Page 38 of Just Like That

“But it’s a Sunday.” Teddy gazed up at him with a frown, and it was uncanny how similar the two looked.

JP sighed and nodded.

I leaned down to Teddy, whispering loud enough for JP to hear my teasing. “When you’re a billionaire CEO, every day is a workday, apparently.”

“I’m not a billionaire,” he grumbled. “Thecompanyis closing in on the billion-dollar threshold. Not me.”

I blinked at him. “And who runs the company?”

JP’s face twisted. The pissy look was back, and I stifled a laugh.

“Ha! Exactly.” Changing the subject, I inhaled deeply as we exited the alley and stepped onto the sidewalk that ran along Main Street. “Mmm.Smell that, Teddy? I think we’re close.”

Teddy mimicked my inhale, sucking in a deep breath and holding it with round, excited eyes.

JP pointed to the storefront next to Royal’s tattoo shop. “It’s right next door.”

When we reached the Sugar Bowl, JP held open the door for us and I slipped inside, whisperingthank youas I passed him. His politeness was unnerving. I could handle his bitchy attitude, but when he was considerate and a gentleman, it set me off-kilter.

Inside the Sugar Bowl, patrons were lined up, waiting to order. The bakery was cozy but bright and open with sunshine streaming through the huge picture window in front. Countertop seating with high-top stools lined the window, and nearly all the other tables in the place were filled with people. Chatter folded around us as we stepped forward in line.

My stomach grumbled at the sweet smell of freshly baked pastries and rich, hot coffee.

JP focused his attention on Teddy. “They’ve got all kinds of pastries—doughnuts, croissants, cinnamon rolls, that kind of thing. I suggest the morning buns. They’re a little messy with the cinnamon and sugar, but the best thing on the menu.”

Nerves tittered through me as I became acutely aware of curious glances and whispers. I tugged at the hemline of my denim cutoffs. Next to JP in his perfectly tailored slacks and a crisp white dress shirt with rolled sleeves, I looked downright disheveled. Even Teddy was wearing a collared shirt.

I lifted my chin and tried not to feel the stares, but gossipy eyes bounced between Teddy, JP, and me. My palms went slick as I felt more and more uncomfortable the longer we stood in line—a conveyor belt proudly displaying how out of place I was as we moved up the line.

I stood behind Teddy, hoping his small seven-year-old body could shield me from their curious looks.

JP leaned in, and the smell of his rich cologne rolled over me. “What’s wrong?” he whispered.

“Nothing,” I lied through a forced smile.

He leaned in again and I was given another delicious hit of his masculine scent. “Don’t lie to me.”

The unexpected command in his voice made sparks ignite under my skin, and my cheeks flamed white-hot.

I swallowed and tried to smile. “They’re staring at me.”

He was so close and didn’t move away. “Who is?”

“Everyone,” I said through a gritted half smile.

JP moved a fraction closer to me, and I could feel the heat pumping off his body. He looked around, and a soft chuckle rumbled in his chest.

His breath floated over my ear, and goose bumps erupted along my arms. “They aren’t staring at you. They’re staring at me.”

My eyes flicked up to his. Up close, they weren’t the icy, soulless blue I’d initially thought. They were a riot of cerulean and subtle green—a complex and intoxicating hue that drew me in and enchanted me. “Why would they be staring at you?”

His eyes moved over my face, pausing on my mouth for the briefest moment. “It’s not every day they see the heartless face of King Equities walking among them.”

I chuckled at his self-deprecating assessment. “Too busy striking fear into the hearts of the peons to leave your tower?”

“Something like that.” He sighed and tucked his hands into his pockets as he rocked back on his heels. “More like putting out fires and doing what I can to clean up the mess my father left me.”

I studied JP’s face as he stepped away and stared ahead. I wanted to ask a thousand questions about his father—Are the rumors true? How much did you know? Are you okay?

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