Page 10 of Loving You

“Thank you for the recommendation, but I have a higher chance of the twins magically sleeping through the night and waking up with no tears.”

Brooke snorts.

“Well, it’s something to consider if you change your mind.”

“Thank you,” I tell her and promise to see them later this week.

The walk back to my brother’s house is a lot quicker than it was to the bakery. Probably because I want to be sure that I get back before Natalie wakes up.

But I hear crying as I walk up to the front door. I did not make it in time.

Tobias is running around the house like a madman. I take the treats and coffee into the kitchen.

“I’ll just put them on a plate for you,” I say, but he grabs the box.

“Not needed. Thank you. I’m sorry, I wish I could hang out with you, but why don’t you go out and do something? We will see you at dinner, if we make it.” He moves around the kitchen quickly, grabbing paper towels and bottles and a few other random things. Then he’s headed up the stairs.

I stand here, feeling like I’m in the way again, and not sure what to do next.

I absolutely hate this feeling.

With my purse still slung across my body, I head for the front door.

I want to be one less thing for my brother to worry about, so it looks like I’m going to suck it up and find Miles Asher.

Wish me luck.

CHAPTER THREE

MILES

My favorite part of owning my business is setting my schedule and working at my own pace. I’m efficient, and I like to work quickly, but I make it known that I won’t rush a job to meet someone else's deadline, and I won’t cut corners. Ever. I won’t find a temporary fix. I’ll step back, look at the big picture, and pinpoint the problem. Then, I’ll find the most effective solution.

Maybe that’s why I’ve never been big on paying for advertising or having social media. My schedule is booked for the remainder of the year and into the new one. Hearing someone’s plans to make over a car excites me, so I’d take the job even if I didn’t have time for it.

Which is also the reason I’ve put so much more on my schedule than I can actually do.

I need to hire someone. Quick.

My brothers hound me about being all work and no play, but I don’t agree. I have plenty of things I enjoy. I like to read thrillers, thanks to Hudson and his addiction to books growing up. I like to work out. Lately, that’s the only time I get to spend with Luca. I like to grill and try new recipes, mixing seasoningstogether. I like fixing things, which I think stems from my joy in problem-solving. Hence, my job is all about fixing things. Fixing things for other people, anyway. Doing things for myself is a different story. I also enjoy walking out of my three-door shop, just like I am right now, to soak up the sun and watch the people of Lovers mill around living their—shit. Shit.

I jump back into the shop, crouching down as I round the front of my current project. I slowly peek over the hood.

Bright red hair flashes across the street.

I drop my chin and let out a breath.

Part of me really did hope she would get the message or at least not show up to my shop this year.

I should have known I wouldn’t get that lucky.

I peek again and see her disappear down the street.

Maybe the fact that I wasn’t her first stop is a good sign.

Maybe she decided?—

“What are you doing down there?”

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