Page 27 of The Bride and the Baker

“That’s the only thing I can think of.”

Myra squeezed his shoulder.

“I don’t think that’s the case.”

“You’re an amazing person, Myra, but even you can’t read minds.”

“You should just reach out and talk to her.”

Lee shook his head.

“She said she would reach out when she was ready.”

“I think this is a time when you can ignore what a woman wants. Especially if it’s giving you a lot of grief.”

“Myra…”

“Just send her a message that you want to talk. Then lay it out for her how you feel. If she knows that you love her…”

“She could end up rejecting me pretty quickly,” Lee said gloomily.

“I don’t think that’s going to happen, Lee. Not with what I saw in those few minutes back at your apartment.” Myra smiled. “You might find yourself really surprised.”

Lee didn’t really know what that meant.

“I really don’t think that’s going to happen, Myra.”

“You don’t know until you try. Daisy’s just had a lot happen to her, and she needs someone with her who’s not going to treat her like crap. I know that can be you.”

“And if she rejects me?”

Myra winked.

“I doubt that’s going to happen. That’s my interpretation of this.”

“I’m not taking your word as gospel.”

“Maybe you should.” Myra turned as the bell tinkled. “Oh, God, are you kidding me?”

“What?”

Lee looked past Myra to see Nick and Elena coming into the bakery. What the hell were they doing here? They had to know this was Lee’s business, and they were both aware of how angry Lee was at them. What was going on?

“Do you mind hanging around for a moment?” Lee murmured. “I have a feeling I’m going to need a police presence.”

“Sure. Just don’t do anything stupid.”

“Do I look like I’m going to do something stupid?”

“Don’t make me answer that, Lee.”

Lee crossed back to the counter, barely raising a smile as Nick turned to him. The other man blinked.

“Oh. I didn’t think you were in today.”

“Why wouldn’t I be? This is my bakery, after all.” Lee leaned his hands on the counter. “What are you two doing here? You must be aware that I’m not comfortable with your presence.”

“You would deny your customers service?” Elena asked with a slight sneer. She snuggled into Nick’s side. “We have come here to buy things, after all.”

---