Page 137 of Almost Love

“What the fuck, was that a test?”

“Just making sure you’re on the right track.”

Waving him off, Oakley walked to check on the mural. Just as he imagined, it was stunning. The first version he saw had been incredible, but now that it was mostly finished it looked even better. The base matched the rest of the bakery and abstract versions of baked goods were littered across the space. You wouldn’t know what you were looking at unless you’d heard Mack talk about it. A lot of the food overlapped with others, but the lines were clean throughout. There were splotches of color here and there, to brighten up an otherwise two-toned wall. The words Pretty Baked were threaded through in a much lighter color in the most gorgeous handwritten script he’d ever seen.

“What do you think?”

“You should design tattoos for me.”

“No.”

Oakley chuckled. “It’s fabulous, Mack. You captured the essence of the place and her all in one piece.”

“I haven’t let her see it yet, just waiting until I finish every last bit.”

“She’s going to love it, don’t sweat it.”

Mack started to speak when the beeping of their phones interrupted them. He pulled it out and turned the screen so he would see the texts.

Ginny

She was planning to visit Oakley later this evening.

We’re so on the ball!

You two better have your shit together.

“She’s a fucking treat,” Mack mumbled and thumbed back a reply as Oakley stared at the wall. The fact that Clementine was planning to come see him that evening told him that he had a second chance with her. He knew that she was going to apologize and take responsibility for all of it, but they were both at fault. They fucked up by not saying anything before.

“All right, I’m heading out. Let me know once James and his crew leave. I’ll give you twenty minutes from then to get your shit together.”

“Okay.”

“Don’t fuck it up.”

“Your confidence in me and the situation is much appreciated.”

Mack patted him on the shoulder. “Good luck.”

It took a little longer than they expected, but once James left, Oakley texted Mack. Then he parked his Jeep further down the road, gathered Gracie and everything else and went back into the shop. He hadn’t been given a key, but had been shown a way tolock it from the inside. He was grateful that the door to her office had been put in because that allowed him to keep Gracie in there until he and Clementine had a chance to talk. He turned off the lights and stepped into the kitchen as he heard a vehicle pull up outside.

The first time he saw her, she was outside and frowning at the dark shop while fumbling with the keys. She walked out of sight and he could only hear her stepping inside, followed by loud muttering.

“James? Anybody?”

Hearing her voice made him smile. He’d missed it. Hell, even when they saw each other every single day, he missed her. It had been the worst few days while they were apart. She swore, almost under her breath, and he fought back a chuckle. Footsteps moved around the main shop space and he stood in the kitchen doorway for a glimpse of her. It was worth it.

The second time he saw her, the frown was still in place as she walked up and down. He was so captivated at seeing her again, he almost missed the moment she reached for the lights. As they came on, he stepped out and she went still.

“Melor.” A soft gasp fell from her and he took a step forward, eyes dropping to her chest. “Nice shirt.”

“We match,” she whispered, eyes wide and teary.

Her blue and white combination matched his perfectly, just like they fit together. “You look incredible.”

“I look like shit.”

“Never.” He held the coffee and flowers out and smiled. “For you.”

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