Revealing Annie - Freya Barker Page 0,1

do is bake, despite my considerable sweet tooth, but the City Market bakery has a good selection that should get me through my long weekend.

As soon as I turn the corner, I recognize the blonde ponytail on the woman putting an order in at the bakery. I sneak up behind her and look over her shoulder at the box of pastries the girl on the other side of the counter is holding up.

“Did you leave any for me?”

I don’t step back fast enough and one of Blue’s sharp little elbows hits me square in the gut.

“Jesus, woman,” I grunt.

I hear a soft chuckle I don’t recognize and look up to find the bakery girl—actually more of a woman now that I have a closer look—trying to hide her smile.

“You’re an ass, Sumo. You scared the crap out of me,” Blue grumbles, drawing my attention.

“Losing your touch already? What are you doing here anyway? Shouldn’t you be home looking after the rugrat?”

“Her name is Esme and she’s not a rugrat. She can’t even sit yet.” She shoots me an angry look.

“Momma bear. That’s a new look for you.” I tug her ponytail, and as expected, she swats at my hand. “Looks good on you, though, partner.” At that her looks softens a little. “When am I gonna meet the little princess?”

Because the baby had a bit of a rough start, Blue and Tony have kept visitors away so far.

“We have an appointment with the pediatrician tomorrow morning. If he clears her, maybe we can pop in this weekend?”

“Why don’t you just give me a call and I’ll come to you for a visit?”

“Because I’m going stir-crazy at home and besides, I haven’t seen the new house yet.”

She saw the exterior when I was first looking, but hasn’t been inside yet.

“Fair enough. So,” I change topics, as I look up at the woman on the other side of the counter. “Did she leave anything for me?”

“Oh shit,” Blue jumps in. “I’m sorry, Annie. That’s it for me. By the way, this is Sumo, my partner on the ambulance and royal pain in the ass. Sumo, meet Annie, she works with me at the animal shelter.”

So this is the Annie Blue has mentioned from time to time. Blue spends a few hours a week volunteering at the shelter, although these days she has a virtual shelter of her own. Her menagerie consists of three dogs and a cat, and she’s been at me to take in an animal as well. When I was still living in my apartment I had an excuse—no pets allowed—but I fully expect her to get on my case again now I own a place of my own.

Annie’s head is down as she tapes Blue’s pastry box shut. The City Market visor she’s wearing covers most of her face, and I wait until she looks up. I’m sure I must’ve seen her here before, but I’m ashamed to admit I can’t recall. My loss, because I missed the cute nose with a slight lift at the end, the perfect Cupid’s bow of her upper lip, and the incredibly long lashes behind the lenses of her bland glasses. Her hair is short—almost a boy cut—with a light wave to it. It’s a nondescript brown, just like the color of her eyes.

“Nice to meet you, Annie,” I finally say, reaching over the display case to offer my hand.

“You too. I’ve heard so much about you.”

Definitely not a girl, her voice is rich with maturity, as is the small smile she rewards me with. The hand she briefly places in mine is slim, much as the rest of her.

“Nothing good I’m sure.”

She snickers when I send a pointed look at Blue, who is conveniently digging through her wallet.

“Not all bad,” she says, grinning at me.

Great. I don’t even know the woman and already I have a bad rap.

Annie

I almost burst out laughing at the disgruntled look on his face.

Sumo.

I’ve seen him before, but from a safe distance. Dark, bristly hair with only a hint of silver by his ears, clean-shaven with warm brown, wide-set eyes. His surprisingly full mouth is bracketed by lines, both underlining his age and his easy smiles.

Yeah, I’ve noticed Sumo around town. Those broad shoulders and muscular arms on that swimmer’s body are hard to miss.

If I hadn’t been taking Blue’s order, I would’ve darted into the bakery, but she would’ve asked questions. It’s not that I’m asocial, it’s just I prefer meeting people on my terms. I’m