Page 34 of Obsessed Fox

The rest of the day flew by. The bakery was still busier than usual and the knife cookies were the most popular treat. I was beginning to think the residents of Willow Creek had a wicked sense of humor. Kinda ironic considering I named the bakery Wickedly Delicious. Maybe I fit in more than I originally thought.

Hendrix was in and out throughout the day. He didn't try to help but he was more than willing to test a new creation I was working on. It still wasn't right and wouldn't be added to the rotation until I was sure it was perfect.

"Wow, I swear this week has been busier than I've ever seen it and that includes your annual Halloween sale. I thought nothing could beat that week."

I wiped my brow and nodded my head in agreement to Janie's statement. "I'm sure it will die down soon enough. I think today was extra busy because people knew I was back. Yesterday I hid in the kitchen. Today I made an appearance."

"Everyone wanted to thank you for your heroic efforts."

I sighed. "Yeah, real heroic. I stabbed a man and he died. Not exactly something I want to be known for."

I spent my years in Willow Creek hiding from the masses. Other than talking to people who came into the bakery, I rarelyparticipated in events. Except for Halloween. I always made an exception for that.

"Maybe not, but people want to thank you nonetheless," Janie told me in her normal upbeat voice. "I've locked the front door, cleaned the floors, and wiped down the counters. The nightly deposit is in your office. Anything else I can do to help before I leave?"

Janie was a godsend. I could easily afford to hire another employee but I didn't think I would find someone as great as she was. "Nope, you're all good. Thanks for the extra help this week. When things go back to normal, we can work out a new schedule to go along with your new position."

"Yay!" Janie actually bounced on her toes and clapped her hands in excitement. "I look forward to it. See you tomorrow!"

I shook my head. Only Janie would be that excited about more work. "See ya."

"Oh . . . Hi, Hendrix, bye, Hendrix."

Janie practically floated past him on her way out the door.

"I don't think I've ever seen anyone as happy as that woman." Hendrix pointed his thumb to where Janie just left out the back door.

"Tell me about it. Her peppiness is exhausting just to watch but I can't imagine running this place without her. She has enough energy and work ethic for two employees."

Hendrix came up behind me, as I placed the last of the dirty pans into the industrial dishwasher, and wrapped his arms around my middle. I took a moment to lean back and soak up his strength. I sighed when his close-cropped beard nuzzled my neck.

"Long day, sweetheart?"

"Very. I never minded it before because I would go home alone, but now that I get to spend my evenings with you, I don't want to be this tired after work."

"I'll support whatever you want to do."

I liked that answer way too much. He didn't try to solve my problem for me, nor did he give suggestions he knew would upset me. Damn the man for being perfect.

"I only have a few more things and then we can get going, but I need to go upstairs and pack a bag. I'm all out of clean clothes from my go bag."

"You should probably pack everything."

That gave me pause. "I can't move in with you."

Hendrix turned me around and my damp hands landed firmly on his chiseled chest. Even through his shirt I could feel his muscles. "I'm going to get you all wet." My words said one thing but I made no move to take my hands off him.

"I don't really care. I want your eyes when we have this discussion. Why can't you move in with me?"

I tried to bury my head in his chest next to my hands but he wasn't having any of it. His fingers tapped my chin until I gave up and looked at him beneath my eyelashes. "It's too soon. It's one thing to sleep at your house every night. It's another to give up my apartment."

Hendrix searched my gaze and he must've found what he wanted because he relented easily.

"Alright, Mais. I'll give you this."

"Wait, just like that?"

I thought for sure he would drag me away kicking and screaming again.

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