Page 68 of Say It Isn't Snow
She waves me off. “I’m fine. Just being dramatic.”
Stacking the dishes, I start wiping down the work tables and listen while she talks.
“This is the bakery’s first full year being open through the holidays, so I’m learning a lot. Next year I think I should bring in extra part-timers to manage the front.”
“That sounds like a good idea.”
She slides off her seat and attempts to help me clean up. I encourage her back to it to relax, but she spins to face me.
“The holiday rush is great for business, but I barely had time to do anything today. The cookie order I started this morning never got decorated. Can you believe I almost burnt my cinnamon rolls twice trying to multitask, and?—”
I lock my arms around her mid sentence. She stills, then softens, melding against me.
“Thank you,” she murmurs into my chest.
“For what?”
“Helping.”
My arms tighten. “You know if you need help, it’s okay to ask? You don’t have to do it all on your own.”
She nods, then wriggles closer. “I want to just stay like this.”
My chin rests on her head. “I’m not letting go.”
“I still have two more designs to finish for the big party order.” She sighs, pulling back. “Maybe I should tell Layla we could have our New Year’s here instead.”
I catch her hand, bringing it to my lips for a kiss. “Planning to work all night?”
Her expression is caught out. “Um…”
“It’s time for a break.”
She appears like she’s going to fight me. Is that how it is? I can deal with this.
The corner of my mouth lifts and I throw her over my shoulder. She clings to the back of my shirt, laughing. The lighthearted sound eases my concern for her.
“Caleb!”
“No arguing, sugar. You’re done with work for the day.”
Holly gives in, instructing me how to close the bakery for the night when I refuse to let her down because I know she’ll find something to do.
After locking up, I carry her upstairs to her apartment and spend the rest of the night pampering the shit out of my future wife. First, by making her dinner and washing her hair when we shower, then by worshipping her with my tongue until she’s thoroughly ravished.
CHAPTER 23
HOLLY
I finally assuremyself it’s okay to ask for help. Because after working my ass off yesterday at the bakery, I need it or I’m going to burn out. This detrimental habit of mine is born from a combination of independence and an unfortunate inability to receive assistance without feeling like I owe someone twofold for lending a hand.
Honestly, I’m struggling. It’s still difficult for me to acknowledge it, even to myself.
I get so wrapped up in my work that I don’t notice I’m drowning in it until the water’s high above my head and I’m too exhausted to keep swimming.
Sometimes it’s not feasible to stubbornly do everything alone.
And that’s okay. I’m coming to terms with the realization and set a goal for myself to work on it.
