Page 22 of Almost Love

She peered at him, like she was trying to read his thoughts. He leaned back, as if that would protect him from her magical powers.

“Why?”

“Why…what?”

“Spending time with me. Why?” Oakley frowned and she rolled her eyes, adding, “There’s nothing confusing about the question. Why do you want to spend time with me? You’ve already eaten every donut we’ve ever made.”

“Is that what you think I’m coming to the shop for every day?” he asked, scoffing at the suspicious look on her face. “Sure, you do make great desserts and your bakery is such a happy place. Butyouare fascinating and not to mention beautiful, so I come there with the hopes of seeing you. Does that sound creepy?”

Her expression was blank, but her eyes spoke volumes. She was startled by his admission and if Oakley was being honest, he was shocked by his confession too. He reached for his water, took a big gulp and shook his head, trying to backtrack.

“That did sound creepy. What I meant was that I think you’re beautiful and sure, that’s why I wanted to be friends with you. To maybe one day ask you out. But you said you don’t date, so what’s the next best thing? Be friends. I know I come on a little strong and I can be a lot, but I’m not pulling a fast one on you. I’m a good guy, I swear. Which I know is whateveryonesays, but I have no ulterior motives other than to spend time with you,” he said. Then exhaled loudly, rubbing his jaw. “Too much?”

“A little,” she admitted softly and then dropped her attention to the table.

“Clem.”

“What?”

He smiled, still watching her curiously. “You know that I’m not going to force myself into your life or insist you be my friend, right? If this is…ifIam too much, say the word and I’ll leave you alone. I mean, I’d miss your donuts, but I’d walk away.”

“You’re fine.”

“Cool,” he said softly, already knowing thatfinein Clementine speak was probably the best kind of compliment.

CHAPTER 7

In the days since taking Oakley to two of the most important places in her life, Clementine caught herself smiling. She’d wake up and feel her lips stretch to the side, catching herself before it turned into a full-blown grin. Other times she’d be kneading dough and feel her mouth twitch, but stop it before it spread any further. It was annoying, because she was trying her level best not to think about or crush on the man. Her brain didn’t seem to get the memo. Nor did her heart. Definitely not with his words still floating around in her head—“you are fascinating and not to mention beautiful, so I come there with the hopes of seeing you.”

However, her mood was slightly shaken up after the family call that weekend. Like her mother, Clementine thought that her brother and sister-in-law might be announcing that they were pregnant or thinking about it. Instead, they dropped a different kind of bomb—they were moving to India for a few years. Sandra, her sister-in-law, had the opportunity of a lifetime, but it required her and Callum to relocate to India. Even living a few states over, they were close enough to visit, but now they were moving timezones and countries away. It was the first timesomeone in the family was going to be living that far away and it was unsettling.

So not only was she unpacking the family news, she was also navigating the way the evening with Oakley made her feel. Thankfully, she wasn’t drawing attention to herself at work. Grover, on the other hand, had definitely noticed and hadn’t stopped texting.

Grover

Think I’m his type?

Clementine

Aren’t you everyone’s type?

Grover

Good answer, my darling Clementine. But no, seriously.

Clementine

Would you like me to find out?

Grover

There doesn’t seem to be any point, because as much as I wish for him to be interested in me…we both know you’re all he can see.

Clementine

I know you’re a romantic and all that, but calm down.

Grover

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