Page 85 of Almost Love

For as independent, self-sufficient and strong as she was, she could also admit that this newfriendshipmade her feel invincible. The extra boost of confidence that she could do it all—try new flavors, be part of the food festivalandseriously consider expanding—was difficult to ignore.

For the next few hours, she and her staff worked through their regular fare. An influencer had posted a picture of the bakery and a couple had shared their cake tasting on Instagram, so they had more customers than they were used to. It was the most activity the kitchen had seen in a few months and she was grateful for it. When she took a break after sliding donuts into the oven, she found a long list of texts from almost everyone in her contacts list—Mack, Frankie, the group with her family, a group with Ginny and Daisy (that she was forced into, naturally) and most importantly, Oakley.

Oakley

I just had a client who showed me a picture of your bakery and told me that I need to visit it ASAP.

Then she proceeded to list all her favorite things on your menu.

You better not be trying to replace me, sweetheart.

I know you’re busy, but I wanted to tell you that I miss you.

And I can’t wait to see you tonight.

I’ll be the guy waiting for you at home.

Fuck, why does that sound so good?

Look at what you’ve done to me, Clementine.

Her heart twirled as she read those texts over and over.Home. She’d never had trouble finding a place to belong. Her parents and siblings were some of her favorite people, she had Mack and Indigo, and she had the bakery. Having the word come from Oakley sent tingles up her spine. She didn’t hate it. She also didn’t know how to fully handle the racing and skipping of her heart.

Scrolling down, she read the rest of Oakley’s texts and pictures he’d sent.

Oakley

I’m assuming by the silence that you’re busy.

Which is totally fine, but let me know you’re okay.

It’s been HOURS, baby. I’m taking this personally.

She smiled, almost able tohearthat last one as she looked at the pictures. One was of his pouty face with an empty bakery box. Another of him pouting, along with Fox rolling his eyes. She liked knowing there was someone who thought about her through the day, whether it was sexual or not didn’t matter, because she was on his mind.

Clementine

*cat face emoji* *eggplant emoji*

I’ll see you at home.

Oakley

Cruel temptress.

She put her phone away and returned to the kitchen, watching everybody weaving through the space effortlessly. Donuts cooled on one table, cupcakes were being frosted on the other, Roscoe and Jude were at the whiteboard with markers as they went through the list, Isla was loading the dishwasher and she could hear Luna talking to a customer outside. Even if she’d never use the term with them, Clementine considered these people her family. And she’d be lost without them.

When everyone was done and the kitchen sparkled, she locked up the bakery and climbed into her truck. She was exhausted, but knowing that Oakley was waiting for her at home put a little spark in her soul. He was going to cook for her, they were going to attempt to watch a movie and then fall into bed together. That thrilled her beyond belief.

Except when she pulled up at her house, Mack’s car was parked beside Oakley’s Jeep. In the front hallway, shoes and coats were strewn around. She toed off her sneakers and tidied everything up as the sound of nails tapping on the floor and a squeal reached her. Stepping further in, she found Indigo and Gracie playing in her main room, toys scattered everywhere. Neither of them noticed her, but at the sound of two deep voices in her kitchen, Clementine hurried over as she heard Oakley speak.

“I’m happy to make more if you and Indigo want to stay.”

She peered around the corner and bit her lip at the sight of him—shirtless, beads of sweat clinging to his bare chest, glasses sliding down his nose, basketball shorts hanging low on his hips and his signature ball cap flipped around. Mack had his backto her and she could tell from his posture that his arms were crossed over his chest.

“We’re not staying,” Mack said at the same time that she said, “They’re not staying.”

Her best friend narrowed his eyes at her and she flipped him off before turning to Oakley. “Hi. Why are you half-naked in my kitchen?”

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