Page 8 of Never Let You Go

There is a duffle bag next to her, but no apprentice in sight. She must be part of the bus tour.

“Can I help you?” I ask. Real original, I know, but my brain stopped its normal functions. And I do want to help her—in more ways than I care to elaborate.

She twists her long, dark-honey hair in a rope and brings it to one side of her body. My gaze follows her delicate hand from her face to her breast to the slope of her waist above her perfectly curved hip. When I snatch my gaze back up, her eyes are fastened on mine, amusement lighting them ablaze.

In another time, another life, I would have offered to conclude whatever business she has here with a drink at the pub. But those days are long gone.

She takes two, three steps toward me. She looks tired in a beautiful sort of way. Glowing skin, dark circles.

“I’m looking for Christopher Wright?” She sounds both a little worried and happy to see me.

I’m getting more confused and not because there’s a buzz in my veins I haven’t felt in a long time. I know exactly where that comes from. I don’t mean to take my time answering, but I keep running scenarios through my head of who she might be. Social services? School? Bank? Lawyer? I’ve been in trouble with each of those at some point or another. Nothing major, just annoying. It’s the duffel bag that throws me off. The most logical answer is that she’s accompanying the apprentice.

“Yeah, that’s me,” I say, scanning the room.

She smiles softly and sighs in relief. My groin starts seriously stirring, begging my brain to come up with a follow-up question that will keep those lips moving.

“You’re the baker?” she breathes. “I’m here for the apprenticeship.”

I knew it. “Right. Alex, correct?” I say, looking around. “Where is he?”

Her brow furrows, and she tilts her head. “That’s me. Alex Pierce. Alexandra?”

Holy fucking shit. I take in the whole package. Her long nails, not good for kneading or prepping or any manual labor. Her tiny wrists—will she be able to lift heavy bags of flour? Her age, on the older side for an apprentice, only a couple years younger than me. That part doesn’t bother me, not in the least, but for different reasons, and that isn’t good either.

Maybe I should have asked a couple more questions before taking her in. Just to be prepared.

“Of course,” I finally manage to say. “Alexandra. Welcome.”

She extends her hand, and I take it. It feels awkward. We don’t really shake hands with women around here, unless they’re your banker or doctor. She’s going to be living under my roof, be part of my family for months.

But it’s not like I can hug her, so I hold her hand longer than strictly required, relishing the feeling of her soft skin against my palm, noticing the gentle strength of her grasp despite how small her hand is. Her eyes hold my gaze, a shade of pink tints her cheeks, her body inches closer to mine, and her throat bobs as she swallows.

Fuck.

Me.

The doorbell chimes, pulling me from my fantasies. I peel my eyes from Alexandra. The town’s official gossip, Sophie, is ogling us.

“We’re closed, Sophie; you know that.”

“Oh?” she says, quizzically looking at Alexandra and her duffel bag.

I try to scare her away with a frown, but I should know better. That only makes it more interesting to her. “What do you need?” We keep our unsold breads of the day in the back to give to the food shelter. The townspeople know they can always try their luck if they need something.

“You’re the best. Two blueberry muffins for the morning, if you have any left over. I have an early start.” She turns to Alexandra. “I’m Sophie, the town librarian,” she says. “Welcome to Emerald Creek.”

Alexandra gives her a sweet smile. “Thank you. I’m happy to be here.”

I duck to the back as quickly as I can.

“And I’m happy for Christopher,” I hear Sophie whisper on my way out. “It’s about ti—”

“Sophie, mind your own business!” I boom.

“And a sliced Two Millers, if you please. Or anything sliced!” she replies.

She wants me to use the slicer so she has time to pry, and so the noise covers her chatter.

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