herself having. Nothing good could ever come from her giving any credence to such a thing. But minutes later she was still tossing from side to side, unable to get thoughts of Troy out of her head.
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âI think itâs love at first sight,â Harper mused, a wide smile filling her face. She looked from her husband to his brother and back, the two men standing in deep conversation as Quentin tested a new bread recipe.
Troy rolled his eyes skyward. âNo one said anything about love, Harper,â he stated.
Quentin shook his head. âWhy are you eavesdropping on our conversation?â he questioned, his eyebrows lifted as he met his wifeâs stare.
âYou two are standing in the middle of the kitchen and expect that no one is listening to your conversation? Really?â Harper tossed a look to the other employees in the room.
Everyone around them laughed heartily. The two brothers cut an eye at each other as Harper continued.
âIf you want to have a conversation about a woman and not have anyone hear you then you might want to talk in a more private place,â she said matter-of-factly.
Troy nodded. âPoint taken,â he said with a soft chuckle. He should have known better than to mention his interest in Amina to his brother while they were in the bakery. Harper had been nowhere in sight when heâd come down the back staircase but her eagle ears hadnât missed a word. Having a woman in the space was still causing some adjustments between the two men.
âBut sheâs cute, isnât she?â Harper chimed. âAnd you like her, right?â
Quentin laughed. âI canât help you, Big Brother!â
Troy laughed with him. âThanks!â He turned his attention back to Harper. âWhy wouldnât I like her, Harper? Amina seems like a very nice girl.â
âWell, then you should come say hello,â Harper replied. âSheâs in the front.â Harper reached to give her husband a kiss. âIâll be back in a few hours, honey!â
Quentin kissed her back. âHave fun! I love you!â
Harper grinned as she turned an about-face. âAh, love! You should try it, Troy,â she said, tossing her brother-in-law a wide smile as she moved back toward the door and disappeared from view. Troy and Quentin both laughed again.
Following on her heels Troy hesitated for a brief second. Taking a deep breath he tossed Quentin a quick glance over his shoulder before moving into the other room.
Amina and Harper were standing in the center of the room when Troy made his way inside the storefront. He came to an abrupt halt as Amina turned toward him, a bright smile on her face. The sight of her took his breath away, air catching deep in his broad chest.
Her bright eyes shimmered against her crystal complexion. She was smaller than heâd realized, her petite stature making her appear almost fragile. She wore a tailored navy dress with pearl buttons running the length of the bodice and pumps with just a hint of heel giving her some height. She had a wisp of a waist and just enough curve to her body to quicken a manâs pulse. Natural auburn curls cascaded past her shoulders, the reddish brown tones complementing her warm coloration. With her hazel eyes radiating vivaciously, she was absolutely stunning.
The two women giggling brought Troy back to his senses. He shook his head, his eyes blinking rapidly as he moved to where they stood.
âGood afternoon, Troy!â Amina chimed warmly.
He cleared his throat, finding his voice. âAmina, how are you?â
Her smile was full and wide. âIâm really well. Itâs good to see you again.â
âItâs good to see you again, too,â he responded. âWow!â he exclaimed, the word flying past his full lips before he could catch it.
Aminaâs smile widened.
Harper laughed heartily. âWell, Amina and I are off to lunch. Would you like