𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐬

Chapter Three: Flour, Laughter, and Sweet Surprises

The morning sun filtered through the lace curtains of Catherine's room, painting gentle patterns on her walls as she slowly stirred awake. Memories of the previous day danced in her mind, particularly the encounter with Alex at the bakery. With a soft smile tugging at her lips, she stretched and got out of bed, eager to start another day in the charming village.

Downstairs, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries greeted Catherine as she entered the kitchen. Mrs. Henderson was already bustling about, preparing for the day ahead.

"Morning, Catherine! Sleep well?" Mrs. Henderson asked with a warm smile.

Catherine returned the smile. "Yes, thank you. How about you?"

"Oh, like a log!" Mrs. Henderson chuckled, bustling around the kitchen with practiced ease. "Now, how about some breakfast to start your day?"

As Catherine settled at the kitchen table, savoring the delicious meal Mrs. Henderson had prepared, she couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the kind woman who had taken her in. The past few days had been a whirlwind of new experiences and emotions, but Mrs. Henderson's hospitality had made all the difference.

After breakfast, Catherine quickly tidied up the kitchen, eager to head to the bakery for another day of work. As she walked through the village streets, the early morning air crisp and invigorating, she found herself looking forward to seeing Alex again. There was something about him that drew her in, something she couldn't quite put into words.

When Catherine arrived at the bakery, she was greeted by the familiar sight of Mrs. Henderson bustling about behind the counter. The aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries filled the air, making her stomach rumble in anticipation.

"Morning, Mrs. Henderson!" Catherine greeted cheerfully, tying on her apron.

"Good morning, Catherine! Ready for another busy day?" Mrs. Henderson replied with a smile.

Catherine nodded eagerly. "Absolutely!"

As she set to work, kneading dough and shaping loaves with practiced hands, Catherine couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation that bubbled within her. She found herself stealing glances at the door every now and then, hoping to catch a glimpse of Alex.

It wasn't long before the familiar tinkling of the bell announced the arrival of a customer. Catherine looked up to see Alex sauntering into the bakery, a mischievous grin on his lips.

"Well, well, if it isn't the master baker himself!" Alex exclaimed, flashing Catherine a playful wink.

Catherine couldn't help but laugh at his antics, feeling her cheeks flush with warmth. "Good morning, Alex! What can I get for you today?"

Alex pretended to ponder for a moment, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, tough choice. How about... one of everything?"

Mrs. Henderson chuckled from behind the counter. "Oh, you'll put me out of business with an order like that, Alex!"

Alex grinned. "I'll take my chances."

As Catherine prepared Alex's order, their banter flowed effortlessly, filling the bakery with laughter and warmth. There was something about Alex's easygoing nature that put Catherine at ease, making her feel as though they had been friends for years rather than mere acquaintances.

Once Alex's order was ready, Catherine handed him a neatly wrapped package, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Here you go, one of everything, just as requested."

Alex took the package with a dramatic flourish, bowing low before Catherine. "My sincerest thanks, milady! You have saved me from certain starvation."

Catherine couldn't help but laugh at his theatrics, feeling a sense of lightness wash over her. In that moment, surrounded by the comforting smells and sounds of the bakery, she felt more at home than she had in a long time.

As Alex bid farewell and left the bakery, promising to return soon for another round of baked delights, Catherine couldn't wipe the smile from her face. There was something undeniably special about her interactions with Alex, something that made her heart flutter with excitement.

Throughout the rest of the day, Catherine found herself lost in a whirlwind of flour and laughter, her thoughts drifting back to Alex whenever she had a spare moment. And as the sun began to set and the day drew to a close, Catherine couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation for what tomorrow would bring.

Little did she know, Alex was feeling much the same. As he made his way home from the bakery, a grin still plastered on his face, he found himself unable to shake the image of Catherine from his mind. Her laughter echoed in his ears, her smile etched into his memory, filling him with a sense of joy he hadn't felt in a long time.

As he settled into bed that night, Alex couldn't help but feel a twinge of excitement for the days to come. There was something about Catherine that drew him in, something he couldn't quite explain. And as he drifted off to sleep, a smile playing at the corners of his lips, Alex couldn't wait to see where their budding friendship would lead.