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“But you’re back for good now?” she asked.
Jared nodded. “Yes.”
“Good. I’m glad you made it back. I also want to thank you for your service. I commend all of you who have the bravery to protect our nation.”
“Thank you. Not many people appreciate what we do.”
She smiled. “You’d be surprised how many people are awed by you. It takes a strong, brave person to join the military. The people that give you guff are the ones that know they wouldn’t be able to do it.”
“So, they’re jealous?” Jared asked and chuckled.
“That’s part of their problem.”
Jared grinned. He liked her spunk.
The older woman opened an empty box and looked up at him expectantly.
He pointed at a few trays. “I definitely want a few of the sweet rolls.”
“Cinnamon or caramel?” she asked.
“How about one of each?”
Jared was studying the rest of the desserts when he heard a gasp behind him. He turned to see Skye with a large tray of goodies. She looked surprised and happy to see him, although she covered that emotion with curiosity.
He couldn’t take his eyes off her. He’d always thought she was gorgeous, but seeing her with flour on her face and in her hair and wearing a long white apron made him feel even more protective of her. He didn’t understand why.
Skye pulled her gaze from his and walked behind the counter. She and the older lady got busy setting everything in the display case under the counter.
He was shocked to see her there. It was something he’d never been around.
“Will there be anything else?” the woman asked.
Jared pulled his eyes from Skye. “I’d like Skye to choose them.”
The older woman’s eyebrows rose comically. “You know each other?”
“Yes,” he said and at the same time, Skye said, “Not really.”
“I’ll let you take over.”
Skye took a step back. “No. That’s okay.”
“Help the man, Skye. I’ll start the cake for the Jones wedding.” The woman stepped aside to let Skye across from him. The woman walked into the back, and the door shut behind her giving them some privacy.
Skye cleared her throat. “What are you doing here?”
“I ate everything you brought me, and I wanted more.”
“Did you know I worked here?” she asked.
He shook his head. “No, I didn’t.” He hated to see the light recede from her eyes and her face turn serious. He guessed she thought he’d come for her.
“What would you like?” she asked.
Her tone had turned cold and distant, and it drove him crazy to think she was trying to shut him out. “I would have found you eventually.”
She snorted. “Now, why in the world would you do that?”
