Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39513 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39513 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Dillon’s jaw tightens, his expression turning dark as he pushes to his feet. “Looks like I need to get my hands on a copy of that lease agreement and go talk to previous tenants, see what I can dig up.”
Easton hops up, too. “I’m going to run Waters through the system and see what I can pull up,” he says. “I’ll meet up with you after and help hit up tenants.”
Dillon turns to look at me, his expression hard. “You stay the hell away from Waters and let us figure this shit out, got it?”
“Got it.” I nod, but we both know it's a lie. I'll do whatever it takes to protect Heidi, even if it means crossing lines.
“Alessandro,” Dillon calls as I head for the door.
I glance back at him and see the understanding stamped across his face.
"I know damn well you aren’t going to listen to me,” he growls. “So at least hear this: Don't do anything stupid. The last thing she needs right now is you in a jail cell. She’s been through enough, and if I have to arrest you, it’s going to break her fucking heart.”
“Then I suggest you work fast,” I mutter, not making any promises I may not be able to keep. When it comes to her, I’ll protect her, no matter what. “Because if he comes near her, I’ll do whatever the fuck I have to do.”
Chapter Nine
Heidi
“What the heck?” I gape at the bakery as I pull up out front, my heart threatening to pound out of my chest. The police tape stretched across the entrance is gone. So is the shattered glass that littered the ground last night. Instead, pristine panes of glass sparkle in the morning sun where there were only jagged edges just last night.
What the heck did Alessandro do while I was sleeping?
I throw the car in park and hop out, not entirely sure I’m ready to step inside and face the damage despite the fact that the windows have been repaired. But I’m not letting whoever did this win. They may not want this bakery to open, but I don’t care. I’m not backing down. I’m not giving up.
This is my dream, and they can kiss my butt.
I spy my sisters and Bronx through the windows, and my throat grows tight. Of course they’re here already. Dillon must have called them. Maybe they’re the ones who figured out how to get the windows replaced?
I stumble through the front door, and a choked sob bursts free when I see just how much work they’ve already put in this morning. Alessandro isn’t here, but the bakery is mostly put back together. There’s no glass on the floor. The broken countertop is gone. The tables and chairs are back where they belong. Aside from the glass missing from the display case, it’s almost like nothing at all happened here.
“Heidi!” My sisters rush over in a big group, pulling me into their arms as I fall apart.
Bronx takes one look at us and slips into the kitchen to give us privacy.
"I can't believe you guys did all this for me," I sob, clinging to them as tears stream down my cheeks.
Adalynn strokes my hair, her touch soothing. "We didn't do it. Your man did."
I lift my head, staring at her with wide, watery eyes. "What?"
A smile curves my oldest sister's lips. "By the time we got here this morning to clean up, he was already here with half the fire department. They had most of the work already done. We just helped finish up."
"Yep." Gemma loops her arm through mine, her dimples flashing. "We directed while hot firefighters cleaned."
"Best morning ever," Charlie whispers dramatically.
Laughter bubbles up from deep in my chest, escaping in half-sobs, half-giggles. I wipe at my eyes and look around, taking it all in. My heart flutters wildly. "I can't believe he did all this."
"I can." Leia's voice is soft but firm. "He loves you, Heidi."
I bite my lip and nod, my cheeks heating. "I know,” I whisper. “I..." The words catch in my throat. I haven’t ever said them out loud before. "I love him too."
"Well, duh!" Gemma laughs, smiling brightly. "Of course you do. It’s written all over your face. And no offense, but you're not very good at keeping secrets."
"You're kind of terrible at it," Charlie agrees.
I stick my tongue out at my younger sisters, but I’m not even mad at their teasing.
"Have you told him yet?" Adalynn asks me.
I shake my head, swallowing hard. "I told him about our parents. Last night before..." I gesture at the bakery. "Before this. We talked about it."
"Good." Leia hugs me tight. "It's about time you opened up to someone other than us. Maybe now you can start healing, too."
I look at her, not sure what she means by that, which prompts her to shrug. "The rest of us have already started, but not you, not really. You've always buried yourself in your dreams and ignored everything else. I guess we figured you'd face it when you were ready, but you were never really ready."