Chapter Forty-One
Ruby
The bell over the bakery door jingles as I step inside, and the smell of warm bread and cinnamon wraps around me like a hug I didn't realize I needed.
Emily stands at the pickup counter with a white pastry box tucked against one hip. “Hey.”
“Hey, you.” I smile. “I need enough food to keep a construction crew from revolting.”
She laughs. “Then you're definitely in the right place.”
I place my order before stepping beside her to wait.
Emily studies me for a second. “How's the house?”
“Cameras are up.”
“And Xavier?” I’m thankful she lowered her voice to keep the other customers from overhearing our conversation.
My pulse stumbles at the mention of his name. “No changes. He’s helping me and that’s it.”
Her expression softens. “That doesn't make your feelings disappear.”
The girl behind the counter sets two boxes in front of me, ending the conversation.
Emily nudges hers under one arm. “Call me if you need anything.”
“I will.”
The late-morning air is crisp when I step outside, balancing the bakery boxes against my hip. The hair on the back of my neck prickles. Before I see him.
Brent steps out of the gym next door like he's been waiting for the bakery door to open. “Ruby.” He lifts a hand, gym bag slung over one shoulder. “Funny running into you.”
“Is it?”
His smile doesn't change. “I just finished my workout.” He takes a few casual steps closer. Not blocking. Just closing the distance. “You look good.”
“I'm busy.” I shift the boxes. “I need to get these to the shop.”
“Still working with Xavier Cole?”
“Yes.”
He studies me for a moment. “He's a player, Ruby.”
“That's none of your concern.”
“I'm trying to protect you.”
The words send a chill crawling across my skin. “I didn’t ask you to.”
His expression hardens. “Men like him don't stay.”
I know he’s right, but his words still make my stomach twist. “I have to go.” I step around him before he can say anything else.
He doesn't follow. But I feel his eyes on me all the way to my truck. I set the boxes on the passenger seat, lock the doors, and glance in the rearview mirror.
He's still standing there. Still watching.