She tossed the bowl and mixer paddles in the sink. The more she stormed around the kitchen, the more she remembered why she was suddenly feeling so murderous. Liam was here. He was in her shop, drinking coffee like it was any regular day of the week.

She picked up the scrubber and started scouring the caked-on batter. He could drink his damn coffee and get out.

She peeked around the side of the door and across the front counter. He was still there. His large hands gripped the mug as he stared out into the rain.

He looked ridiculous sitting at the bistro table. His long legs were stretched out so his knees didn’t turn the table over. Sophia swallowed hard.

He was infuriating. His Hollywood good looks only made her more annoyed. It was how he used them to his advantage. He always thought he could charm his way through life.

The kitchen was practically immaculate, but she looked around for more things to clean. She wasn’t leaving until he was gone. The oven was probably cool by now. She pulled out the racks and soaked them in the sink, then sprayed the inside with cleaner.

It felt good to wipe the bits of charred batter away. She stood back to admire her work. It looked almost as good as the day she bought it.

Noah had carried it in from the delivery truck and plugged it in with a triumphant grin.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this, babe. I’m so proud.” He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her to his barrel of a chest.

“I can’t either.” She smiled into his dark chestnut eyes. “I’ve always loved this spot. It’s going to be perfect, isn’t it?”

His lips brushed over hers. “It already is.”

She melted into the kiss as his tongue twined along hers.

Sophia brushed a tear from her cheek. “Damn you, Noah.” She turned from the oven. That was the problem—two years later and every inch of her life was still covered in memories of him.

It reminded her that Liam should be gone by now. She risked another peek.

His eyes met hers from across the bakery. They glimmered with something so familiar it made her stomach turn in knots.

She had to find a way to get him out of here. She marched toward his table with her hands on her hips.

“You’ve had your cup of coffee. It’s time for you to go.”

He sighed heavily and she noticed how his chest rose with the movement. “I can’t do that, Soph.”

“Then I’ll call the Bear Lake PD.” She reached for her phone.

Liam’s eyebrows rose. “They’re all clan.”

“So? It doesn’t mean you aren’t trespassing. They have to answer my call.”

“There is clan business we need to discuss. They aren’t going to interfere.” His voice was firm. His words were steady. Much steadier than her heartbeat. She knew he could hear it thrumming in her chest.

She wondered if it was worth calling Miles—he had offered to help.

Angrily, she shoved her phone back in her pocket. “What is it? Just get it over with and get out.”

“I think you should sit.” He nodded at the open seat across from him.

The last thing she wanted to do was sit at a table with Liam. She didn’t want to hear what he had to say.

She pulled the chair as far away from the table as she could without bumping the one next to her and sat. With her arms crossed she felt a slight barrier between them.

“Soph…”

She straightened her shoulders. “What is it? Why are you here today of all days?”

“It’s time.”

“Time for what?” She shook her head.

“Today marks two years.”

“I don’t need you to remind me. I’m never going to forget this date.”

“Two years is our clan’s custom mourning period. The mourning ends today.” His eyes landed on her. They softened as they focused on her. She wondered how many women had fallen for that sexy forlorn look. She didn’t buy it.

“You can’t dictate how long I grieve.” Her eyes flared. “My life in the clan is over. It has been ever since Noah.”

“You don’t get it.”

“Get what?” she asked.

Liam took a deep breath and shifted in his tiny chair. If the air hadn’t been so tense between them, Sophia might have laughed. It was as if he was trying to perch himself on dollhouse furniture.

“You need to return.”

She exhaled. “Return? I’ve never left Bear Lake. I’ve been here the entire time.”

“Sophia, just stop and listen.” She jumped when he reached forward and pulled her hands off her crossed arms. “I’m here because of you.” He pressed each word into the air.

“Me?” She could feel the warmth in his palms as they clasped over her knuckles.

“Yes.” His eyes locked on hers. “I’m here to ask you to be my mate.”