Page 21 of Stuck with my Boss Daddies

“Remember that one summer we spent every damn day here?” Kai asked, his voice softer now.

I nodded, swallowing past the lump in my throat. “You mean the summer we spent trying to convince the Coopers to name a donut after us?”

Kai grinned. “The ‘Sadie & Kai Special.’”

I shook my head, laughing. “It was just a maple donut with extra icing.”

“And rainbow sprinkles,” he added. “Can’t forget the sprinkles.”

I took another bite, the warmth spreading through me.

That summer had been one of the best of my life. Lazy mornings at Sweet Maple, sticky fingers, and sugar-coated grins. Afternoons riding on the back of Kai’s motorcycle, wind in my hair, laughter in my lungs. Nights lying under the stars, dreaming of a future I wasn’t sure I believed in.

“I miss it,” I admitted quietly, staring down at my half-eaten donut.

Kai’s gaze was heavy on me.

“Yeah.” His voice was low, rough. “Me too.”

I met his eyes, and for a second, it was like nothing had changed.

Like we were still those kids, full of hope and sugar and big, reckless dreams.

But we weren’t.

And no matter how good this felt, the past wasn’t something we could ever get back.

Kai must’ve sensed where my mind had gone because he leaned back, stretching his arms over his head. “I still think we should’ve gotten that donut on the menu.”

I snorted. “You just wanted your name in the bakery.”

He smirked. “And? Don’t pretend you wouldn’t have loved seeing ‘The Sadie & Kai Special’ in big letters up on that board.”

I rolled my eyes, popping the last bite of my donut into my mouth. “Maybe just a little.”

Kai grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners in that way that always made my stomach flip.

“C’mon, let’s walk.”

The air was crisp when we stepped outside, the warmth of the bakery lingering on my skin.

It felt familiar.

Safe.

We fell into step easily, like no time had passed at all.

Our shoulders brushed as we walked, and every touch sent little sparks dancing over my skin.

“So, what now?” Kai asked, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Youreallysticking around for good? Or just passing through?”

I hesitated.

This wasn’t a job interview. I needed to be honest with him this time.

“I... don’t know yet.”

He glanced at me. “You’ve got people here who’d like you to stay.”

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