Lara stepped off the Brooklyn Heights subway, the crisp New York air filling her lungs like a wake-up call. The city still pulsed with energy - horns blaring, people rushing, the skyline stretching like a promise. She hadn't been back in years, not since she left after the breakup. Too painful, too raw. The memories lingered like the scent of rain.
Her heels clicked on the sidewalk as she headed to her new bakery, sweet Dreams_. Lara had always wanted to run her own place - the smell of fresh croissants, the warmth of baking, the buzz of happy customers. Now she was making it happen. She'd poured her heart into this dream, and it was finally coming true.
As she unlocked the door, a voice behind her said, "Lara Thompson?"
She turned. Alex Reed stood on the curb, looking like he'd just stepped off a magazine cover - tailored suit, those piercing blue eyes, the faintest stubble. Lara's pulse skipped. Why did he still have this effect on her?
"Lara," he said, his voice smooth like he was sipping scotch on a rooftop. "Welcome back to Brooklyn."
Her mind scrambled. "Alex. What are you doing here?"
He gestured to the building. "I own this block. Heard you were opening a bakery." A smile played on his lips. "Small world, huh?"
Lara's instincts flared. "You didn't..."
Alex leaned against the doorframe, all casual confidence. "Let's just say I'm invested. _Sweet Dreams-is in my backyard."
A shiver ran down her spine. Old feelings, old fights. "What do you want, Alex?"
He pushed off the door, eyes locked on hers. "To welcome you to the neighborhood. Maybe grab coffee sometime."
Lara raised an eyebrow. "I think I'll pass."
Alex chuckled, low and husky. "I thought you'd say that. But I'm a patient man."
The street noise faded. Lara felt 18 again, standing in her parents' kitchen, Alex telling her he needed space. The same ache. The same knot in her stomach.
"Not interested," she said, unlocking the door.
Alex's smile didn't falter. "See you around, Lara."
The door swung shut. Lara leaned against it, breathing hard. Alex Reed was trouble. And he knew it.
She pushed off the door, surveying her space. Shelves to fill, recipes to test. This was her fresh start.
But Alex's eyes lingered in her mind.
Lara shook her head, focusing on the task ahead. She'd built -sweet Dreams-from scratch. No way Alex Reed was derailing her now.
The bakery's walls needed paint. Lara grabbed a brush, lost in swirls of lavender. Tomorrow she'd bake. Tomorrow she'd conquer.
But tonight the shadows held secrets.