Ryan's Love (Sawyer Brothers #1) Read Online Free Page A

right—she’s not a baker. A disaster with an apron maybe, but definitely not a baker.
     
    ***
     
    “Bailey,” I hollered up the stairwell that resembled more of a path of doom than the entrance to our apartment. It was still so dark and dingy. We had spent so much time finishing up the bakery we had neglected our home. I made a mental note to grab some light-colored paint, because the brown color on the walls had to go.
    A few seconds later she appeared at the top of the steps with a big blue towel wrapped around her hair. “Yeah?”
    “I’m going to run to the store and pick up a few things. I shouldn’t be long.”
    The grand opening for Heavenly Temptations was less than a day away, and the last thing I wanted to do was run out of anything. Yes, we ordered all our supplies in bulk, but I still feared running out of something as small as napkins. Having a backup stash would make me feel better.
    I had ordered all-new appliances, including three coffee machines. I had even invested in a fancy espresso maker and one that made three different flavored cappuccino drinks too, hoping customers would welcome the new additions. My grandmother was definitely old-school, but I wanted to give the shop a contemporary feel.
    I spent nearly an hour shopping, roaming the store aisles while running inventory through my head. I left with bags full of supplies after spending entirely too much money.
    Pulling out of the parking lot and turning right onto Main Street, I mentally went through my checklist again. I was so nervous about the opening.
    Suddenly I heard a swooshing noise, followed by the car sounding like it was dragging the ground. I pulled over to the side of the road, rolled my window down, and stuck my head out just enough to hear it better as I slowed to a stop.
    I had a flat tire, which was the last thing I needed right now.
    I slammed my car in park and banged on the steering wheel as I let out a frustrated sigh.
    “Ugh! I can’t believe my luck.” I shoved my car door open and looked back toward the rear wheel. Seeing the flat tire only made me more agitated. I walked over, lifted my foot, and kicked it.
    “Goddammit,” I yelled, as if that would somehow magically fix the flat. I kicked it a few more times.
    The sound of someone clearing their throat startled me. I let out a yelp as I spun around. Two men were standing behind me.
    “We didn’t mean to startle you, but I don’t think kicking it is gonna help matters much.” His deep, husky voice made my heart race.
    “No, but it sorta made me feel a little better.” I shrugged and leaned against my car in defeat.
    “You got a spare?”
    His voice broke my trance. I didn’t realize until that moment that I had been staring at the stunningly handsome man standing before me. He had dark hair, light scruff covering his jaw, and those eyes…even in the darkness and lit only by the streetlight, they were mesmerizing. His gaze was locked on me too, as if he was trying to read my thoughts to figure out why I was gawking at him.
    I blinked a few times and looked to his side, where another man was standing. I finally realized they were cops—two very good-looking cops—and they were both smiling at me, waiting for me to speak. I was sure they were mentally making fun of the tantrum I’d been throwing and how quiet and stunned I was now.
    “If you have a spare, we could change it over for ya,” the slightly shorter cop said. He was grinning from ear to ear, his eyes bright with amusement. He was definitely the more cheerful of the two; he just had that fun-guy kind of look.
    “Um,” I stuttered. The taller, more appealing cop kept staring at me, and excitement filled my stomach. I suddenly felt nervous and a little self-conscious about my appearance. He was gorgeous, and I knew I must have appeared somewhat homely in my old, torn jeans shorts and a shirt that had seen better days. My hair was piled on top of my head in a wild mess. I had to look