Page 129 of Almost Love

Only Clementine would.

She was the best part of life—she’d changed everything for him in all of the best ways.

The next day, Oakley was on a mission. He knew that the Spring Food Fling was that weekend, but he needed to speak to her before she got busy. Or at leasttryto speak to her. Dressed in a long-sleeved Henley and his usual jeans, sneakers and ball cap, Oakley set out. He knew better than to show up at Pretty Baked, because he was certain that she was still avoiding him. So he drove to the new shop instead. He rehearsed his speech for the millionth time as he stepped inside.

Dust was everywhere, stacks of tiles and buckets of paint were scattered around the open space. Workers moved aroundthe shop, but she wasn’t there. Her scent that usually lingered after she’d been in a room didn’t reach him and he couldn’t hear her either.

“She’s not here,” a gruff accented voice said and he turned to find Mack glaring at him. “Not that I’d tell you where she is.”

“Come on, man. You know I didn’t mean to hurt her.”

“You remember what I told you would happen if you did.”

He frowned and stood his ground. Mack might be bigger and stronger than him, but Oakley was determined. “If you’re going to hurt me, get it over with.”

“What do you want?”

“I want a chance to explain myself to her. I don’t know how much she’s told you, but I fucking hate what happened.”

“She didn’t tell me anything,” Mack said, nodding for him to follow. It was only then that he noticed the man had paint everywhere and his overalls were tied around his waist, exposing his strong arms. This was the kind of guy that he used to be attracted to, minus the scowl and growl.

Shockingly, that’s what he loved about Clementine.

“Whoa.” Tearing his eyes away from Mack’s formidable form, he stared at the mural in front of him. It was an abstract piece of art, but it contained all the things that defined Clementine and her bakery. Mack had used pastel shades as much as possible. When Oakley suggested art on the wall, this is not what he imagined. It was better. “This is amazing.”

“Thanks. So, explain yourself.”

Mack settled onto a paint covered stool, ankle crossed over his knee, eyebrow arched at Oakley. He hated how many times he was having to repeat himself, but knew it was important.

“She overheard me talking to a client-slash-friend about our relationship status. But she heard only a portion and it came across like what we had was only for fun—” he winced and adjusted his cap nervously “—when obviously it’s so much morethan that. Yeah, we’ve been having the time of our lives, but I’m in love with her, Mack. I’ve been crazy in love since the first time I saw her.” He tilted his head back, arms crossed over his chest as he tried to get himself together. “I swear, I don’t think of her as just a good time. She’s the only good thing in my life, man. I didn’t want to tell her how I felt because I thought it might scare her and everything would fall apart.

“Well, surprise, it all fell apart anyway. And fuck, I hurt her so badly. But she didn’t give me a chance to explain. She reacted and I get why. I deserved it. But I need to tell her the truth. Tell hereverything. Give her all of me.” He turned to face a sniffling Mack. “Are you okay?”

“You’re a fucking idiot.”

“Helpful feedback, thanks,” Oakley grumbled.

“You didn’t hear this from me, but she feels guilty about not giving you a chance to explain yourself. But you also need to give her time.”

His heart expanded with that first bit. “How much time?”

“The Fling starts tomorrow, but you know how she feels about too much attention.”

“I don’t need an audience. I just need her.”

“I like you. Clementine has never been with anyone like you and she’s never been better than when she was with you. I need you to promise me something.”

“Anything.”

“She’s the only family Indigo and I have, so if she gives you another chance, you have to promise to be so fucking good to her. If you break her heart again, Iwillfind a way to destroy you.”

“I won’t. I promise. I didn’t want to hurt her this time, but I did. I won’t let that happen again.”

Mack stared at him for a long moment and nodded. “While Ginny and Daisy sounded pretty determined to put you in the ground, they might also be helpful.”

“Thanks, man.”

“Be good to her and the next time we see each other, I won’t have to hurt you,” Mack repeated.

---