Page 11 of Loving Josy
“You were saying?” he prompts, a smug tilt to his lips.
“Nothing,” I mutter, marching ahead.
“Come on, sweetheart,” he says, easily falling into step beside me. “You can admit it. I’m growing on you.”
“Like a rash,” I quip, not daring to look at him.
His laugh echoes through the trees, and despite myself, I feel my lips twitching upward.Stop it, Josy. Don’t let him win.
By the time we reach the top of the trail, my legs ache, and my resolve is dangerously close to crumbling. Adrian runs ahead to a clearing where the view stretches for miles—rolling green hills and a blue sky so clear it almost looks fake.
“Wow,” Violet says, dropping her backpack and sitting on a nearby rock.
Austin follows, dragging Adrian with him to point out landmarks in the distance.
I sit on the edge of a boulder, pulling out a water bottle. Noah sits beside me—too close, of course.
“You okay?” he asks, his voice softer now.
“I’m fine,” I say, refusing to look at him.
He leans in, his shoulder brushing mine. “You sure? You’re not as chatty as usual.”
I glare at him. “Maybe I’m just enjoying the peace and quiet.”
“Peace and quiet? With me here?” He grins, and it’s so maddeningly charming that my heart betrays me, skipping a beat.
“Exactly,” I say, taking a long sip of water to distract myself.
We sit in silence for a moment, and I almost start to relax. But then he shifts, his shirt stretching taut over his chest, and my eyes betray me again, flicking to the way it clings to him.
“You’re staring, sweetheart,” he says, his tone dripping with amusement.
I snap my gaze away. “I am not.”
“Sure you aren’t.” He leans back on his hands, his smirk widening. “Don’t worry. I get it. It’s hard to look away from perfection.”
“Perfection?” I snort. “You’re so full of yourself.”
“And yet,” he says, his voice dropping to a murmur, “you can’t seem to stay away.”
The words hit harder than they should, and I hate the way my stomach flips.
“Let’s just go,” I say, standing and brushing off my hands.
But as we start the hike back down, I can feel him beside me—persistent, infuriating, and impossible to ignore.
Chapter Five
Josy
The drive from Honey Springs feels shorter than usual, my excitement propelling me forward like an unseen force. Just an hour later, I’m parking in front of the building that I hope will soon become the second Josy’s Sweet Shop. My heart skips a beat as I sit in my car, taking in the sight.
The building itself has seen better days. Its once-vivid facade is faded and the large windows are obscured by layers of grime and old newspaper clippings, their edges yellowed with age. But even through the wear, I can already see its transformation. In my mind’s eye, a bright, cheerful sign with my shop’s name gleams proudly above the entrance, while colorful decals of steaming coffee mugs and pastries adorn the sparkling windows.
I glance around the area and feel my confidence grow. The location couldn’t be better—right off the town square, nestled among quaint boutiques and small offices that exude a familiar small-town charm. It reminds me so much of Honey Springs, as if this little corner of Sweet Springs was just waiting for me. Best of all, there’s no other place nearby offering what I will: breakfast, lunch, and a cozy atmosphere where people can gather. This spot practically oozes potential, and I’m determined to make it shine.
My daydreams are interrupted by the sound of a car pulling up beside me. I turn to see Amy, my realtor, stepping out of her car with a welcoming smile. “Ready to see your future?” she asks, her excitement mirroring mine.
