Page 33 of Whisk Me Away

Tears welled up in my eyes as I grappled with the uncertainty of it all. As much as I tried to keep my heart from latching on to the possibility of Brant, it was pointless. But I needed to rebuild the walls that had once been carefully built around my emotions. Keep them from crashing down, leaving me exposed and vulnerable to the man who had the potential to obliterate my heart.

CHAPTER 21

BRANT

Giving Karis space and time to process had sounded like a good idea when I had convinced myself to do that a few days ago. Dropping the bomb on her about Olivia and our former engagement wasn't an easy thing to do. I couldn't imagine how Karis was processing that. I wanted to stick close and answer any questions she had, but a part of me believed she needed the ability to process this on her own.

But the longer I stay away, the more I regretted that decision. It'd been one week since we talked in the kitchen of Whisk Me Away. One week since I watched the silent tears trickle down her face. Those tears had wrecked me. I wasn't sure if they were on my behalf or because I had somehow hurt her with the news that I was engaged before. Either way, I hated the sight of her tear-stained cheeks.

I was done waiting. I gave her a week, and I needed to see her. I went from stopping by the bakery daily to having no communication with Karis for a week, and I was going stir-crazy. When had this girl worked her way under my skin? When had she snuck through my defenses? I never stood a chance when it came to her. Now, I just needed to make her believe that.

The drive to the bakery from the station was quick. As I pulled into a spot out front, I took a minute to take in the town. It was now February, and the winter chill was alive and well. The streets were quiet. It would be another four months or so before the tourists bombarded our little town. I wanted to take it all in before then.

Tourist season was good for Ashwood Falls' economy, but I couldn't help my dislike of the crowds. They flocked here from all over to get their taste of small-town living before returning to their busy lifestyles. Living in a small town may not be enough for some people, but this was all I'd ever known. It was all I'd ever wanted.

I slipped out of my SUV, taking long strides to the front door. As I pushed it open, the little bell above the door jingled. The sweet voice calling out that she'd be right with me brought a smile to my face immediately. Just the sound of her voice caused a sense of calm to wash over me. How did I stay away for so long?

When the door to the kitchen swung open, Karis stepped through, coming to a stop at the counter. She still hadn't looked up, so I took the opportunity to take her in. Her blonde hair is piled on top of her head in what I believe girls call a messy bun. A few of the strands had fallen out and hung around her face. Her cheeks had a light dusting of white powder that could either be flour or powdered sugar.

I couldn’t help the smile that threatened to reemerge on my face. The thought of her in the kitchen getting lost in baking, not realizing she's making a complete mess, just did something to me. She was so effortlessly beautiful it took my breath away.

Karis was wearing worn blue jeans and a simple white tee under her pink, ruffled apron that was also covered in the evidence of a day full of baking.

"Good afternoon, what can I—" her words cut off when she realized it was me standing here.

"Hey, Peach," I said.

“Oh," her lips formed into a perfect circle as her eyes widened a fraction. “Hi," she finally said with a slight wave of her hand.

I took a look around and noticed a few teenagers sitting in the corner. A couple of them read books they must have picked off the shelves while the others play some card games around the little round table. It warmed my heart to see them sitting there. Karis wanted so desperately for this to be a place where people could come and hang out, and she's bringing those dreams to fruition. A sense of pride filled my chest at the thought of all she'd accomplished in such a short time. Tourist season was going to put her little shop on the map, and I couldn't wait to sit back and watch her soar.

"Thank you,” I hear her quiet voice say.

Bringing my head back to face her, I ask, "For what?"

She tipped her head toward the group of teenagers I had just been staring at. "They’re hanging out there, in large part because of you."

Her lips twitched as if she was fighting a smile. She tucked her bottom lip between her teeth. I wanted to reach forward and free it with my thumb.

"This was all you, Peach," I said, shaking my head.

The peach-colored hue slowly took over her cheeks.

"If you hadn't come in here all those times to sit in that corner and read, I don't know if anyone would have,” she said shyly with a shrug of her shoulders.

I didn't believe that for one minute. Sure, I helped move things along by setting the example, but it was her who spent time curating each item on those shelves. It was her idea. I just helped set the tone.

"Don't sell yourself short, Karis. Everything about this place is successful because of you and your hard work."

Her gaze never left mine, but she slowly nodded her head like she was trying to absorb my words.

After a few minutes of silence, she finally asked, "Do you want anything?"

"Actually, I came in here today for something specific,” the smirk on my face caused one to form on her own lips.

"And what would that be, Sheriff Landon?" Her playful tone gave me hope that maybe she’d accept my offer.

"Go out with me,” my words came out more as a demand than a question.