The bakery felt like home again. The comforting scent of fresh dough and vanilla filled the air as I worked the dough, each movement grounding me, reminding me of the simplicity and peace this bakery always brought. I paused for a moment, and my thoughts drifted to Sebastian. He didn’t have to take care of me, but he did, and now, standing here feeling like myself again, I realized just how much it meant. I owed him more than a simple thank you.
The bell above the door jingles, and I glance up, expecting another customer in need of a coffee or pastry. But it’s Sebastian, strolling in with that trademark grin plastered across his face.
“Back again?” I ask, trying to sound casual even though a flutter of nerves runs through me. I’ve never quite figured out what it is about him that throws me off guard. Maybe it’s that he always looks like he’s up to something.
“Well, I thought I’d come see what you’re baking today,” he says, leaning against the counter with an easy confidence. “It’s good to see you’re feeling better. I’m glad you’re not sick anymore.” He pauses, his gaze softening a little. “I’ve been thinking, maybe it’s time I learned how to bake myself.”
“But seriously, Sebastian. Thank you. For taking care of me. I really appreciate it. You didn’t have to, but you did, and it meant more to me than I can say.” I pause, then add, “You? Bake?” I raised an eyebrow, amused.
“Why not? I can’t live off just buying pastries, can I?” He winks, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Besides, how hard can it be?” Then, his expression softens as he adds, “And, by the way, you’re welcome. I’m always here for you, Selina. You don’t have to do everything alone.”
I can’t help but smile to myself, a warmth spreading through me at the way he looks at me. It’s hard to ignore how he makes me feel. Like he really cares, in a way that feels more real than anything I’ve experience in a long time.
I laugh, already picturing him covered in flour and making a mess of things. “Okay, sure. I’ll teach you. But fair warning, I’ve got a reputation to uphold. You’ll have to keep up.”
“I’m up for the challenge,” he says, pulling up a stool next to the counter. His posture is casual, like he’s already settled in for the day. “What’s first?”
I glance around the bakery. Customers sitting at tables, the steady hum of conversation. It’s busy, but it’s always busy, and there’s something comforting about it. And now, there’s something even more fun about it, with Sebastian here.
“Alright,” I say, grabbing the bowl of flour and passing it to him. “Let’s start with this. You’re going to need to know how to handle the basics before you can make anything decent.”
He takes the flour with exaggerated care, like he’s holding a fragile treasure, and pours it into the bowl. A little too much flour spills out, and he shoots me a sheepish smile.
“Yeah, not as easy as it looks,” he mutters, running his hand through his hair in mock frustration. “But hey, I’m learning.”
I can’t help but laugh, the sound of it making the tension in the room feel lighter. It’s nice. Being able to laugh freely without worrying about anything else. No project, no deadlines, just a messy kitchen and a guy who’s clearly trying his best.
“Next step is the eggs,” I say, grabbing a few from the fridge. “You’ve got to be gentle with these. No cracking them like a wrestler.”
Sebastian eyes the eggs suspiciously, then looks at me with mock seriousness. “Are you suggesting I don’t have the finesse to crack an egg?”
I shake my head, smiling. “Just don’t make a mess, okay?”
He takes one egg, cracks it with a little too much and the shell shatters into pieces. A few stray bits of eggshell float into the bowl. I try to hide my laughter, but it’s impossible.
“See?” I say, unable to hold back. “This is exactly what I was warning you about.”
He shrugs, a grin tugging at his lips. “I like to keep things interesting.”
As I pull the eggshells out of the bowl, he leans in close, his shoulder brushing mine, and I can feel the heat radiating off him. My breath catches for a second, but I quickly shake it off. Focus, Selina.
“Alright,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. “Let’s move on to the whisking.”
I hand him the whisk, and he takes it with exaggerated care. He begins whisking, but instead of a smooth motion, it’s a little too fast, and the batter splatters out, some even landing on his cheek. I burst into laughter.
“I swear, you’re intentionally trying to make a mess,” I tease, wiping the flour off my hands.
Sebastian smirks, swiping a finger through the batter on his cheek. “If you can’t handle the chaos, you shouldn’t invite me into your kitchen.”
“I didn’t invite you. You invited yourself,” I counter, trying to hide my smile. But it’s useless. He’s just so damn charming.
He holds out his finger, covered in batter. “Taste test?”
I give him a pointed look. “You really think I’m going to taste that?”
“Come on,” he says, offering it like it’s the most innocent thing in the world. “You know you want to.”
Against my better judgment, I lean forward, carefully taking a small taste. “Not bad,” I say, though it’s more the thrill of the moment than the actual taste. “But I’m not eating any more of that. You’ve got some on your cheek, though.”
He grins, swiping his thumb across his cheek and offering it to me with a playful glint in his eyes. “Your turn.”
I laugh, swatting his hand away. “Not a chance.”
We continue to work together, and despite the mess we’re making, there’s something about it that’s effortless. His laughter fills the room, his energy contagious, and soon I’m laughing just as much as he is. The kitchen becomes this little world of its own, just the two of us mixing, whisking, rolling dough, and then trying not to slip on flour-covered floors.
At some point, he jumps up to take an order from a customer, and I watch as he interacts with them with a charm that’s all his own. It’s like he’s been doing this for years, moving from customer to customer, making them laugh, teasing them playfully. They seem to love him here, and I can see why. He’s got a way of making everything feel lighter, more fun.
As he returns to the counter, he notices the photo of my mother sitting next to the register. I freeze for a moment, unsure if I want him to see it, let alone ask about it. But he’s already leaning in, studying the picture with a quiet interest.
“Who’s that?” he asks, his voice softer now, his playful tone gone.
I look over at the photo, my heart suddenly heavier. “That’s my mom,” I say, my voice quieter than I expect. “She... she passed away a few years ago.”
There’s a pause, and for a moment, I wonder if he’s going to say something, or if he’ll just let it drop. But instead, he simply looks at me with understanding in his eyes, like he knows this is a topic I’m not used to talking about. He doesn’t push, doesn’t say anything else. Instead, he gently places his hand on the counter, close to mine, offering silent support.
“You look a lot like her,” he finally says, his voice softer than usual.
The words settle between us, and I can’t help but feel a warmth in my chest. It’s not what I expected, not the teasing or the jokes. But there’s something so comforting in the way he handles it like he understands more than I’m willing to admit.
The moment feels fragile, and I’m not sure why it’s affecting me this much. But before I can say anything else, I hear the bell above the door jingle again, and the moment is broken.
“Alright,” I say, clearing my throat. “Back to baking. I can’t let you ruin the dough completely.”
Sebastian nods, falling silent. His smile fades, and for a moment, it feels like he’s waiting for me to say something. Like he’s giving me space, without pushing. There’s a quiet intensity in his gaze, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s thinking about more than just the bakery.
Sebastian's POVI step into the bakery, the door chiming softly behind me as I take in the warm, familiar atmosphere. The air smells like freshly baked bread, and the sound of the oven timer beeping adds a comforting rhythm to the space. It’s strange, how much I’ve come to love this place.The warmth is different from what I’m used to, more personal, more inviting. And it’s not just the scent of the place, or the quiet buzz of activity. It’s her. It’s Selina.She’s standing by the counter, looking more alive today that she did when I found her sick in her house. I hadn’t realized how worried I was until I saw her there, pale and shivering, too stubborn to admit just how much she needed help. It was in that moment I knew, really knew, that I couldn’t let her go through anything like that alone. Not now. Not ever.I don’t say it out loud, but I meant it. I meant every single word I whispered to myself as I took care of her. I promised myself I would always be there, no matter what. It f
Selina's POVThe bakery feels quieter now, the rush of the evening behind me. The gentle hum of the fridge in the corner and the soft scrape of the broom against the floor are the only sounds breaking the silence. I’m exhausted and physically drained but there's a strange comfort in closing up for the night, knowing the day is over.“Thanks again for all the help,” I say, glancing over at Sebastian as he finishes wiping down the counters. “I don’t think I would’ve managed without you.”He looks up from his task, that easy smile of his always making me feel like I’ve known him longer than I really have. “No problem. Honestly, it was kind of fun. Your bakery’s got a good vibe.”I nod, feeling a little lighter from his words. He seems to have this way of making everything feel a little easier. But then I notice the time. Darkness has settled outside, and the town looks quieter than usual.“I should probably head home,” I say, wiping my hands on the dish towel draped over my shoulder. “It
I can’t believe what happened last night. The memory of Sebastian’s lips on mine lingers like a warm ember, refusing to fade. What was that? And what would have happened if the oven hadn’t interrupted us? The thought strikes me like a bolt of lightning. Equal parts excitement and nervousness.A knock at the door pulls me from my spiraling thoughts. Peeking out the window, I see Sebastian standing there, leaning casually against his car. Why is he here? I quickly grab my coat and head to the door, trying to calm the flutter in my chest.“Good morning,” he greets, holding up two cups of coffee. “Thought you might need a little boost to start the day.”“You didn’t have to,” I reply, but I can’t stop the smile that plays at the corners of my lips.“Well, I wanted to. Besides,” he says, handing me a cup, “it’s always better to start the day with coffee.”His casual tone doesn’t hide the gleam of mischief in his eyes, and it’s enough to make my heart pound again. I climb into his car, gripp
I sink into the plush chair and exhale slowly, letting the soothing scent of lavender calm my nerves. It feels strange to stop and just breathe. Between the bakery, Winter Wonderland, and everything else piling up, this spa day almost feels like a stolen moment.Celine sits across from me, a glass of cucumber water in her hands, and I can feel her eyes on me, even with my eyes closed. “You know,” she says, her voice smooth like honey, “I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen you this relaxed.”I crack open one eye to glance at her, surprised by the observation. She’s right, I haven’t been this at ease in forever. But I don’t know how to explain to her that it’s not just the spa day that’s helping. It’s the fact that I’m finally not buried under the pressure of running a bakery that my mother left behind. Or at least, that’s how it feels right now.I take a slow breath, settling into the chair. “Yeah. It’s nice,” I say, not quite sure what else to add.Celine leans forward, her gaze s
The snowflakes fall around us, each one drifting softly, like they don’t have a care in the world. I watch them for a moment, lost in the quiet. The night feels cold, but not in the way I expected. There’s warmth here, not from the air but from Sebastian standing beside me. His presence feels solid, like he’s not just here physically, but really with me, in a way that makes everything else fade.We’re walking through the forest, and I’m still trying to figure out why he brought me here. It wasn’t a question of whether I felt safe with him. Because I did. It’s just that everything felt like it was shifting so fast. One moment, we’re at odds, and the next, I find myself walking hand-in-hand with him on a snowy path, heading to God knows where.The clearing comes into view. I wasn’t prepared for this. The space feels like something out of a winter dream. Fairy lights twinkling in the trees, casting soft shadows across the snow. The air is filled with the smell of pine and wood smoke, and
I push the door open to Everhart Bakery, the familiar bell above jingling softly. The warm, comforting scent of freshly baked pastries fills the air, but it does little to calm the tightness in my chest. The knot that’s been growing ever since I read Celine’s text last night: “We need to talk. It’s urgent.”I glance around and spot her at the back, sitting at a corner table. Her hands are wrapped around a coffee cup, her fingers tapping anxiously. She doesn’t see me yet, so I take a moment to collect myself.I take a deep breath before walking over and sitting down. “Celine,” I start, trying to sound steady, but I can already feel my heart racing. “What’s going on? You said it was urgent.”She looks up at me, her eyes heavy with something I can't quite place. She hesitates before speaking, and that makes my heart pound even harder. “It’s about this bakery,” she says quietly, like she’s afraid someone might overhear.The words hit me like a slap. “What about it?” I manage, trying not t
Victor's POVI stood outside Everhart Bakery, just a few feet away from the door. My thoughts were consumed by the sight of the bakery. The place where it all started, and where it all ended. I thought I could just walk in, talk to Selina, tell her I had returned. But something kept me rooted to the spot.The old familiar ache stirred in me as I watched her through the window.She wasn’t alone.I saw her when she collided with someone. I wanted to help Selina since she was covered in flour, but I couldn’t find the strength to go up to her.I watched her laugh at something the man beside her said, and it hit me like a punch to the gut. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with a calm presence that contrasted with the warmth radiating from Selina. A gentle warmth in his eyes made something stir within me.Sebastian Frost. The architect. I knew who he was. The town’s golden boy. The guy who looked like he had it all together. Snowfall Valley is so small that it's easy to recognize people, espe
Selina's POVI stand there, frozen. My eyes are fixed on Victor, my ex-boyfriend. The one man who broke my heart so many years ago. His presence in my bakery feels like a cruel twist of fate, one I never saw coming. The silence between us is thick, the burden of the past pressing down on me like an unshakable shadow.Victor, standing by the counter, just casually dropped the bombshell. He’s one of the key players behind the town’s new development project. He’s been part of the plan that could wipe away my mother’s legacy, the bakery, off the map. Every word he says hits me like a blow straight to the core, but I can’t bring myself to react. My mind is numb, too stunned to make sense of it all.I should be angry. I should scream at him, demand answers. But instead, I just stand there, completely at a loss for what to do, what to feel. What’s worse? The pain he caused me years ago, or the betrayal I feel now? I can’t tell. It’s as though all the hurt, the years of healing, come rushing
The scent of garlic and herbs hits me first, teasing my senses and dragging me out of the warm haze of sleep. My stomach rumbles in response, and I can’t help but smile. It’s the kind of hunger that only the smell of comfort food can provoke. Like my body knew it was time to wake up and eat. It takes a moment to remember where I am. My house. And now, I’m lying here like a potato, tangled in the blanket.I pull myself up, fixing my hair from my face as I stand and walk toward the kitchen. Celine is singing along to some random playlist, stirring something on the stove with way more focus than someone cooking for just two people should have.“You know, you’re starting to get pretty good at this,” I say, leaning against the doorframe, grinning. “I didn’t realize you had a hidden talent for cooking.”She turns, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “What can I say? I’m a woman of many talents.” She flips the spatula in the air dramatically and catches it. “You’re lucky I’m here. You’d starve
I wake up to the sound of leaves rustling outside the tent, the morning light filtering through the trees. I blink a few times, still half asleep, and then I realize I’m not alone.Sebastian is lying next to me, his arm draped casually over my waist. His dark hair is messy, his chest rising and falling in steady breaths as he sleeps beside me. The warmth of his body against mine makes everything feel so peaceful. I allow myself to just stay there, not moving, enjoying the feeling of being close to him.His face, still relaxed in sleep, holds an expression of quiet contentment that I haven’t seen before. He looks softer, more vulnerable, and it makes my heart skip a beat in a way I wasn’t expecting.I gently shift, careful not to wake him, and try to pull the blanket up a little more around me. But as I move, my action must disturb him because he stirs, blinking his eyes open slowly. His eyes meets mine immediately. He doesn’t say anything, just studying me like he’s trying to memorize
Selina's POVI never imagined I’d find myself on a camping trip. Honestly, when Sebastian had first mentioned it, I thought it was one of his quirky ideas. I pictured a secluded forest with damp, uncomfortable tents, the sound of crickets in the air, and mosquitoes buzzing in my ear. But here we are, in a cozy little camping spot, the evening sky already deepening into a starry night as the last silver of sunset fades behind the trees.Celine is already setting up the campfire, her laughter filling the air. She has brought marshmallows and hot dogs, which, of course, are her idea of gourmet camping food. She pulls them out of her cooler, practically beaming with excitement as she hands them over.I can’t help but laugh. There’s something about her joy that makes these simple foods feel like the best thing ever.“Hey, you two! Help me with the firewood!” Celine calls out, waving a stick in her hand like she’s wielding a sword. “Or I’ll burn everything down myself!”“Don’t tempt me,” I
Sebastian's POVIt’s funny, really, how much a few words can change everything.I keep thinking about the last time Selina and I were together, that night I confessed to her, how I felt, how much she mattered. It’s been lingering in my mind ever since. I could still hear her voice in my head, soft but unsure, as she processed everything. She wasn’t ready for it, I could tell, but somehow, I wasn’t scared. Not like I used to be when it came to emotions. The truth is, being around her felt different. There was something about her, her kindness, her strength, the way she made everything seems so real that made me want to take the risk.I don’t know what I expected after that night, but certainly not this. This easy bond between us, this quiet understanding that’s formed without either of us needing to try too hard. I catch myself smiling at little things now. Like the way she looks at me when she’s lost in thought, or how she scrunches her nose when she’s trying not to laugh at something
The tension from the bakery is still hanging over me like a thick fog. The moment Victor’s words replay in mind, the past seems to linger heavily on me, and the question that had plagued me for so long—what now?—lingers like a haunting whisper.So, here I am, sitting beside Sebastian in his car, the engine purring softly as we cruise down the winding roads of Snowfall Valley. The sky is a muted grey, with clouds rolling in, but for some reason, I feel like the open road is the only thing that’s offering me some form of escape.This is the morning after everything that’s happened. The confrontation with Victor, the unexpected bombshell he dropped, and the emotional whirlwind that followed. Sebastian must have known that I needed space to clear my mind, because he suggested a road trip, a chance to get away from the chaos and breathe.I glance over at him, his eyes focused on the road. He’s quiet, but there’s an unspoken understanding between us. He gets it.Beside me, Celine looks out
Selina's POVI stand there, frozen. My eyes are fixed on Victor, my ex-boyfriend. The one man who broke my heart so many years ago. His presence in my bakery feels like a cruel twist of fate, one I never saw coming. The silence between us is thick, the burden of the past pressing down on me like an unshakable shadow.Victor, standing by the counter, just casually dropped the bombshell. He’s one of the key players behind the town’s new development project. He’s been part of the plan that could wipe away my mother’s legacy, the bakery, off the map. Every word he says hits me like a blow straight to the core, but I can’t bring myself to react. My mind is numb, too stunned to make sense of it all.I should be angry. I should scream at him, demand answers. But instead, I just stand there, completely at a loss for what to do, what to feel. What’s worse? The pain he caused me years ago, or the betrayal I feel now? I can’t tell. It’s as though all the hurt, the years of healing, come rushing
Victor's POVI stood outside Everhart Bakery, just a few feet away from the door. My thoughts were consumed by the sight of the bakery. The place where it all started, and where it all ended. I thought I could just walk in, talk to Selina, tell her I had returned. But something kept me rooted to the spot.The old familiar ache stirred in me as I watched her through the window.She wasn’t alone.I saw her when she collided with someone. I wanted to help Selina since she was covered in flour, but I couldn’t find the strength to go up to her.I watched her laugh at something the man beside her said, and it hit me like a punch to the gut. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with a calm presence that contrasted with the warmth radiating from Selina. A gentle warmth in his eyes made something stir within me.Sebastian Frost. The architect. I knew who he was. The town’s golden boy. The guy who looked like he had it all together. Snowfall Valley is so small that it's easy to recognize people, espe
I push the door open to Everhart Bakery, the familiar bell above jingling softly. The warm, comforting scent of freshly baked pastries fills the air, but it does little to calm the tightness in my chest. The knot that’s been growing ever since I read Celine’s text last night: “We need to talk. It’s urgent.”I glance around and spot her at the back, sitting at a corner table. Her hands are wrapped around a coffee cup, her fingers tapping anxiously. She doesn’t see me yet, so I take a moment to collect myself.I take a deep breath before walking over and sitting down. “Celine,” I start, trying to sound steady, but I can already feel my heart racing. “What’s going on? You said it was urgent.”She looks up at me, her eyes heavy with something I can't quite place. She hesitates before speaking, and that makes my heart pound even harder. “It’s about this bakery,” she says quietly, like she’s afraid someone might overhear.The words hit me like a slap. “What about it?” I manage, trying not t
The snowflakes fall around us, each one drifting softly, like they don’t have a care in the world. I watch them for a moment, lost in the quiet. The night feels cold, but not in the way I expected. There’s warmth here, not from the air but from Sebastian standing beside me. His presence feels solid, like he’s not just here physically, but really with me, in a way that makes everything else fade.We’re walking through the forest, and I’m still trying to figure out why he brought me here. It wasn’t a question of whether I felt safe with him. Because I did. It’s just that everything felt like it was shifting so fast. One moment, we’re at odds, and the next, I find myself walking hand-in-hand with him on a snowy path, heading to God knows where.The clearing comes into view. I wasn’t prepared for this. The space feels like something out of a winter dream. Fairy lights twinkling in the trees, casting soft shadows across the snow. The air is filled with the smell of pine and wood smoke, and