Page 61 of I Knew You
“Here’s a little secret, sweets. I’ve been doing this for nearly seven years, and I’veneverbrought anyone with me,” he said in a low tone, and I felt his warm breath on my ear. A shiver ran up my spine. “The level of exposure I’ve given you to my world is more than I’ve ever given anyone.”
Goosebumps swept over my body, all the way to my feet.
“Probably a good thing you’re putting a ring on it then,” I whispered back. Our faces were close. One move forward, and our lips would touch.
I stayed still.
“Why are they staring at you?” I asked, wondering if he could feel my breath on his lips.
“Honestly? They don’t care much for me.”
I reared back a little. “What? Why?’
His eyes met mine, subdued and full of resignation. “They don’t understand me.”
His fingers lightly trailed down my lower arm. It was the slightest caress but packed full of meaning.
I understood him. I always had.
“Some think I’m my father,” he whispered. “It’s why I work behind the scenes.”
I nodded a little, understanding what he was saying, although everything within me wanted to protest. We both knew he wasn’t his father, and there was no need to say it.
“Hello there, Bram,” a man with a long white beard greeted from the line, throwing up his hand. Both of our gazes went to him, and I stepped back like we’d been caught.
“Hey, Charles,” Bram returned and walked closer to theman. Charles’s gaze cut to me, and a smile spread across his hair-covered lip, revealing his bare gums.
The man looked at me, offering a slight wave. “Who’s the beauty?”
“Charles, this is Julianna East. Julianna, Charles Beacon.”
“East? You that football player’s kin?” Charles asked, gums whistling.
“I’m his sister,” I answered, nodding. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Well, now. You’re practically royalty around these parts!”
“Get on through the line, Charles,” someone down the row hollered, and Charles moved as if he’d been burned while Bram laughed. He told the man he’d talk to him in a bit and then turned back toward me.
“Why don’t we go help the best cooks in Mill Creek?”
Chapter Thirteen
Julianna |October 4, 2024
An hour later, I had frosted cupcakes until my fingers were puckered from the buttercream that leaked from the piping bag. “Thanks for the apron,” I said, looking down at the white smudges across the front of the red fabric. Euetta, one of the cooks, had draped it around me when they’d given me the task.
“You’re welcome, dear,” she said from behind me. “I’m awfully glad Bram brought you along to help. You are so much faster than Mary.”
“Hey!” Mary’s shrill yell sounded from across the kitchen, and we both laughed.
“My best friend owns a bakery, but that’s my closest claim to fame,” I replied. I set the last cupcake on a serving tray and turned around.
Bram was alone in the doorway of the kitchen,leaning against it. His eyes smoldered as he stared at me with his handsome grin. He had clearly been watching me.
“He’s been watching you for five minutes,” Euetta teased, elbowing me, as if she’d read my mind.
“That’s enough,” Bram replied playfully and kicked off the doorframe, walking toward us. “I think it’s almost time, sweets, isn’t it?”
