Page 59 of Delicate Escape

She shook her head. “The baking’s the best part. When it’s just me and the quiet. It’s like the whole world drops away.”

“I’m glad you love it, but maybe you could love it only a couple of days a week?”

Sutton laughed. “Eventually. But for now, it needs to be me.”

I nodded, even though I didn’t like it. But the truth was, I didn’t know what Sutton’s financial situation was like. I’d gotten the sense that things were tight and she went without so Luca could have everything he wanted and needed. But the bakery was doing amazingly well, so hopefully that would change soon.

“Sooooo,” she began, running a towel through her fingers. “How is having Shep help out at your house?”

Just the sound of his name had my entire body waking up. That alone should’ve been one giant red flag. But I couldn’t seem to get myself to go there.

I swallowed, trying to clear the dryness in my throat. “It’s…good.”

Sutton raised a brow in question, no words with it. The ultimate mom move.

“I think we’re…friends.”

She sighed, disappointment lacing her tone. “Thea, one does not remainfriendswith a man who looks like that.”

It was my turn to arch a brow at her. “You did.”

Sutton shook her head. “That’s different. I’m closed for business.”

I’d never pushed to know more about Sutton. Why she moved to Sparrow Falls or if Luca had a father in his life. I hadn’t pushed because I didn’t want Sutton to do the same with me. And maybe that made me a crappy friend. But I was breaking all my rules lately, so what was one more?

“Why? You’re smart, funny, and ridiculously gorgeous. I know more than a couple of guys have asked you out.”

Shadows passed over Sutton’s eyes. “I had a relationship turn. Someone who became a person I couldn’t even recognize. It’ll take a while before I’m ready to dip my toe back in that pool.”

I studied her for a long moment before pulling on all the bravery I could. “I know what that’s like. Makes you feel crazy.”

Empathy swept through Sutton’s expression. “Makes you look back on every moment you shared with new eyes. And everything becomes a lie or a stab of grief.”

“I’m sorry,” I said quietly.

Sutton straightened. “I’m not. It changed me, but I like who I am now more. I found my strength. I stand on my own two feet. Take care of myself and my son. That feels damn good.”

A smile tugged at my lips. She was right. I’d never begladI went through what I did, but it made me realize what was important. And it made me a more empathetic person, someone sensitive to others’ struggles.

“You are a bakery badass and a supermom,” I said.

Sutton grinned back at me. “Yes, I am. Does that make you my trusty sidekick?”

I choked on a laugh. “At least give me a cool cape.”

“Deal,” she agreed.

The bell over the door jingled, and I turned, scanning the mostly empty bakery until my gaze landed on a familiar face. I couldn’t help but look for any signs of bruising. There were none. On her arms either.

I smiled warmly. “Hi, Raina. It’s good to see you.”

Her lips tipped tentatively. “You, too.”

“What are you after today?” Normally, she came in during the morning rush, but it had been weeks.

“Can I get a chicken salad and an egg salad sandwich to go, please?”

“Of course.” I punched the order into the tablet and read her the total.

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