Sky waited on her porch steps for Joon Gi. He’d left at two o’clock that morning. It was now three-thirty. She’d soon have to head to the store and start baking. Between her shop’s rising demand and the new expansion that came with custom orders, she was more swamped than ever.
“Come on, Joon,” Sky mumbled and glanced at her phone. “At least send me a text.”
No response.
Sky chewed on the inside of her cheek. Since finding out about Tyler’s betrayal, Joon had been even broodier than usual. He’d been hell-bent on revenge when he thought Sun Gi was behind everything, but the truth had knocked the wind out of his sails.
She was worried about him.
Sky knew Joon Gi had gone after Grayson a few days ago. Earlier today, he’d brusquely informed her that he’d be heading out to meet Tyler.
No matter how hard she’d tried to squeeze him for details, Joon had remained tight-lipped. She could only wring her hands and worry from afar.
A few minutes later, Sky saw someone riding toward her. Phillip had stopped by yesterday and she’d commandeered his bike in exchange for the loan she’d given him last month. He’d been all too eager to agree.
At least it gave Joon some type of mobility.
He slowed down in front of the gate and wheeled the bike inside. Sky allowed him a few minutes to set the bike against the fence before she threw her arms around him.
“I was so worried,” she murmured against his shirt.
Joon Gi slid his palm down her arm before wrapping her up in his embrace. He rested his chin on top of her head and smoothed away a curl. “You know I can handle myself.”
“That doesn’t stop me from being anxious.” She tipped her chin back. Way back. This man was far too tall. “What happened with Tyler?”
“I got what I needed.”
“He confessed?”
Joon nodded. “We can meet with Hanna soon. See if she was really innocent in all of this.”
“I’m so done with revenge.” Sky sighed against his chest. “I don’t know how you do it.”
Joon Gi shifted a little away from her. “About that. There’s something I need to tell you.”
“What?”
“When I first came to your store, it wasn’t just to get a job. I wanted to keep Hanna’s hands off Sweet Treats just because I knew it would piss her off.”
Sky laughed.
Joon glanced up. “You’re… not angry?”
“Please. I knew that early on.” She pushed his shoulder. “Do you think I’m stupid? I figured you and Hanna knew each other even though you lied about it. After that, it didn’t take much to piece the rest together.”
“Oh.” Joon shuffled his feet. “I see.”
“Look, I might be naïve but I don’t run that store because I’m pretty.”
“Are you sure? Because you’re very pretty.”
“Ha ha.” She threw her arms around his neck while he settled his on her waist and it felt like the most natural thing. “Is it all going to settle down now? No more revenge? No more secrets?”
He lowered his head and grazed his lips against hers. It was sweet, gentle. Oh so tender. Sky’s heart stuttered. Died. Then came back to life.
There was no more running. She was undoubtedly, unequivocally head over heels for this hunky Asian man.
Screw the world.
“There’s one more thing.” Joon Gi pulled back, his voice all hoarse and sexy.
Sky was more interested in kissing, but she summoned enough self-restraint to ask, “What?”
“The night you came home drunk, we made out,” he said.
“Made out?”
He nodded.
She blinked rapidly and then laughed. “No wonder that kiss felt so familiar.”
“I wasn’t going to tell you because I thought it was for the best. It didn’t feel right to start a relationship when I had nothing going for me. I guess I still don’t.” He ducked his head self-deprecatingly. “But I don’t have a choice anymore. I want to be with you, Sky. You bring out the best in me and I hope I do the same for you.”
She squeezed closer to him. “Joon, I don’t need a guy with a lot of money to make me happy. Trust me. I’ve dated that guy. He’s a jerk.”
“You do know how to pick ‘em.”
“Hey!” She punched his arm.
Joon chuckled and ducked his head against the crook of her neck and shoulder. Sky felt his lips pressing soft kisses there and her knees went weak. Every molecule of her body shivered at the touch.
Gosh, he’s good.
Before she let Joon’s persistent caress pull her under, Sky pushed him back. “Wait.”
His eyes half-lidded, he stared at her. “What’s wrong?”
“The store. I have to bake.”
“Right now?”
“Yes.”
“But we were just getting started.” He kissed her cheek. “You really want to leave?”
“Uh-uh.” She turned his face away. “Don’t kiss me and don’t give me those eyes!”
“What eyes?”
“That!” She pointed to his face. “Oh, you know what? Forget it.”
Joon Gi laughed and yelled her name as she stalked out of the gate. “Sky? Where are you going?”
“To the café. If I go inside the house, I already know what will happen. I’m not letting you distract me today.”
He wore a devilish grin. “What do you think is gonna happen in there that can’t happen in the kitchen?”
“I’m not hearing you!” She capped her ears and pretended that her belly hadn’t flopped at his flirting.
Joon Gi’s laughter spurred her on and Sky raced to the store to catch her breath. She stopped and stared at the Health Inspection grade that was stuck to her bakery’s front door.
A+
Damn straight.
She headed inside.
A few minutes later, she heard Joon walking in.
He raised his arms. “I’ve come in peace. No flirting or fooling around on the job.”
“Promise?”
He stalked toward her, backed her up against the shelf and kissed her long and slow. Sucking softly on her bottom lip before pulling back, he nodded. “Okay, starting now.”
Sky moaned.
Joon Gi just grinned mischievously.
It was a busy day, as usual. Fifteen minutes before closing, Sky heard the bell jingle.
“Just a minute!” she yelled, abandoning her work in the kitchen. She was alone as Joon Gi had stepped out to go to the bank all of a sudden. He promised he’d tell her all about it when he returned.
“Hi, welcome to Sweet Treats. How can I help… you?” Sky’s voice stalled when she saw Hanna standing on the other side of the counter. “Hey.”
“Hi.” Hanna pulled her lips in soberly. “Can we talk?”
Sky moved to the tables in the corner and sat in uncomfortable silence. After a few moments of squirming, she asked, “Did you need something?”
“I came to apologize.”
Sky blinked. “To me?”
“Yes.” Hanna brushed a lock of silky black hair away from her eyes. “Tyler came to see me this afternoon. He told me what he’d done to you, to Sweet Treats and to Joon.” Hanna cast her gaze to the table. “I had no idea. I swear. As much as I wanted this bakery, I wouldn’t do anything illegal to jeopardize my reputation or your livelihood. I hope you believe me.”
Sky smiled. “I do.”
Hanna blew out a breath. “If you could convince Joon, that would be great.”
“Joon?”
“I heard he’s on a revenge spree. Tyler looked… horrible. I don’t want that energy aimed at me.”
“Horrible?” Sky leaned over. “Did Joon beat him up?”
“No. It was deeper than that.” Hanna tilted her head. “As cold and ruthless as he is, there’s something about Joon that makes people want his approval. I knew he never loved me and I knew I’d never prove myself to him so it didn’t affect me. But Tyler… Tyler respected him.”
“But Tyler loved you more. He chose you, Hanna. And while I appreciate the apology, I think it’s best if we weren’t friends.”
“Because of Joon?”
“Because of me. I think you’re amazingly beautiful and strong, but we have different values. In the end, we’d drive each other crazy.”
“Understood.” Hanna raised her knuckles. “But at least we still have this.”
Sky chuckled. “Girl power.”
“Girl power.”
And the two women bumped fists.