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“He got all alpha wolf on that guy’s ass. He definitely likes you.”

Maybe so. And I won’t deny the thrill that rushed through me when Sterling took charge, but at the same time, I didn’t need him to save me. I can’t have people in this village thinking I can’t take care of myself.

I shake my head. “He didn’t need to get involved.”

Kiernan eyes me with a quirked brow.

“Some stranger had you by the throat and the nice new guy showed up at exactly the right time. He absolutely had to get involved. It’s okay to accept help, Cas.”

“I never said it wasn’t. It’s just…you know what? It doesn’t matter.”

Kiernan smiles, moving to stand in front of me. “You sure you’re okay?”

I nod. “A little shaken up and…” I rub a hand over my neck where I fear there may be bruises. “I need to get back to work.”

“No,” Kee starts, shaking his head at me. “You’re taking a break. I’m the boss for the next thirty minutes. Go sit with Sterling. Flirting looks good on you.”

It feels good, too.

“Is it a bad idea to get involved with a guy who isn’t staying in town long? It probably is.”

Kiernan rolls his eyes and lets out an exaggerated huff. “You don’t need to marry the guy. Summer flings are a thing.”

“I know.” I hesitate, biting my bottom lip.

“What’s bothering you, Cas? And don’t say nothing. You’re chewing on your lip like a dog with a bone.”

I release my lip, then run my tongue over it. “I’m not great at relationships and…I’ve never…” My cheeks positively burn and I spit the words out in one long sentence. “I’veneverbeenwithaguybefore.”

Kiernan grins.

“You’ve talked to one, though?”

“Obviously.”

“Good. That’s all you’re going to be doing right now.” Kiernan plates up a second scone and hands it to me. “No more making excuses. Take these and go sit with him.”

I open my mouth, ready to argue, but I decide I don’t want to. I want to sit with Sterling. To hear his deep voice and look at his pretty eyes. Despite having things to do, and no time to be involved with someone – even if just for a fling – I can’t deny that the last two days have been the best I’ve felt since the accident.

“What if he isn’t interested in me and I’m reading this all wrong? I mean look at him and -”

“Urgh,” Kiernan groans loudly, “No. Stop. Just go. Let life play itself out.”

“Fine!” I take both plates and head through to the main part of the bakery. Sterling is sitting with his back to the window, and he watches me closely as I head to his table. His hair is falling out of his bun, strands of it hanging around his face. His smile widens as I approach.

“Uh…” I place both scones down, my cheeks still heated as I stand awkwardly at his side.

“Sit down, Caspian.” The command in Sterling’s voice sends a zing of lust right through me and straight to my cock. I sit, sliding into the chair and moving it closer to the table. “Good.” He coughs and looks down at the scone. “This looks great.” He pokes it with one long finger before picking up his knife.

“You didn’t need to do that earlier,” I say, sounding a little more stern than I intend.

He raises a brow.

“But thank you,” I add quickly. I slice my own scone in half and Sterling mirrors my action.

“I didn’t like him touching you,” he admits. I’m taken aback by the comment because it seems so out of place coming from someone I barely know or who barely knows me. It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask him why, but he speaks again before I can. “What did he want?”

“Um…he wants me to sell his boss my land. The farm. The lighthouse, maybe. I’ve not asked specifics.”