Page 31 of Sweetly Yours

June narrows her eyes, leaning against the counter. “Alright, spill. You’ve got that look. What happened?”

I hesitate, but the memory of last night brings a warm flush to my cheeks. “It’s Brock,” I admit, glancing around to make sure no one is nearby.

“Oh, this is going to be good,” she says, her eyes lighting up. “Details. All of them.”

I set the coffee down, trying not to fidget. “Last night was… amazing. I mean, we’ve been close before, but this—” I pause, feeling my face heat. “We, you know… “

“Had sexy time?” June offers.

I smile, my cheeks burning, “It wasn’t just the physical part, though that was—”

“Mind-blowing?” she interrupts with a smirk.

I laugh, shaking my head. “Yeah, but it was more than that. It felt… right. Like he cares about me, all of me. I’ve never had that before.”

June’s smirk softens into something more genuine. “Finally.”

“It’s not just that, though,” I say, sighing. “He’s been so good to me with everything going on—taking care of my car, making sure I’m safe. I’ve never had someone do so much for me without expecting something in return.”

She nods, her expression turning serious. “That’s how it’s supposed to be, Willow. You deserve this. You deserve him.”

I take a steadying breath, my chest tightening slightly. “Liam’s dropping my car off this afternoon.”

June’s brow furrows slightly. “You’re still sure it was random, right? That no one’s has a grudge against you?”

I hesitate again, the image of Tessa’s overly sweet smile flashing in my mind before I shake my head. “No. I mean, no one comes to mind.”

June gives me a long look, like she doesn’t quite believe me, but she lets it slide. “Okay. Just promise me this—if anything else happens, you’ll tell Brock. Don’t try to deal with it on your own.”

I nod, her words sitting heavier than they should. “I promise.”

She doesn’t push further, but her concerned expression lingers, and for a moment, I wonder if she sees the worry I’m trying to hide.

The morning rush picks up again, pulling me into the familiar rhythm of orders, frosting, and coffee. But even as the hours pass, June’s words stick with me, and so do Brock’s.

Baby, I’m your man.

Whoever slashed my tires might have been trying to scare me, but they didn’t account for one thing, Brock. And Brock Steele doesn’t just protect the things he cares about—he fights for them.

The day feels like it stretches on forever, the usual bustle of the bakery doing little to distract me from the weight pressingon my chest. By the time I finally lock up for the night, I feel drained.

But then I step outside, and there it is—my baby blue Mini Cooper, sitting in the lot looking as good as new. Liam must’ve dropped it off earlier, and just seeing it makes a wave of relief wash over me.

I send a quick text to Brock.

Me: Thanks for making sure Liam brought my car back. It looks amazing. I feel better already.

Brock: Good. You deserve to feel safe. Let me know when you’re home.

I smile at the screen, tucking my phone into the cup holder as I climb into the driver’s seat. Frankie hops into the passenger seat, wagging his little tail, and I ruffle his ears before starting the car.

Me: I just need to grab a few things from the house. I should be there in about thirty minutes.

Brock: I’ve missed you all fucking day. I can’t wait to see you!

How did I get so lucky? I never expected Brock, or anyone at all, to come into my life. But he did and he’s been amazing from the get go. Never letting me feel like I was less than the most important thing to him. I think I’m falling for him. No, I’ve fallen, hard.

The street outside my house is dark and quiet as I pull into the driveway. I feel the usual comfort of coming home... until I see the front door.