A shadow passed over his expressive blue eyes and she felt a twinge of regret. “If it’s not what you want, then that’s how we’ll play it.”
“It’s not fair on you. I know you want more from me but I can’t give it to you.”
He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles sending all kinds of signals to her gut. “I’m a big boy. Old enough to decide what I want. I want you, Aggie. Anyway I can get you.”
She desperately wanted to say yes but something held her back. Fear.
Chapter 7
Aggie wasn’t surprised to hear the knock on the bakery’s back door. When Liam dropped her home last night, he’d hinted that he’d be back at the bakery to help her and she didn’t have the heart to tell him not to bother.
The reason why she’d been alone for the last couple of years had left her on edge more than she’d like to admit, but there was no way she was going to tell the family that. They’d rush around and make a fuss, something she didn’t think she could bear. At least Liam was being more casual about it even though she knew it cost him dearly. She’d seen the look of longing in his eyes more than once.
She unlocked the door. “Hey.”
He came inside. “Hey, yourself. Glad to see the door’s locked this time.”
When he leaned forward to give her a kiss, Aggie turned and headed into the back room, trying to act casual. Truth be told, having him in her space was making her more nervous than she’d felt in a long time. Not bad nervous, but nervous just the same.
“So, what do you want me to do first?”
“You don’t have to stay with me, Liam. I’ve done this for two years on my own.”
He stepped closer and put his hands on her arms. “Yes, but you don’t need to live your life being afraid anymore. I’m happy to stay with you until that fear goes away. I told you that last night. I hate to see that haunted look in your eyes.”
“Look, we can’t keep doing this. Seeing how we work as friends and hanging out is one thing; being my assistant baker is another. You have a business and nobody wants to see their doctor falling asleep on his desk. Your focus has to be on your patients.”
“It’s the weekend and I don’t have to work anyway, so stop worrying about it. I can take care of myself. Speaking of which, Ben told me to encourage every lady on the island to sign up for his self-defense classes. He’s doing his bit to empower the goddesses of Hope Island. His words exactly.”
Aggie grinned. Typical Ben speak. “He said that?”
“He did. It’s wonderful that you’ve stuck the posters in your window, but I think he was hoping for more. Not sure if I explained it before, but the women’s shelter asked him to line something up and we discussed what we could do. He came up with what he hopes is the perfect fit for the local girls and ladies. If you could take a few classes, it would be encouraging for the other locals. At least, I think that’s the general idea.”
“I doubt people will care what I do.”
He rolled his eyes. “You’re part of the founding family of Hope Island—of course people care what you do. Tell Gigi as well. I’m sure it can’t hurt for any of you to do it. If nothing else, it’ll increase your fitness and it’s only for eight weeks. I think Ben’s hoping he’ll get more signups for the martial arts classes when folks find out how much fun it is. Not that it’s the reason he’s doing this. But you know how he loves his fitness regimen.”
“Yeah, I do, and it works for him being the island’s cop. You still train, don’t you? After all these years, the joy of it hasn’t worn off?”
“No. I love it. After a busy day it’s what I need to help me unwind. Great place to take out my frustrations too. A punching bag isn’t judgmental.”
Aggie tucked a strand of hair under her white baker’s cap. “I’ll think about it.”
Liam grinned. “Awesome. But back to you. Once I see you feeling safe and happier, then I’ll let you work alone. Besides, you do have Lauren. When she’s here, I’ll sleep. Now, where do I start?”
He got points for being as stubborn as she was. Still, it didn’t make it any easier for her to ignore him around when he was being so nice to her.
“Let’s do the basic breads, and then I’m going to teach you how to make tiger bread. If you’re really good, we’ll make my famous tarts.”
“Tiger bread? You mean you do stuff with stripes?” He glanced at the empty shelves as if looking for something to give him a hint as to what she meant.
“Nope. Special recipe I found for making the most delicious crunchy topping ever. Easy as pie.”
“Do I get to sample said loaf?”
Her lips twitched. “Maybe.”
Liam rubbed his hands together. “Right. Let’s get going then.”
Aggie handed him an apron, doing her best to keep the smile from her face.
* * *
On Monday morning, Liam put the iced buns and a fresh loaf of tiger bread on the break room table and stifled a yawn.
“You’re going to have to stop bringing goodies or I’ll blow up like a balloon.” April peeked into the bags and sighed. “I really don’t need these calories before the wedding.”
“How much weight can you put on before the big day?”
“You have no idea.” She sighed and rubbed her belly. “Thirteen days. Heck, that’s gone fast.”
“It has but once it’s over, it’ll be worth what little stress it’s been.”
April laughed. “Oh, I’m not stressed. Drew’s the one who’s panicking over every little thing. Who would’ve guessed he’d turn out to be the worrier?”
