As I looped my arms around Patrick’s neck, I could see the new guy’s eyes go wide. It dawned on me that he was a friend of Pat’s. Maybe a college roommate or something, since they seemed comfortable around each other.
I threw caution to the wind and hugged him too. I couldn’t remember his name just then, but since Patrick knew him, he couldn’t be all bad. He laughed, squeezing me gently. I felt a stirring deep inside, something primal coming to life. This man wasn’t family, and he wasn’t off limits. Thoughts of Meara and her trio of men swarmed in on me. Could this be the start of my own adventure? I wasn’t going to rule anything out. Patrick’s friend was hot, and his touch gave me energy despite my state of exhaustion.
Patrick gave me a strange look, as if to say Why are you hugging my friend? I gave him the sweetest smile I could muster, telling him it was all right.
“You know each other?” my brother asked suspiciously.
“Not really,” I said with a shrug. “But hugs are great, don’t you agree?”
Patrick gave his friend a sidelong glance, unsure about the interaction. I let the tension roll off my shoulders. It didn’t matter whether Patrick approved or not, I was feeling happy at the moment. I hurried back behind the counter just in case Chad was still lurking somewhere.
“What’ll you have?” I asked politely.
“What’s best today?” Mom replied.
I went over some of the treats I had made early that morning, explaining that the chocolate behaved itself and the croissants had risen perfectly. They each chose something to eat and sat down together in the lobby. I went to join them, reasoning that I could just pop right back up if another customer came. In my own store, I would be free to hobnob as much as I wanted. But at Chad’s bakery, I had to watch my back.