, Steele. I’ll give you a call if I find anything.”

“Appreciate it,” I say, clapping him on the shoulder.

Liam flashes a small smile at Willow as he starts hooking up her car. “Don’t worry, miss. I’ll take good care of it.”

“Thank you,” she says softly, hugging Frankie closer.

Once the Mini is secured, Liam nods at me. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Thanks, man,” I say as he climbs into his truck and drives off.

With Frankie curled up against Willow’s side, I glance over at her as we drive toward my cabin. She’s staring out the window, her eyes unfocused, lost in thought. Her hand absently strokes Frankie’s back, but she doesn’t seem to notice. The faint glow of the dashboard lights highlights the worry etched on her face, and it tugs at something deep in me. I grip the steering wheel a little tighter, wishing I could take all of this off her shoulders.

At her house, it’s quick. She gathers a few essentials while Frankie trots along behind her, his little tail wagging. I keep watch near the front door, my unease from earlier still gnawing at me.

When she finally emerges with her bag, I step forward and take it from her without a word. “You ready?” I ask softly.

She nods, glancing down at Frankie. “Ready.”

Back at my cabin, I watch as she steps inside, setting her bag down near the couch. Frankie immediately starts sniffing every corner, his little nose in overdrive. Willow stands there fora moment, looking around like she’s not quite sure what to do next.

I walk over, rubbing my hands up and down her biceps in slow, firm strokes, letting the warmth and motion soothe her. “Hey,” I say softly, squeezing gently. “You’re safe here. Okay?”

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