Page 36 of How Sweet It Is

“I heard you opened a bakery.” She arches one eyebrow, which is sexy on her.

I nod like an idiot. I have no words for her. Her smile is paralyzing me. “Yeah,” I force out. Brilliant.

She takes in my storefront. “It’s really adorable. Did you design it yourself?”

I shrug. “I mean, it was Loretta’s before, so I just kept her layout and updated everything.”

“You always talked about opening a bakery, but I didn’t think you’d actually do it.” She walks the length of my display case, one manicured finger trailing along the glass, her hips swaying.

I’m not sure what to say to that. Even if she’s here to apologize, I’m not sure I want to accept it. I sigh. “Well, I did.”

She looks up at me, her eyes wide. “Did Tobias help you out? Is he the investor?”

“No.” I straighten my spine. “This is all me.”

Amelia elbows me, and I realize she’s standing right next to me. I elbow her right back. It’s none of her business what I tell Lisa. She never thought I would amount to anything, and now I’m a millionaire. I kind of want to brag a little. Rub it in her face then run her out the door.

“Wow. What’s your secret? Did you win the lottery?” Her smile widens.

“No, I used my?—”

“Levi, I think I smell something burning.” Amelia shoves me into the kitchen and follows.

“Nothing’s in the oven.”

She glares at me. “Don’t tell that woman about your inheritance. Are you crazy?” she hisses.

“Why not? Lisa dumped me because she thought I’d never do anything worthwhile. I’m just proving her wrong.”

“I know women like her. If you tell her about the money, she’ll want you back. But do you really want someone who doesn’t like you for who you are?” Amelia pokes me in the chest, and I grab her finger. I don’t let go, and zaps of electricity shoot over my skin. I love how riled up Amelia is over Lisa coming in.

“Hey, Spreadsheet,” I say, my voice low. “Don’t get jealous. You won’t date me, so what do you care if I date Lisa again?”

She pokes me with her other finger, and I grab that one too.

“Can’t you be serious for one minute? Think about this. You shouldn’t tell people how much money you have in the bank.”

My thumbs graze her skin. It’s soft, and it’s doing funny things to my heart rate. “I showedyouwhat’s in my bank.”

“I’m your accountant. That’s different. I’m not going to go blab it all over Willow Shade Island.”

I lean closer to her. “How do I know that?”

Amelia’s cheeks flush, and I love that look on her. She’s been distant with me ever since our dance, and I’ve backed off. But right now, I’m feeling a little daring. I want to push past the lines she’s drawn. See what she does.

“Accountants have a moral obligation to keep the confidentiality of their clients,” she says, stammering.

I love how flustered I can make her. I move closer to her ear. “You’re cute when you’re defending my finances.”

Amelia gasps and backs away from me, jerking her hands away. “Stop that. And I’m not your mother. You can tellLisawhatever you want.”

I grin at her. “Relax. If you wanted me all to yourself, all you had to do was ask.”

Amelia rolls her eyes. “You’re impossible.” She walks past me and into the office before shutting the door. I chuckle, even though I’ll have to apologize later. It was worth seeing her so flustered.

I go back into the bakery sales floor. Kiera watches me closely as I walk around the counter.

Lisa’s jaw is set, and she shoots daggers at me with her eyes. “That was very rude.”

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