Page 61 of Second Chance for Mr. Alden

She didn’t even wait for me to reply.

Jess threw her arms out dramatically. “Astronomical.”

I knew how cooped up she’d been feeling and a trip to the bakery—if we were careful—shouldn’t be that big of a deal. “How about we take the bakery as a trial run? If it all goes well, I’ll consider getting us out more while we’re here.”

She squealed in delight, and before I could react, grabbed my cheeks and pecked my lips. Jess practically danced as she raced toward our door. “I’m going to grab clothes from Greta now so that I have something for you when you get out of the shower. You won’t regret this. I promise.” She waved as she left.

I stood frozen for a moment while the imprint of Jess’s lips remained on my own. It took everything in me not to follow her and kiss her again, this time drawing it out. I needed to stop this train of thought. I shook my head and made my way into the bathroom, hoping I wouldn’t regret my decision.

***

THE BAKERY WAS ONLYabout a half mile from where we were staying. Jess had tried to convince me that we should walk, but I refused. We’d only been here a few days. Being out in the open on a main road would make us more of a target if anyone happened to recognize either of us.

We waited until 5:30 p.m., thirty minutes to closing, to avoid most of the customers. It was the one thing I’d been unwilling to compromise on.

“Greta wants us to bring her and Paul back something,” Jess said, as I parked the car outside the bakery.

I grunted and held out my hand to remind her not to get out of the car yet.

As I walked around the back of the car, I made note of the people on the street, the cars parked nearby, and the handful of customers inside the shop. Once I was satisfied she wasn’t in danger, I opened the passenger door and held my hand out to Jess.

She rolled her eyes. “Are we in the clear, James Bond?” she paused and gave me an expectant look.

Now it was my turn to roll my eyes.

“Come on. You had to think that was at least a little funny... his first name is James. Your first name is James.”

“It’s hilarious,” I responded dryly. It amazed me that she’d almost been kidnapped a few days ago and was now acting like nothing had happened. She was the epitome of resilience.

Jess got out and stood next to me on the sidewalk. “I mean I doubt anyone would recognize me in this. I really thought Greta had better fashion sense.” She frowned and looked down at the outfit.

The sunglasses and large floppy hat were similar in style to ones I’d seen Jess wear before, but the outfit was something else. She wore super baggy khaki cargo pants with large pockets down the side and an oversized pea green t-shirt with white polka dots. It was the complete opposite of the bright, colorful, and form fitting outfits Jess typically wore.

“You look good in everything you wear,” I answered truthfully.

She snort-laughed, and reached up to pat my cheek. “You’re sweet.”

She thought I was pandering to her, but I was serious. Jess had an effortless beauty. There wasn’t a single part of her I didn’t find sexy. And that was a big problem.

I held open the door to the bakery, noting this was the only exit in sight. Although, I bet there was one through the kitchen in the back. The space was compact with small white tables and chairs spread to the left of us, a counter lay directly in front of us with cases filled with baked goods beneath it, and a hallway just beyond that.

There was a couple sitting at one table and a woman and a small child at the register. Jess moved to the far side of the counter looking inside the cases. With a big smile she motioned me over and pointed to our options.

The woman at the register, her long dark hair pulled up into a messy bun with a red scarf tied around it, glanced over at us. “I’ll be over to help you in a minute.”

“Take your time,” Jess answered.

“Do you see anything you’d like?” I asked her.

“Besides everything?” She laughed. “Do you remember those cupcakes, cookies, and scones I brought home a few weeks back? Those were Ruby’s.”

I might have overindulged that day. “Those were amazing.”

“Right? I think I want one of everything.”

“Jess, we don’t have unlimited spending today,” I quietly reminded her. She was used to buying whatever she wanted, but we were on a cash budget right now.

“Shit, I forgot. It’s fine. We can each pick out something then.”

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