The next morning, Emily woke up feeling rejuvenated. The bakery's success had lifted her spirits, and Max's encouragement had bolstered her confidence.
As she began prepping for the day's baking, Emily's hands moved with a newfound ease. The familiar rhythm of mixing, kneading, and shaping dough soothed her soul.
Just as she slid the first batch of bread into the oven, Max arrived, carrying a bouquet of sunflowers.
"Good morning, sunshine," Max said, his smile brightening the room.
Emily's heart skipped a beat. "You didn't have to bring flowers."
Max shrugged. "I wanted to celebrate Sweet Delights' revival. And you."
Emily's cheeks flushed as she accepted the flowers. Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world around them melted away.
But as the morning rush descended, Emily's nerves resurfaced. What if she failed? What if she couldn't sustain the bakery's success?
Max noticed her tension and gently took her hand. "You've got this, Emily. You're amazing."
His touch sparked a flutter in her chest. Emily felt seen, heard, and understood.
As the day's orders filled the bakery, Emily's anxiety ebbed, replaced by a sense of purpose. Max worked alongside her, their movements fluid and synchronized.
During a brief lull, Max asked, "Emily, what drove you to leave Boston and come back to Ocean Cove?"
Emily hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But Max's kind eyes encouraged her to open up.
"I had a painful breakup," Emily began, her voice barely above a whisper. "My ex, Jack, was controlling and manipulative. I lost myself in the relationship."
Max's expression turned sympathetic. "I'm so sorry, Emily. You deserve so much better."
Emily's eyes welled up, but she smiled through tears. "Thanks, Max. Being here, reviving Sweet Delights, has helped me heal."
Max's hand brushed against hers, sending a spark of electricity through her body.
Just then, the bakery's phone rang, breaking the moment.
Emily answered the phone, her voice professional. "Sweet Delights Bakery, how can I help you?"
As she took the order, Max continued preparing the afternoon's treats. His efficiency and skill impressed Emily.
After hanging up, Emily turned to Max. "Thanks for your help today. I don't know what I'd do without you."
Max's eyes crinkled at the corners. "You'll never have to find out, Emily. I'm here for you."
Their gazes held, the air thickening with unspoken emotions.
Suddenly, the doorbell above the bakery's entrance jingled, breaking the spell.
"Time to face the afternoon rush," Max said with a smile.
As the bakery filled with customers, Emily's nerves dissipated. With Max by her side, she felt invincible.
But just as the day ended, a familiar face walked into the bakery – Jack, Emily's ex.
Emily's heart sank.
"What are you doing here?" Emily asked, her voice icy.
Jack's smile faltered. "I heard about the bakery and wanted to congratulate you."
Emily's instincts screamed warning.
Emily's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Jack?"
Jack's smile returned, but Emily saw the insincerity behind it. "I want to make amends, Emily. I realize I hurt you, and I'm sorry."
Emily scoffed. "Sorry? You're two years too late for sorry."
Max stepped forward, his presence reassuring. "Emily, do you want me to—"
Emily shook her head. "No, Max. I've got this."
Jack's gaze flicked to Max, his expression darkening. "Who's this? Your new boyfriend?"
Emily's hands clenched. "That's none of your business, Jack."
The air thickened with tension.
Just then, Lucy burst into the bakery. "Emily, darling! I forgot to order the cake for the town's anniversary celebration."
Emily grasped the distraction. "Let's discuss the details, Lucy."
As Lucy and Emily talked, Jack's eyes locked onto Max, a challenge evident.
Max met Jack's gaze, his expression neutral.
Emily sensed the undercurrents. She needed to end this confrontation.
"Jack, leave. Now."
Jack's smile twisted. "This isn't over, Emily."
With a final glare, Jack departed.
Emily exhaled, shaken.
Max wrapped his arms around her. "You're safe now."
Emily leaned into his warmth, her heart pounding.
---