Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39513 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39513 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 158(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
“I don’t even have sex, and I’m too tired to think about sex,” I mumble, making all three of my sisters laugh. It’s true, though. I’ve been at the bakery since the sun came up. Every part of my body hurts, but the final wall is almost painted. My bakery is officially sparkly pink.
If it weren’t for my sisters and their husbands, there’s no way I’d have gotten this much done today. But they showed up a few hours ago, ready to work. They may bicker and tease a lot, but they know how to get the job done.
“We’re not talking about sex,” Xavier growls, cutting his eyes at Don Waters, who owns the building. He’s trying to fix a leaky sink in the bathroom.
“Oh,” Charlie stage whispers, peeking over at the man. “Right.”
Don pretends not to hear her even though he smiles. He’s gotten pretty good at ignoring my sisters since I rented this place. I think he may have daughters our age. I’m not sure. He’s not very forthcoming with the personal information.
He’s been nice, though. And this building is a dream come true. I can’t figure out why he can’t keep it rented when it’s located downtown, is in great shape, and he’s a decent landlord. But I guess business hasn’t been great for previous tenants. They’ve all ended their leases early...which is precisely how I ended up with this place.
The last tenant went out of business, leaving the building vacant well before their lease was set to expire. Don offered me a deal on the place if I signed for the duration of their term. I couldn’t say no to that.
But it means my bakery has to succeed. Otherwise, I’ll be out thousands of dollars. I really can’t afford that. My life savings are tied up in this place.
“I still think Heidi should have brought us kolaches,” Gemma mumbles.
“Heidi didn’t know you were coming,” I protest. “Besides, I didn’t make very many.”
“Rude,” Charlie sniffs, making Gemma laugh.
I shake my head, smiling. I always make enough for my sisters, but after Alessandro and Rivin left last night and I managed to calm Skeet and clean the kitchen, I didn’t have the energy to tackle an entire batch. I used what remaining ingredients I had in the fridge, and that was it.
“Less talking, more painting!” Leia demands. “Otherwise, no one is eating anything anytime soon.”
Gemma gasps as if the thought is an affront to her dignity, but she and Charlie quiet down and get back to painting while their husbands finish wrestling the countertop into place for Colter to bolt it down.
We’ve almost managed to get the wall completely painted when the bell over the front door jangles. I turn that way to see Alessandro striding in like he owns the place, a pink box balanced on one muscular arm. His black hair is tousled, his Fire Department t-shirt stretched tight over his broad chest. His dimples pop out, a sinful smirk curving his lips upward as he takes in my paint-splattered overalls and messy ponytail.
"Hello, Sunshine,” he purrs as I practically scurry across the bakery toward him, hoping to keep him far away from my sisters. “I come bearing gifts."
"What are you doing here?" I narrow my eyes on him even as my traitorous heart skips a beat. "And how did you even find me?"
I don’t even have to look to know all three of my sisters are staring at us. I feel their eyes boring into me.
"One of the perks of being a firefighter is knowing all the secrets in this town." When I roll my eyes, he laughs. "Actually, Dillon told me where to find you." Stepping closer, he leans in to murmur, "You didn't mention that the Sheriff is basically your family."
"I didn't realize it was your business," I retort, but there's no heat behind it.
His grin only widens. “Everything about you is my business.” His gaze drifts past me to my sisters and brothers-in-law. “Hey, everyone.”
“Hey, man,” Colter says with a jerk of his chin. “Good to see you.”
“What’s up?” Bronx grunts.
“Yo,” Xavier adds, not even looking up from the counter.
Are you freaking kidding me? The one time I need them to be crazy, overprotective people, and they’re completely chill?
Even my sisters betray me.
“Hey,” Leia says. “Glad to see you without flames in the background for once.”
“You too. Although, you look like you’re having way more fun with a notebook in your hands than that paint roller,” he says with a laugh.
“Don’t remind me,” Leia groans. “She owes me so many free cupcakes for this.”
“Hi.” Charlie beams at him.
Alessandro grins at her. “Hey, Charlie. I’m Alessandro.” His gaze shifts to Gemma. “That must make you Gemma?”
What the heck? How has he already learned all of their names?
“Yep.” Gemma waves at him, smiling brightly as she slaps more paint on the wall. “It’s nice to finally meet you.”