Page 33 of How Sweet It Is

“Of course.”

“So, if I take a day off from classes, can I crash at your place? I wouldn’t want to go home. Tobias would freak if he found out.”

I laugh and clap him on the shoulder. “You can sleep on my couch anytime, bro.”

His face brightens. “Thanks.”

Amelia comes out of the back and scans the bakery until she sees me. She marches over to our table, her fists on her hips. “Was that biscuit really gluten-free? Because I swear, if you gave me gluten…”

I hold up my hands. “I swear it was gluten-free.”

Her mouth pops open. “No. Way.”

I bite back a grin. She must have really liked it. “Yes. Way.”

“That was the best gluten-free biscuit I’ve ever eaten. No, that’s not true. That was the bestbiscuitI’ve ever eaten, period. That’s including the ones filled with gluten.”

Micah chuckles. “Levi’s great in the kitchen, isn’t he?”

Amelia nods like a bobblehead and points at Micah. “You are not kidding. That biscuit melted in my mouth. I still can’t believe I’m not going to get sick from eating it.”

“Well, things shouldn’t get… explosive… around here.”

Amelia laughs, and the sound of it washes over me. I want to make her laugh every day. “Whatever you did, it was brilliant. I would not be offended if you wanted to try croissants next. I haven’t eaten a croissant in years, and I died a little not eating the one you gave me.”

I grin at her. “I’ll take on that challenge.”

Her smile widens. “You’re the best.” She takes a step back. “Sorry for interrupting. I was just so sure you’d fed me gluten, I had to come check.”

“No problem,” I say.

She motions over her shoulder. “I’m going to go back now. And I might eat another biscuit… or two.”

I chuckle as she scurries into the kitchen.

Micah kicks my foot. “You and the librarian?”

I snort and roll my eyes. “No way.”

He raises his eyebrows. “Your mouth says no, but your entire face says yes. You lit up when she came out.”

“I did not.”

“Whatever, dude. I have eyes. You’re totally into her.” Micah stands and tosses his empty cup into the trash can. “Thanks for chatting with me. I’ll take you up on your offer.”

I walk to him and give him a quick hug. “Of course. Just text before you come.”

“Will do.”

CHAPTER 17

CLAIRE MATTHEWS — SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

Ipark my car in the alley of the bakery and turn off my engine. It’s been a week since Levi made those incredible gluten-free biscuit muffins, and he’s been surprising me with other gluten-free treats every day. Cupcakes, cookies, and brownies. I’ve been walking the beach every evening so I don’t gain a million pounds working for him, but I have to admit it makes me excited to come to work each morning.

The police found Victor DeLuca, and he’s being watched twenty-four seven until the trial. Rafe left the island, because there’s no evidence that Victor or any of his goons know where I am. The trial will start in a little over two weeks, on September 28. I’m so ready to get it over with and go back to my old life.

I walk in the back door.

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