I throw my hands up and shrug. “I already promised, and if you were home this morning you would’ve seen I kept my word.” She glances up at me with those stunning blue eyes of hers and I’m lost, a total goner. In my whole life I’ve never believed in love at first sight, but Winona’s changing all of that. I see a strong and sassy independent wife, a mother who can rule with both love and an iron fist.
Jesus, Levi, tap the breaks will you?
I clear my throat. “So, you like baking?” Damn, that was lame.
“I studied interior design in school. After a few failed internships I realized that I’m better working for myself but it’s not an easy field to branch into without the proper capital. Money makes the world go around.”
“I hear you on that.” I take a long sip of coffee. It’s perfection. Just like the beauty sitting across from me.
“So what’s your story, Levi? You from here?”
“No. I grew up on the East Coast. Been here for about ten years now. Started working for someone who builds houses, then decided it was more fun to make furniture. So, I opened my own business and the rest is history.”
“That’s right, you built the house I’m renting.”
“I sure did.”
“It’s really beautiful, but not as beautiful as your house.” Winona sinks her teeth into her bottom lip. It makes me want to lean over and grab a taste of them. “If that’s your house next to the barn.”
“Woodshop.” I correct her with a smile. “I mean, maybe once it was a barn but I hate thinking that. It’s my workshop. My happy place. But yes, I do live in that house, though I don’t spend much time there.”
“Oh man, I’d never leave it.” She sighs and I can’t help but study the curve of her neck. “That house is stunning.”
“Well, I work a lot. Almost too much.”
“I know, I can hear you working a lot.” Winona playfully rolls her eyes. “But, something good came out of that.” Her long lashes bat against her cheek.
“Yeah? What?”
“I wouldn’t have met you if you were some quiet reclusive mountain man hiding in his barn—I mean, workshop.”
“Woodshop.” I correct her once more, but a smile splays across my face. It’s bigger than I’ve smiled in ages. This is also the longest conversation I’ve had in ages, aside from my clients. “One other thing, I wouldn’t have been able to see your sexy little bunny robe.”
Winona’s jaw drops. A crimson flush paints her cheeks. She’s about to retort, but a huge crash from the back room has the two of us on our feet.
“What the hell was that?” I whisper.
“Mother f—” A roar from the back room booms through the bakery.
“Oh shit. That’s my sister, Meg.”
“Is she okay?” The words haven’t left my mouth before both Winona and her other sister go flying into the back room. I don’t think twice about following them. We rush past a tiny bathroom and a back kitchen until we reach a small office. All three of us land in a pile at the door.
“It broke!” Her sister, Meg says staring down at the pile of papers splayed across the floor. “The leg just cracked right off.”
“Mom’s table!” Winona cries, rushing over to survey the damage. She holds up the broken leg and examines it. All three of the Sweet sisters have tears glistening in their eyes as they go back and forth about how it’s an antique. It was their grandmothers. It’s been in the family for years.
“I can fix it.” I interrupt them.
“What?” Her sister, Meg, looks up at me for the first time. “Who’s this?”
“Noisy neighbor, Levi.” Winona says.
“Meg.” Meg points to herself.
“Carolyn.” She wiggles a little wave. “I don’t know if you can fix this. It’s ancient, been on its last leg for years. Literally, I guess.”
“I can fix it and I will.” I step forward, taking the piece of wood from Winona’s soft hands. “I make furniture for a living. By the time I’m done with this it will be as good as new.”