Page 90 of Almost Love

He wrapped his arms around her. “It’s just sandwiches. And flowers and books.”

“Books?”

“Hmm. Grover got some new ones he said you’d like.”

She turned in his arms and smiled. “You’re special, you know that, right?”

“I mean…I’m okay.” She rolled her eyes and kissed him, which he tried so hard not to turn into something deeper.

“If you’re up for an early morning, we could do some baking.”

“Tomorrow?”

Clementine nodded and his heart was ready to explode as she said, “Yeah, I’ve got some experimenting to do and you can help. We can make a batch of donuts too.”

“I was going to say yes without knowing all the details, but that makes me even more excited.”

“Great. I’ll see you here at five a.m.”

“Yes, chef.” He kissed her again, pulling her as close as she would allow and bumped his nose against hers. “Have fun with your friends.”

“If I don’t kill them for most likely turning my kitchen into a disaster zone first,” she grumbled and he laughed. He struggled to let her go, but he finally stepped back as Daisy and Ginny stuck their heads out of the kitchen.

“Bye, Oakley!” they said in unison and he held a hand up in a wave. When he turned to Clementine, he could see the hint of a smile even though her face was half-buried in the flowers.

“See you tomorrow,” he whispered. Walking out of the bakery, he glanced back to find all three women watching him. He blushed and climbed into his Jeep and backed away before he could do something stupid. The drive home, he focused on the fact that Clementine let him touch and hold her in front of her friends.Andsaid he was worthy. That was enough.

CHAPTER 25

Being awake and fully functional before the sun wasn’t new to Oakley. But it had been years since his surfing days, so the adjustment took some time. He’d woken up at strange hours when he shared a bed with Clementine, but most of the time he’d fall back asleep once she left for work. The plan was to go for a run before baking, but he ignored his alarm and woke up with enough time to set Gracie up for the day before he left. He’d texted Deana the day before about being out early, and she promised to stop by and check in on his dog through the day.

Despite planning everything perfectly, he got there twenty minutes early. Closing his eyes, Oakley reclined his seat and relaxed. From the minute he saw her, the only thing he had thought about was having all of Clementine’s attention on him. Every eye roll, scowl and frown had him hooked, as did her quirks and sass. He loved that she made him work for her smiles, because they really were worth it. Sitting up, he pulled out his notebook and flipped to the pages he’d scribbled on already.

Grabbing his pen, he added a few more to the list:

° when whatever she’s cooking turns out exactly how she hoped

° when her eyes light up, even though her lips don’t move

° that half smile because she’s got her bottom lip trapped between her teeth; fucking kills me

° that horny smile, like she might devour me if I don’t give her what she wants

° when she’s kissing me and her bottom lip curves against my top lip; shivers every time

A knock sounded on the window and he jumped. He looked over and found Clementine watching him with amusement.

“When you’re done journaling, let’s go.”

He tucked the notebook into his bag and followed her inside. Even though she was safe in there, he made sure to lock the front door. He stood in the doorway to the kitchen and knew it was a big deal, because she was inviting him into her inner sanctum. He wasn’t going to take that for granted.

“We don’t have all morning to dilly-dally,” she said, handing him an apron as she wrapped one around her waist.

He mirrored her movements and slid an arm around her waist, closing the gap between them. “Good morning,melor,” he whispered, making sure to emphasize the accent for the Elvish word. “You look beautiful today.”

Clementine loosely wrapped her arms around his neck. “Good morning to you too.” She stretched up to kiss him. “Was that a new nickname?”

“Elvish, for lover1. Do you like it?”

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