Page 53 of Working For Her Sweet Treats

Jake closes my rear hatch. “Anything else, boss?”

“Yes.”

He looks interested.

“Meet me at Black River Overlook in an hour.”

His expression changes, uncertainty slipping beneath the humor.

“Am I being called in for a performance review?”

“Something like that.”

“Should I bring representation?”

“You should probably change first.”

He nods solemnly. “Understood.”

I turn away, then glance back.

“I’m going to freshen up too.”

Jake’s slow smile appears. I walk toward my vehicle before he sees how much I am smiling. He catches my hand as I pass him, his fingers warm around mine.

“Ava?”

I turn.

“Are we okay?”

I think about the inspection, the repaired pipe, the empty pastry display, and the way Jake stood beside me tonight without once trying to stand in front of me.

“We’re not finished,” I tell him.

His thumb moves lightly across my knuckles.

“That sounds promising.”

“It might be.”

I release his hand and open my door.

“One hour,” I say.

I drive away with the taste of bourbon, maple, and possibility still on my tongue.

Chapter 14

Jake

Iarrive at Black River Overlook fourteen minutes early. That gives me enough time to question every possible meaning behind Ava’s invitation.

The event succeeded. She told me we were not finished. She also called this a performance review, which could mean anything from reconciliation to a carefully organized explanation of why I should stop buying muffins before dawn.

I lean against the front of my truck and look down at Forge Creek. The river curves past the old industrial district, reflecting scattered lights from buildings slowly returning to life. A few years ago, half the structures below us stood empty. Now windows glow above workshops, restaurants, apartments, and businesses people once said would never survive here.

Restoration takes patience. It also requires knowing which parts should be strengthened and which should be left exactly as they are.