Page 5 of Sweet Bred

Part of me has been hoping that I’ll no longer find Shaw attractive. It would be so much easier that way. But when I look at him, all those feelings of desire that I felt the first time we met immediately rush through me again. I’m helplessly attracted to his big muscular build, his strong flour-dusted hands, his thick caramel-colored hair, his striking blue eyes—but, more than anything, the way he’s smiling at me is what really weakens my knees.

It feels like a smile that’s meant only for me.

Clearly, I’m out of my mind. I’m sure this is how Shaw smiles at everyone. He’s just a sweet guy.

But as I step into his bakery, it sure doesn’t feel like I’m just another customer.

3

SHAW

As Juliet steps into my bakery, it’s difficult to remember that she’s a woman who is spoken for. I’m so mesmerized by her that everything else falls away. Every bit of her makes me feel lovesick, from the glint in her eyes to the way her hips flare out into lush curves. I’m even transfixed by the freckles trailing over the bridge of her nose.

Then I see that damn diamond on her hand and the hard punch of reality hits me in the gut all over again.

I still don’t know how to reconcile my desire for her and the fact that she’s engaged. It feels cruel that the universe would bring her into my life like this. Is this some kind of message? Or a test?

I don’t want to play games. I just want to be with the woman I’m meant to be with, and build a life together.

“Wow,” says Juliet, her eyes growing wide as she takes in the sight of the nearby table. “Are those…?”

“Wedding cake options? Yep.” I smile, despite the agony I’m in. “I hope you’re hungry.”

“I can’t believe you made this many.” She steps toward the table, peering at the array of slices. “They’re all so pretty, too.”

No, you’re so pretty, Juliet. I can’t get over it.

I step over and pull out a chair for her. As she gets settled, I lower myself into the chair next to her. “What would you like to start with?”

“God, I don’t know. Everything looks so good. What are your most popular cakes?”

I pull two plates forward. “These two. Classic vanilla and the chocolate ganache. Although…” I pull a third plate forward. “My brother and sister-in-law opted for this champagne cake for their wedding, and I’ve been getting more requests for it ever since then.”

“Oh?” She looks at me with interest. “When did your brother and sister-in-law get married?”

“About six months ago,” I say, smiling. She’s probably just being polite, but it feels nice, her asking about my family. “They also just had a little girl a few days ago.”

“Aw. Really? What’s her name?”

“Ariana. But they’re calling her Ari.”

“That’s adorable.”

“Yeah. She’s really cute. I’m looking forward to spoiling the heck out of her.”

Juliet laughs. “I mean, that’s your job as her uncle, isn’t it?”

I laugh, too. “Exactly.”

“Something tells me you’ll be very good at it.” She picks up the fork sitting in front of her and helps herself to a bite of the champagne cake. As soon as she tastes it, she immediately pushes the plate away and shakes her head.

My heart drops. “You don’t like it?”

She shakes her head more vigorously as she swallows. “No, I love it. I’ll finish the whole slice if I keep it in front of me.”

I smile. “And that’s a problem?”

She gives me an adorably challenging look. “With this many cakes to taste? Yes. It most definitely is. Especially if they’re all as good as I suspect they are. I could end up eating the equivalent of a whole wedding cake.”

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