Page 55 of Building What's Meant to Be

Instead of finding her waiting by my motorcycle, I spot Henley lingering by it like he was yesterday by the Maybach when he arrested me.

“Are you hear to arrest me again because this scene looks suspiciously like one I’d prefer not to repeat.”

“No, I just wanted to uh, let you know that you’re clear.” Henley coughs into his hand.

“Of the charges?”

His mustache twitches. “Yeah, I apologize. Didn’t realize your position. Would’ve been nice if you’d told me.”

“I’m undercover,” I say low. “Well, I just told the guys. I’d rather my sisters not know for now.”

“Your secret is safe with me, but if I can help...”

“If you see Stoll, I’d like to be the first to know.”

“Of course.” He says with a respectful nod.

Tinsley exits Sweethearts Bakery & Café and waves as she slowly approaches, likely wary of seeing Henley again.

“You know that you don’t have to do the community service,” he whispers.

“From what I remember the last time I was by Bubba’s place for some ribs, there’s a lot of work to be done. I have access to some of Stoll’s sticky finger funds that I’d like to reinvest into the town and I plan to start with Bubba.” I wink.

Henley laughs then juts his chin in Tinsley’s direction. “You sure that’s the only reason?”

I smirk and neither confirm nor deny the allegation.

Chapter Thirteen

TINSLEY

The morning at Sweethearts Bakery & Café is a blur of mishaps. Getting sugar and salt mixed up along with regular and decaffeinated coffee—rookie mistakes. I even walked out with my apron still on before Louella Belle whistled to catch my attention and so I could put it in the wash basket.

It’s not until I spot Aiden, standing on the sidewalk, that anything in my life comes into focus. His back is turned, but there’s a lot to admire from here—his tousled hair, strong shoulders, and his backside suggests he’s no slouch at the gym.

When he shifts slightly and then turns around at my approach, my stomach knots—I’d like to say I took advantage of working at a bakery and café, but nervous about the ladybosses stopping in all morning kept my appetite tied up.

Aiden standing by his motorcycle with Officer Henley doesn’t help matters. The cop greets me and then saunters off.

“Hi,” Aiden says almost breathless.

“Everything okay?” I ask, wondering if he wants to arrest me again or if Henley got word that the FBI wants to take me into custody.

“With Henley? Yep. He wanted to tease me about stealing the cat.”

“Did you steal it?”

Aiden chuckles as he gets on the bike. “For the record,” he starts, using the phrase I did yesterday, “I’m not a thief.”

Except for lady hearts. I press my hand against mine. What has gotten into me? Fatigue? Hunger? I’ll take some cheese curls, please!

But speaking of cats and ladies, as in ladybosses, I have a few questions that maybe Aiden can answer because I’m not used to being around women who’re so nice to each other.Not catty at all. It’s almost unnerving.

“Are the ladybosses and Bess really best friends?”

“They really are,” he says. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think they were all sisters separated at birth. They’re just that close.”

“I watched Designed to Last but heard Louella Belle and the others applied to be on Mr. Fix-It before they got their show on HLTV. Doesn’t that mean they were competitors?”

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