Chapter 1
Noah Mathews POV
I groaned as I got up from bed knowing today was going to be one of the busiest days since I moved here and opened my bakery.
I quickly grabbed my clothes and headed to my bathroom getting a quick shower and change into my clothes as I brushed my teeth and short shaggy brown hair as I looked over my facial features seeing the bits of feminine features that have changed slightly since I went through my transformation back in Boston all those years ago.
I have scars on my chest when I had my top surgery done to help me finalize my long overdue need to be who I know I am and over the years I had accepted myself and I will not allow anyone else to tell me otherwise.
The old me died when I was sixteen years old when I told my parents about the need to be comfortable in my own skin, and the only thing that ties me to my past self is bottom anatomy as I did not want to get the bottom surgery.
Shaking my head, I saw the clock on the wall and my eyes widened slightly as I cursed myself, rushing around my room to quickly get ready for work as I my two full timers are waiting for me to arrive as we have a large order that needs to be done for a wedding next week.
I grabbed my car keys and wallet as I shoved them into my pant pockets after locking my small one floor bungalow home near the far side of the little creek.
I rushed to my car getting in and starting it up as I began to drive to my café in the center of town near the local bar where I have seen many of the US navy soldiers and Navy SEALs going to hang out after a long day of work or returning from being away overseas.
I have huge respect for the men and woman who have sacrificed so much in there lives to fight for our country and still have a happy outlook on life. I quickly pulled up the back of my bakery as I got out locking my small two door chevy impala that I found years ago when I went to culinary school in Richmond.
“Hey! Noah! Thank fucking god you are here.” I chuckled as I walked into the back kitchen nodding at Jocelyn who looked frantic as she stood in front of me with a worried expression.
“Alright, spill. What is going on?” I softly said, as I began to start on the three-tier wedding cake that needs to be ready for pick up in the next few days.
“Well, I had to deal with everything this morning as James called in sick once again.” I stopped what I was doing, raising one well trimmed eyebrow at Jocelyn urging her to keep going with her explanation. “An, I of course told him to shove it up his ass as this was like the fifth time, he called in sick due to being hungover.” I hummed nodding along as I know this has been an issue for a few weeks now.
“Jocelyn, I will deal with James later, right now we have a three-tier cake that needs to be started and finished.” I ordered out, telling her what needs to be done as I went to the front of the café to see how it all was going well. Looking around I had a small smile on my face seeing the customers enjoying the bakery confections I baked the night before for today’s customers.
I went around speaking with my regulars helping where I can, and I love my job being the owner and baker seeing all the happy faces everyday helps me get through my dark life along with my social anxiety that I have tried to over come over the years.
I heard the small bell over the door, and when I looked over my eyes widen slightly seeing a few off-duty Navy SEALs walking in talking and laughing as they took their seats in the back.
One of the men caught my eye, and I was blown away with his sharp angular ruggish features and how eyes were a deep hazel green framed by long dark eyelashes with clear tan skin from any blemish on his skin.
He was one fine, handsome man and I could not steer my eyes away from him, and when he looked up our eyes connected, and I could not stop myself from blushing under his intense gaze.
I scurried back after saying my farewells to my loyal customers as I knew Jocelyn will need me in the kitchen.
I had to get away from the navy seal solider as he was so out of my league, and I am pretty sure he would not want a transgender partner who still deal with everyday troubles with people who look down on those that are different and prefer to be open on who they are as a human being.
I took a deep breath in and began to start my daily baking as my two-part timers took orders and deal with the afternoon rush of customers coming and going throughout the day.
“Noah!” I quickly placed the cupcakes in the oven as I rushed out to the front wondering what was going as Ashley out front. “Ashley, what is wrong?” I worriedly asked, as I wiped my hands on my apron as I walked over to see her blushing head to toe.
I inwardly rolled my eyes, feeling stressed out and annoyed that two of my employees could not be professional enough to do their jobs. “Ashley, head to the back while I deal with this.” I sternly told her watching her scurry off.
I turned to face the four navy seal soldiers and took their payment smiling softly at them as I tired to ignore the intense gaze of the one navy seal who caught my eyes the first time.
“Have a good day!” I happily said, waving them goodbye, as I left Jason to deal with the front of the bakery as I had to go deal with Ashley and now James who finally decided to show his face.
“Ashley, James, I want both you to gather your things and leave. I will mail you your last pay cheque.” I sternly fired them both as I watched James shrugged his shoulders and Ashley angrily leaving with her purse.
