Page 51 of Always the Baker

When we finally left the diner, Billie let out a big exhale. “Well, that wasn’t a total disaster.”

I laughed, pulling her close. “Man, say… They loved me. I’m practically an honorary townie now.”

She snorted but leaned into me. “Yeah, yeah. Don’t let it go to your head. You still have to meet my best friend, Ember.”

As we walked down the street, hand in hand, I realized I didn’t want this day to end. I wanted to soak up every bit of Billie’s world, to understand what made her who she was.

“So, where to next on this grand tour?”

Billie’s eyes twinkled. “Oh, just you wait. I’m about to rock your world, city boy.”

“Rock my world? Now that’s something I’ve got to see,” I teased, squeezing Billie’s hand.

“This is my favorite spot in town.” She stopped in front of a small, weathered building. The sign read ‘Starlight Lake Access.’

“A lake?” I raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t peg you for the outdoorsy type.”

Billie laughed, tugging me toward a narrow path. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Brax Adams.”

As we walked, I couldn’t help but notice the curious glances from passersby. An elderly couple openly stared, whispering to each other.

“Isn’t that the Hopkins girl?”

“With that rock star fella?”

I leaned in close to Billie. “I think we’re causing a stir.”

She blushed, ducking her head. “Small town, big gossip. You’ll be the talk of the town for weeks.”

The path opened up to a stunning view of a crystal-clear lake, framed by towering pines. Billie’s entire demeanor changed. Her shoulders relaxed, and her smile widened.

“This is where I come to think, to dream. To imagine a life beyond this place.”

“It’s beautiful.”

As we stood there, taking in the view, I heard more whispers behind us.

“That can’t be him, can it?”

“What’s he doing with Billie Hopkins?”

I turned, catching sight of a group of teenagers, phones out, not-so-subtly trying to snap pictures.

“Looks like your fan club found us,” Billie said with a wry smile.

I shrugged, pulling her close. “Let them look. I’mexactlywhere I want to be.”

And as I gazed out at the lake, Billie warm against my side, I realized I meant it. This quiet corner of the world, so far from the chaos of my usual life, felt right. It felt like a place I could breathe, could be myself. With Billie, I wasn’t Brax Adams the singer. I was just Brax, a guy falling hard for a girl with big dreams and an even bigger heart.

I followed Billie into the small office of her parents’ printing company, taking in the cozy, creative atmosphere. Bright posters and mood boards covered the walls, and the air smelled faintly of coffee, cardboard, and ink.

“It’s a nice place,” I said, grinning as Billie rolled her eyes.

“It’s more like the place where I struggle to make local businesses look cool on a shoestring budget.” She sat down in her chair.

I leaned over her shoulder, peering at her computer screen. “What’re we working on today, boss?”

Billie chuckled. “We? I don’t remember hiring you as my assistant.”

---