Page 19 of The Oath Operation
"Eager to get to your wedding night, huh?" someone called out, followed by a burst of laughter.
Fish saw Jules' cheeks warm. Neither of them responded. They simply made their way to the door with catcalls sounding behind them.
The night air was cool and refreshing, a welcome change from the warmth of the crowded restaurant. The stars were beginning to peek out, casting a soft glow over the town. As they walked to the car, the sounds of the reception faded, leaving a peaceful silence between them.
Fish opened the car door for Jules, his movements gentle and considerate. Once they were both inside, he glanced over at her, feeling a mixture of concern and affection. "You okay?"
Jules nodded, her eyes meeting his. "I am now. It’s just been a long day."
"Let’s get you home."
The drive was quiet, the rhythmic hum of the engine a soothing backdrop to their thoughts. Fish couldn’t help but steal glances at Jules, her profile illuminated by the passing streetlights. He felt a surge of protectiveness and a desire to make sure she was happy, no matter what.
He glanced down at his ring on her finger. She rubbed at it with her thumb in a soothing movement. The movement soothed Fish as well. She didn't know it yet, but she was now his to protect, his to soothe, his to care for. And he would do all those things.
"Can we stop at the store?" she asked. "I have an idea for a new dish."
Fish didn't question her. He cut across the lane and turned into the grocers. Once inside, Fish walked beside Jules through the aisles of the store, pushing the cart as she selected an assortment of ingredients. He watched her, noting the care she took in choosing each item.
"I have an idea for brownies made with avocado, almond flour, and cocoa powder. They’re going to be delicious and diabetic-friendly."
They finished checking out and headed back to the car, the trunk filled with groceries. When they arrived at Jules’s place, she turned to Fish. The weary look was gone from her eyes. Instead, there was the excitement he often saw when she was standing at an oven waiting for the timer to go off.
"Would you like to come inside and help me bake? We can also talk about some of the redesign plans for the bakery."
He followed her inside. It was the first time he'd been in her apartment. It smelled just like her. Vanilla and cinnamon wrapped around him like a comforting embrace.
Jules set the groceries on the counter and began unpacking them. When she opened the flour, she reached down to her left hand and began tugging the ring off. Fish felt a rawness in his throat. He wanted to growl at her to stop.
"I always take my jewelry off when I bake."
He glanced up and into her eyes. There was a hint of trepidation there. Perhaps he had growled. He knew he at least looked fierce. There had been a physical ache as he'd watched her tug the ring off. Not trusting his voice, he simply nodded.
Jules slipped the ring onto a chain she wore around her neck. The wedding ring came to rest just over her heart. Its location gave Fish some peace.
As they worked side by side, their hands occasionally brushed. The simple act of baking together felt intimate, a quiet harmony between them. Though he did frown when she mashed the avocado and mixed it into the batter.
Jules laughed softly. "The avocado makes them really moist. You won’t even taste it. Trust me."
Once the batter was ready, they poured it into a baking dish and slid it into the oven. Jules leaned against the counter, a content smile on her face. They sat down, and Jules spread out some sketches and notes for the redesign of the bakery.
"I was thinking about expanding the seating area, maybe adding some cozy corners for people to sit and relax. And we definitely need more storage space."
Her ideas did indeed look well thought out. Fish glanced up to see her tense, waiting for something. He glanced over at the oven, but the timer hadn't gone off and there was no burnt smell in the air. So the brownies were doing just fine.
"I'm waiting for you to disagree with me. Or tell me I should do it another way. But you never do. You can, you know. Since we're going to be partners."
"We are partners. And I trust your judgment. I'm just looking for any issues with what you want."
"Like a snow plow." She said it with a grin. "You move objects out of my way to clear my path."
"Does that bother you?"
"It should. My sister always tried to do everything for me. Amari wants things done his way. But you, you let me have my way, but you make things easier."
Jules' lips parted slightly, a soft gasp escaping before she could catch it. Her defenses were down, melted away under the weight of his words. Fish’s eyes dipped to her lips, lingering there as he took in the delicate curve of her mouth. He could feel the pull, the magnetic draw that urged him to close the distance, to taste the sweetness that awaited him. It would be so easy to cross that line right now in her moment of weakness, to sneak across her emotional barriers and claim the kiss he craved.
But he didn’t. He held back. He knew this moment was crucial, and as much as he wanted to, he couldn’t push her. She had to come to him, had to make the choice herself.
