Page 19 of Almost Love

Is there anybody that’s worthy of her?

“I can’t tell if you think I’m a dud or not,” Oakley mumbled, adjusting his apron.

“She’s never brought someone here before, so maybe you’re on the right track.”

“Well, she had no choice but to bring me with her. I think I messed up her plans a little.”

When she’d told him to come by the shop that week, Oakley hadn’t thought he’d be busy with work or looking for NA meetings in town. He’d been putting it off since he arrived in Wildes, but after a session where his therapist reminded him it was important, Oakley had been doing his research. Findingmeetings wasn’t the hard part. What took time was finding the right one. He’d go to morning and evening sessions, depending on when he could find the time, and all week he’d been visiting different ones. There were two in Wildes and a couple in the towns over. Driving back and forth meant that he couldn’t swing by the bakery in the mornings, but also got home really late. He hadn’t intended to leave Clementine hanging, but it happened that way.

Jim’s forehead wrinkled and Oakley felt like the man might swing a punch. “If you hurt her, young blood, I will turn you into a dud.”

Then he was gone and Oakley frowned. “That doesn’t make sense,” he said. He snuck a glance at Clementine and turned to Toby. “What do you think, do I have a shot?”

“Quit staring at her like a lovesick puppy and maybe.”

Easier said than done, my man.

Mugs of steaming dark brown liquid that smelled of cocoa were set on the table after Clementine agreed to his plan to get to know each other. He smiled, which earned him another eye roll, and looked up at Grover.

“Did my darling Clementine tell you about The Hive?” he asked.

Oakley shook his head and snuck a glance at his beautiful companion, who was slumped back in her chair, hot cocoa held between both hands.

“Wonderful,” the owner said and put his entire focus on Oakley. “The Hive was meant to literally be my special place. But my ex insisted that I turn it into a business. So it’s a secondhome filled with my favorite things for others to enjoy. We’ve got books and food, there’s a small music room in the back and I’ve got a couple of rooms in case people want to stay the night and experience the space even further.”

“You do all of this on your own? That’s amazing.”

“Well, Clementine has been helping me with the menu and on days when she’s not extra prickly, she assists with the bookshop.”

Oakley chuckled and looked at Clementine, surprised to find her watching him. He lifted his hot cocoa and took a sip, turning back to Grover.

“While I won’t subject you to my basic cooking, I do like books and I’m decent with art. So if you need my assistance in any way, happy to help.”

“Art, you say…”

“He’s a tattoo artist,” Clementine offered from her perch and Oakley nodded, setting his mug down to tug up his sleeve.

“These are beautiful,” Grover said with a happy sigh and added, “I might have room for some art. Come by without this grump and we’ll talk about it.”

He nodded, but knew that the only way he’d ever return to The Hive was if Clementine was by his side. Grover clearly saw that as well, because he laughed and patted him on the shoulder before stepping back.

“Your food will be ready soon, enjoy!”

Then he was gone, leaving them alone again.

“Do you eat everything you bake?” Oakley asked.

“That’s a dumb question,” she shot back, eyebrows dipped low.

He fought back a smile at her expression. “I’ve seen interviews with chefs saying they never eat their own food.”

“They’re missing out. They’re all idiots. Everyone should eat and enjoy the stuff they make, otherwise what’s the point?”

“I agree. So, what’s the favorite thing on your menu?”

She narrowed her eyes, neatly trimmed nails tapping against her mug he was sure was empty. But he didn’t break eye contact; Oakley wanted to see if he would be able to push her a little outside her comfort zone.

“It’s my turn to ask a question.”

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