Page 89 of Almost Love

The whole drive to the bakery, Oakley was smiling. He was glad that he’d admitted his feelings to someone, because every time he was alone with Clementine, the words bubbled to the surface. He constantly tamped them down. Assuming that she would feel the same way about him was silly. He didn’t want to scare her off. Given that she had been on his mind all day, doing something small for her seemed like the right thing.

Except for one lamp, everything else was turned off in the bakery. Frowning, he glanced at the time and wondered if he should have texted before he showed up. He grabbed everything and walked up to the door. He started to knock, then changed his mind and twisted the knob, unsurprised that it was unlocked. Sighing, he stepped inside as the bell chimed and called out as he walked further into the bakery.

“We’ve talked about you and locking doors, babe!” He heard loud whispering, followed by giggles and froze when two women appeared in front of him. “Uh, hi?”

“You look familiar,” the one with dark brown skin and a bright tattoo sleeve said.

“Oakley. We um…we met at um…the Christmas party?”

The other woman, curvy and striking, snapped her fingers. “That’s right! I’m Ginny, this is Daisy.”

“Yeah, I remember.” Breathing was a little unsteady, he was ready to back away when Clementine stepped out from the kitchen. Any hopes of catching his breath failed at the sight of her. Dark green tapered pants clung to her legs, with a white shirt tucked into the waist. The collar and top three buttons were open, giving him a delicious view of her chest. Her dark hair was loose and tumbling over her shoulders, making her brown eyes pop as she lifted an eyebrow in his direction.

Can’t believe I’m the lucky son of a bitch that gets to be with her.

“What are your intentions with our friend?” Daisy asked, hands planted on her hips.

He tore his eyes away from Clementine and looked between the two women. “Uh…only the good kind?”

“You’ll treat her well?” Ginny asked, inching even closer.

He swallowed. “Like a queen.”

Daisy gestured to the flowers. “Are those from my shop?”

“Yes ma’am. Only the best for Clementine.”

“Okay, that’s enough. Stop scaring him,” Clementine said as she walked towards them.

“Wanted to make sure he’s worthy.” Daisy narrowed her eyes.

“He’s cute, so that’s one point in his favor. Nice tattoos too, so more points,” Ginny added. “Butishe worthy?”

“For fuck’s sake, he’s worthy.”

His heart did a funny dance at the confirmation. Swallowing again, because his mouth felt so dry, he focused on Clementine as she waved her friends off. Ginny and Daisy laughed as they backed away, but made sure to point at their eyes and then at him. He grimaced, because holy shit they were small but fierce and terrifying.

Clementine stepped into his line of sight. “You good?”

“Totally. I get threatened by the friends of the woman I’m seeing every day.”

“They’re protective, but harmless.”

“Good friends, then.”

“Much like someone else, they forced their way into my life.”

“What can I say, we’ve got good taste,” he said, finally allowing himself to relax. “I should have called before I showed up, instead of assuming you didn’t have plans.”

She pouted. “I’m sorry. They just showed up.”

“It’s all good, sweetheart.” He kissed her forehead, then handed her the bags.

“What’s all this?” She moved to the large table and set everything down, rummaging through the bag from The Hive. “You got Reubens.”

He nodded, hands shoved into the pockets of his jeans. “I love them and know you do too.”

“Oak, fuck.” Her lips were still curved in a pout, eyes slightly watery.

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