Page 73 of Half Baked

“I said that?” I reply innocently.

Hayden pulls his T-shirt off, his bare chest gleaming in the sun like the God of the Sea, and grins at me. “You certainly did. At a town meeting a few months ago.”

“Okay, so that was a lie.”

“You don’t say.” He leans back on his elbow and trails his knuckles down my jaw. “And the truth is, you find me sexy as hell in uniform.”

“You’re embellishing my words, but I am a fan… other than when you threw me over your shoulder and carried me out of the bakery,” I mutter, also taking my T-shirt off from over my bikini and leaning back on the towel.

“You didn’t like my hands on you?” His voice is husky as his grip slides up either side of my waist. “Because I had a hard time putting you down and walking away that day.”

“Was it really necessary for us to leave the bakery that day?”

“It wasn’tnotnecessary,” he replies evasively.

“Hayden!”

“Ready for a swim?” he asks, jumping up and reaching a hand toward me.

“No, I’m not going out there until you answer?—”

Same as the situation we’re discussing, he bends down and scoops me up, throwing me over his shoulder. His fingers curl around my bare, inner thigh, sending shock waves of desire straight to my core. A memory of Hayden gripping me in the same location in bed last night flashes through my mind, and it’s only when I hear the sound of him crashing through the break that my attention comes back to the present.

“Hayden!” I cry again as he dives into the waves, taking me right along with him.

Bobbing up on a wave, I sputter, my mouth salty from the surprise. And when I wipe my eyes, he is wading towards me, a playful look dancing across his face. With the corner of his lip tipped up in a grin, he wraps his arms around me and pulls me flush against him. I no longer sway from the force of the wave, anchored in place by his strong presence.

“It is procedure to clear the neighboring buildings. So yes, it was necessary. But honestly? I was terrified by the idea of something happening to you. I acted rashly, carrying you out was more than the situation warranted.”

He curls his fingers into my sides, holding me tighter, as if worried that I might flee with his admission. My heart aches that he could still worry about such things, that he doesn’t realize I want to be here with him.

“I’m glad you did,” I admit, looping one arm around his neck and lifting the other to take his face in my hand. “It’s the reason we are here right now.”

“Poppy, about last night,” he starts gently. “I never could have dreamed…”

“This sounds like you’re about to let me down easy,” I murmur.

“Just the opposite. I’ve told you before, I’m not going anywhere.” The context is different this time, but his words are just as resolute. As if he decided this long before last night.

And when he asks, “Do you trust me?” I nod immediately, my heart taking the lead before my mind can overthink it. I do, I trust him. Somehow, he worked his way straight into my stubborn heart.

Chapter 33

Poppy

The smell of fresh scones fills the air. Lemon, butter, and floral notes waft through the space. The heart shape to them has me feeling lighter than usual this morning, giddy even. I can’t stop smiling. If anyone could see me now, they would never believe that Hayden is the reason behind it.

And yet, he is. Being with him makes me feel seen. Cared for. I have my girls, and my mom checks in. But with Hayden, it’s like I don’t have to face things alone anymore. There is a stir within me at the idea of leaning on him. And I wonder, if it comes down to it, can I allow myself to do just that?

The door to the bakery swings open, and I move around front to greet the customer. My visitor isn’t a customer, though. Instead of coming face to face with an eager tourist or friendly local, it’s Tara’s perfectly lined lips that curl into a gleaming smile when I appear.

“Poppy, darling. Lovely morning, isn’t it?”

Wiping my hands on my apron, I plaster on my own cordial smile. “It certainly is. What can I do for you? I thought we were scheduled to reshoot episode three tomorrow.”

“Oh yes, everyone is beyond excited to get back to it tomorrow. But… I wanted to follow up on our conversation that was cut short the other day.”

“Ah,” I hum in understanding, as if I didn’t know that would be her focus. She reminds me of one of those hunting dogs that have a one-track mind once they start on a scent. “Well, let me see what Hayden’s availability is,” I start, pulling out my phone.

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