Sisters by Choice (Blackberry Island #4)(93)

Maggie sighed. “Me, too.”



Chapter Twenty-Five


Kristine ran her hands across the top of her new-to-her mixer and tried not to moan. It was so beautiful—sleek lines and shiny chrome trim. Big and powerful and barely scratched. The bowls held quadruple the amount of the mixer she had at home, and the motor had been built to handle whatever she threw at it. She couldn’t wait to give it a test run.

Jerry’s crew had been hard at work, pulling out the counter and taking up the flooring. They weren’t going to be in for a couple of days so she’d decided to test out the kitchen. She’d brought all the ingredients she would need to bake cookies, along with baking sheets and cooling racks. The ones she’d ordered had yet to be delivered. But that was fine with her—she could make do.

She collected butter and eggs from the cooler she’d rolled in from her car. Her favorite spoons were already laid out on the dish towels she’d put down as her work surface. The new-to-her oven was preheating.

Happiness bubbled through her, nearly making her giddy. The moment was magical, she thought. Everything she’d hoped it would be. All she needed was a couple of Bluetooth speakers so she could hook up her phone and have some music. When she got home, she would check online and find one or two on sale. Music and a finished kitchen and then she would be ready.

Sadness poked at a few of her bubbles, but she pushed it away. Yes, everything would be better if Jaxsen could get his head on straight, but that didn’t seem to be happening and she was tired of waiting for him to catch up to the current century.

“Hello?”

The sound of a male voice made her jump. Her immediate thought was that she should have locked the front door. Following that was the mental note to get a bell for the door. Not that she had to be frightened. This was Blackberry Island. Nothing bad ever happened here—at least not on the crime front.

She stepped out of the kitchen and stared when she saw Bruno in what would be the retail section of her store. He smiled.

“Good morning, Kristine.”

“Hi. What are you doing here? How did you know about the store? How was Italy?”

“The catering company told me you’d sent a letter discontinuing your services. I hoped that meant you’d decided to open your store.” One corner of his mouth turned up. “As there is only one former bakery on the island, it wasn’t difficult to find. I took a chance.”

He looked good, she thought, taking in the stylish suit. Better than she’d remembered.

“You’re really doing this.”

She smiled. “I am. I’m very excited. As you can see, the remodel has started. I have a professional kitchen and two brand-new restaurant-quality mixers. I’m in love.”

He chuckled. “I’m glad for you.” The smile faded. “Although I’m sorry I won’t be seeing you anymore.”

“I, ah...” What was she supposed to say to that? Was he being polite or something more?

Even as the thought formed, she mentally rolled her eyes at herself. Something more? Oh, right. Because Bruno was so incredibly hot for her. Yes, there’d been a brief kiss, but she was as much to blame for it and he’d never once—

“I really enjoyed the catering job,” she said quickly, reminding herself she was in the middle of a conversation and that generally went better when both of them actually talked. “But this is what I’ve always dreamed about. I’m so excited and anxious to get started.”

“I can see how happy you are.” He looked around. “Do you have enough funding?”

She was existing on shoestring, but knew that inviting him to be an investor would lead to all kinds of trouble. “Yes, I’m good in that department.”

His dark gaze settled on her face. “You’re never going to leave him, are you?”

Without thinking, she took a step back. “I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

“You are very clear on what I’m asking and I have my answer.” His expression turned regretful. “I wish you all the best, Kristine.”

With that, he turned and started out of the store.

At that exact moment, Jaxsen walked in. The two men looked at each other. Before Jaxsen could say anything, Bruno got in his rental car and pulled away from the curb.

Jaxsen looked from the retreating car to her. “Who’s the guy in the suit?”

All she’d wanted was a morning to make cookies, she thought, nearly as surprised to see Jaxsen as she had been to see Bruno. Although her reaction to seeing Jaxsen was a lot more clear—she was both annoyed and pleased. An uneasy combination to be sure.

“He was my private jet client. I quit the catering job and he stopped by to find out why.”

Jaxsen swung his gaze to her. “You quit that job without telling me?”

“You haven’t been around. We have absolutely no communication. When was I supposed to tell you?”

Even as she found herself snapping at him, she couldn’t help noticing that he looked good. Tired, maybe, but otherwise, he was the man she’d known and loved her entire adult life.

Part of her wanted to simply walk over and step into his embrace. She wanted to feel his strong arms around her and know that everything was going to be okay. She wanted him home, where he belonged. She wanted to be a family again.