Page 22 of Rescued By My Small Town Billionaire

“Oh, come on,” Maggie Ann says, nudging me. “You like Mike. You love Mike.”

Lulu grins. “And let’s be real, he’s completely gone for you too.”

I open my mouth to protest, but Josie holds up a hand. “Nope. We all see it. Just tell us the truth. What are you waiting for?”

I chew my lip, looking around at my friends. They know me too well.

“I don’t know,” I admit. “I want to, but… it’s scary.”

Maggie Ann pats my leg. “The good ones usually are.”

We stay up late into the night, laughing, eating way too much sugar, and talking about everything under the sun. But even after the lights are out and the others drift off to sleep, I lay awake, staring at the ceiling, my mind spinning.

Maybe they’re right.

Maybe it’s time.

The next morning, the girls have disbanded, and I am left to take in my solitude.

I wrap my sweater tighter around me as I stand on my balcony, staring down at the street below.

The scent of fresh bread from Maggie Ann’s bakery mingles with the crisp morning air. She and Josie had to leave early to get the baking started at 5 a.m. I don’t envy their schedule. Ellie left to go for a run before her first morning meetings. Lulu decided to visit the bookstore for inspiration before opening the store.

The shop is officially reopening next week, and there’s so much to do.

But all I can think about is Mike.

And whether or not I’m brave enough to tell him the truth.

The town is waking up—shop doors opening, friendly waves exchanged between neighbors, the comforting rhythm of small-town life settling into place.

But I don’t feel settled.

I feel like I’m standing on the edge of something.

I lean against the railing, my hands gripping the cool metal as my thoughts drift to Mike.Tell him the truth, my friends had said last night. As if it were that simple.

What if I do, and it ruins everything?

What if I tell him how I feel, and he only sees this as a duty—his protective nature getting the best of him?

But deep down, I know that isn’t true.

Mike isn’t the kind of man to pretend. He doesn’t say things he doesn’t mean. And when he looks at me… it feels real.

I close my eyes, letting the warm morning breeze brush against my skin.

Maybe it’s time to be brave.

Down below, a familiar truck is parked in front of my shop. That’s the closest I’ve been to seeing Mike lately. I know he’s been busy, but it almost seems like he’s trying to avoid me. I must be imagining things. Maybe.

It’s time to tell Mike how I feel.

Now, if only I canfindhim.

Chapter twelve

Mike

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