Page 45 of Kiss Me Now
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I hope that didn’t offend you. It’s not you. It’s just my life right now, I promise.”
I held up my hands. “Whoa, no explanation necessary. I should be the one apologizing for putting you on the spot. I just thought...”
“You thought...” she prompted me when I lost the right words.
“Nothing.” I smiled, hoping she sensed that it was genuine. I hadn’t been wrong about our vibe. I was sure of it. But I could respect that the timing was off for her. “You don’t owe me any explanations. Sorry again for putting you on the spot. I hope this won’t make it awkward for you to come by Gran’s when I’m around.”
Her eyebrow went up. “Since you’re barely ever here, I’m sure it will be fine.” But unlike the other times she’d made the same pointed criticism, her tone was teasing.
“That’s going to change,” I said. “Gran’s trick worked. Scaring me down heredidremind me of how much I love being here. Need it, even. It’s good to feel grounded, and that’s how I feel when I come out here.”
“Good,” she said. “I’m sure Miss Lily will love having you around more.”
“I think so,” I answered. “She says she will, anyway. I better get back over there. Maybe she’ll be my date tonight.”
I left with a wave and a smile she couldn’t see because I had a plan now. I would absolutely respect her no dating boundary, but I was going to make sure that Brooke began to look forward to my weekend visits as much as Gran did.
Chapter Sixteen
Brooke
Monday morning, I walkedinto Bixby’s Bakery a half hour early, nervous to start my day and not at all sure a jolt of caffeine was a good idea. But the routine already felt important to me.
“Good morning,” Taylor called. “Order coming right up.”
A minute later, she met me at the register and handed me an Americano and a blueberry muffin.
“Thanks, Taylor.”
“First day on the new job, right?” Taylor asked. “You nervous?”
“Extremely,” I said, pulling out my wallet. “But trying to have a good attitude.”
Taylor held up her hand. “This was already covered. Good luck today!”
I paused, my wallet half out of my tote. “What do you mean it’s covered?”
