Page 41 of Working For Her Sweet Treats

“I did not ask you to keep me safe.”

The answer hits harder than it should.

“Someone has to pay attention to this.”

“I am paying attention.”

“Then why are you waiting?”

“Because tomorrow is the biggest event Sweet Treats has ever handled. Because my money is tied up in ingredients and supplies. Because I cannot emotionally or financially absorb another surprise tonight.”

“That doesn’t make the electrical problem disappear.”

“I know that.”

“Do you?”

The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. Ava’s face changes. Not anger this time. Hurt. I know immediately that I have made the situation worse, but she speaks before I can correct it.

“You don’t think I understand what is happening inside my own business.”

“That isn’t what I said.”

“It is what you keep saying without using those exact words.”

“Ava …”

“You look at this building and see everything I’ve missed. You see a loose hinge, crooked molding, an old latch, flickering lights. Then you step in because you assume you know better.”

“I do know buildings.”

“And I know that.”

Her voice rises for the first time.

“I admire that about you, Jake. I admire almost everything about the way you work. But knowing more about wiring does not give you the right to make decisions for me.”

“I made one phone call.”

“You went behind my back.”

The accusation lands between us.

“I wasn’t hiding it.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me?”

I do not have an answer that helps. I knew she might say no. But I believed the risk outweighed her refusal. Making the appointment felt easier than waiting while something remained unresolved. Ava reads enough of that in my silence.

“My ex did this,” she says quietly. “He would ask what I wanted, decide I was wrong, and handle it his way. Then he’d explain that he was only trying to help.”

“I’m not him.”

“I know you aren’t.”

“Then don’t compare me to him.”

“I’m comparing the way you made me feel.”