Page 27 of Never Let You Go

“Just house coffee? And what kind of muffin?”

“Whatever’s most popular.”

“That would be the apple cider donut.”

My stomach growls. “Sounds amazing.”

A dreamy look plays on her face. “You have simple tastes for a big city girl.”

“How’d you know… never mind.” I smile.

“Same for me,” Grace says.

As we take our seats, she waves at Autumn through the window. “Autumn’s family owns the antique shop, and she’s trying to make it as a decorator. It doesn’t pay the bills yet, but we all have faith in her.” As Autumn saunters away, her smile stays with me. People seem genuinely happy here. And why wouldn’t they be? Beautiful nature, lovely friends, low stress, as far as I can see. Winning combination.

After we’re settled with our coffees for hand warmers, Grace says, “You must be a tough cookie if Chris took you on as an apprentice.”

How do I answer her? “I don’t know about that.”

“He doesn’t accept just anyone,” she presses on.

Despite what Christopher said last night, I know I won’t become a baker. At least not how Christopher means it. I don’t want to lie about that.

“It all happened really fast. I was told I had to take the apprenticeship to keep my job.” It’s only a half-truth. I hate lying, but I need to remind myself that I can’t chance Christopher finding out I’m Red Barn’s next owner once I succeed in this apprenticeship. He’d cancel the apprenticeship, and that would mean losing Red Barn. Rita’s wishes matter to me right now. They’re the one thing that tie me to family. “I’m not sure I’m up to his expectations, to be honest.”

“Don’t let his grumpy ways get to you,” Grace says. “He asks a lot of his staff, but he’s a softy inside. Just don’t let him walk all over you.”

Millie sets two huge, dark-colored donuts in front of us. “A softy? I heard there’s mice nesting in her bed.”

I giggle. I love how she mingles uninvited in the conversation.

“A little late for not being walked all over,” she adds.

Unsure how to answer that, I take a bite of the donut, and oh my god. I have to close my eyes.

I moan.

“Unh-huh,” Millie says as she sways away.

“He makes those, by the way,” Grace says.

I open my eyes, blinking at her. Of course he does, he owns the bakery. These donuts are insane. His cooking last night was heaven. His body is a dream. And don’t get me started on his eyes.

Grace chuckles. “Yup,” she says as if she can read right through me. “I’ll be right back,” she adds, heading for the bathroom and sparing me the embarrassment of being so obviously smitten with her cousin.

I shake away the thoughts. I can’t be crushing on my boss. That would be a really bad idea. The worst. I give myself ten seconds to be back to who I am. Alexandra Pierce, potential heir to Red Barn Baking, here to fulfill her grandmother’s dying wish.

A girl on a mission.

Eyes on the prize: passing a baking exam.

And nothing else.

I count back from ten.

I think I’m good now.

While Grace is away, I log into the wi-fi and send Sarah the photos I took. I can’t wait to share my excitement with her.

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