Chapter Eight

Thirty minutes later, he walked through the bakery's door. The scents hitting him made his stomach growl and his mouth water. There was a long counter with a glass front. Inside it were so many different treats he didn't know what to choose.

"May I help you?"

Jared looked up to see an older woman with gray hair, rosy cheeks, and bright blue eyes. He could tell without speaking with her that she was sweet because she didn't flinch when his gaze rose to hers, and she could see some of the damage done. His dark persona was enough to get people to step back without being told.

He hadn't come into town often because most people cringed when they looked at him, and even a few looked horrified. Most of the time, he didn't give a fuck, but a few people's reactions had hit hard because those people always brought the pain and anger back.

"Yes. I'm not sure what to pick. There are so many choices," he said.

The woman chuckled. "I've heard that a lot. I advise you to choose a few now, but come back and get different ones until you know your favorites. Are you new to town?"

"I grew up here but went into the military."

"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?"

He could tell she didn't believe him.

The bell over the door rang, catching his attention. Three women walked in, talking. When they caught sight of him, they all stopped. They looked extremely uncomfortable being near him. He sighed and turned back to see Skye scowling at the women.

"How about three more things, and then I'll get out of your hair?"

Skye opened her mouth to say something, looked at the women behind him, and snapped it shut. "Fine, I suggest our cookies. The double chocolate and sugar cookies are the most popular."

"Then one of each," he said.

Within two minutes, he had the box in hand and had paid for the treats. The fact that the women whispered behind him and the looks they gave him made him want to get out of there as soon as possible.

He'd deal with Skye another time.

In his truck, he pulled out and drove home. The thoughts racing through his head were that Skye would not want to be seen with him in public. He totally understood, but the fact he hadn't thought about it until the women's reactions made him rethink everything.

The last thing he wanted was to hurt or embarrass Skye. He guessed he'd be stared at wherever they went, and he could do nothing about it except not be around her.

The thought of never getting his hands on her again made him crazy and nauseous. Fuck, if he knew it was going to be this hard to be near her, he might have chosen a different place to put down roots.

Now, it was too late.