Note: thanks to sarbear101 for adding this story to your follows/favorites.

Thanks to the reviewers-

Shakilove- hmm… if they weren't imprinted then I guess I'd make them go back to their lives but maybe they'd recall their time together at random moments and wonder what it would be like to if they got together again. Maybe they wished they had at least gotten each others numbers. But then one day, they bump into each other and the flame is ignited once more! :)

aliiciia- Thanks so much! I'm really glad you like the stories and it's a huge compliment that you look forward to the updates. :)

Enjoy!

Chapter 5

Paul finally let her go after another hour of washing. Jo was dog-tired.

But she had lots to do. She asked him to drop her to the bakery she and her grandmother had recently bought. Rosie had been operating on a small scale but on Jo's insistence she had bought a bigger place. Jo had chipped in as well and offered her services as a cook and baker and Rosie had gladly accepted. Her own daughter-in-law, Jo's mother, Bianca, had never had any culinary skills. But much to Rosie's delight, her granddaughter made up for it.

Rosie had been alone for a long time now. Her son had married early and because of Bianca's pressure, moved away. They had visited over time but it wasn't the same. Time had changed them. Her son had grown distant and had eventually stopped visiting or calling and keeping in touch. Bianca had tried to keep in touch but when her husband had cheated on her, she lost the inclination.

But her granddaughter was the sweetest, smartest and prettiest child and had done her very best to stay in touch. Rosie always received handmade cards and small trinkets during the holiday season that her granddaughter sent her. She had longed to see her and have them live together.

Her wish had come true, although not in a good way when Bianca and Zack had finally divorced and Bianca had found someone else as well. They had gotten married during Jo's first year of college at Boston. Jo had talked to her then and expressed her wish to live with her when her course was done. Now the time had come. Jo came to live with her and was even ready to be her business partner. At the age of 22, Jo had a keen business acumen and her love for food made things better. Jo had been adamant about opening up a bigger place for them to run their business. When Rosie had said she didn't have enough funds, Jo had brought out her savings to invest. Rosie was floored. They were now focusing on the renovation of their bakery. They had a small space they were using currently to sell their stuff while the major renovation went on in the background. Josie was a good kid but Rosie knew something was wrong. She had seemed sad and so unlike herself when she had first come back. She had mentioned something about a guy but Rosie had hoped it would get better. But where was her granddaughter now?

"Sorry! Sorry I'm late." Jo said as she rushed into the bakery and hugged her grandma. She had learnt early that a hug from her was something Rosie could never resist. But today she pushed her away?

Jo frowned but then followed her line of sight to see Paul smiling at her. Jo blushed. He had been asking her all the way here if she was ok, suggesting she should be at home instead of coming out to work. But Jo wouldn't be able to rest. She was one of those people who just couldn't rest and chill at home when they knew they could be somewhere doing something.

"Hello handsome! How are you today?"

Jo looked on shocked as Rosie and Paul exchanged hugs. Paul winked at her when he caught her staring.

"I'm better now that I've seen you beautiful!" Paul grinned at Rosie and Jo watched shocked.

Rosie laughed. She liked him in spite of what the rumors said.

"Looking for a free breakfast again?" Rosie asked as she found a plate and put an assortment of pastries and cup cakes on it.

"Well, only if you are offering." Paul said while sitting down.

"Jo dear, go grab us some coffee, will ya?" Rosie said

Jo turned and went to get the coffee while Paul and Rosie chatted.

"You didn't tell me you bought a new place" Paul said as he dug into the sweet treats.

"You didn't tell me you were interested in my granddaughter" Rosie countered as Paul choked on his pastry.

He coughed while Jo returned with coffee but seeing Paul coughing, she got him a glass of water.

Paul looked at her gratefully while accepting it not noticing Rosie who was eying them suspiciously.

Jo waited for him to stop coughing, patting his back.

"Thanks" Paul smiled as he put his glass down.

Jo smiled but was distracted when a customer entered and excused herself.

"Did you sleep with her?" Rosie asked getting straight down to business

Paul was glad he hadn't been eating or worse drinking anything cause he would have choked again.

"What makes you think that?" Paul asked not really meeting her eyes. This was awkward.

"Well, the fact that you haven't taken your eyes off her since you got here and she seems happier and slower? You know in the way she's walking. And she did not return home at all last night, that's for sure. That's a dead giveaway kid." Rosie said shaking her head a little as if disappointed he hadn't worked that out himself.

Paul felt himself on the verge of blushing. He had known her forever and she was like a grandmom to him as well. This was way too awkward.

"I…" Paul began but Rosie lifted her palm to stop him.

"I don't want details. I'll get them from her. Don't you dare hurt her though. I may look frail but I'm as tough as they come." Rosie said as she got up to leave.

Paul looked down at his sweets again, ready to resume his breakfast when he felt Rosie bent just a little to reach his ear. She was a little woman, even sitting Paul was only slightly shorter than her.

"Make sure you keep her hooked though. They don't make any more like her and I'd like her to stick around. And you're both good looking so my grandkids are going to be awesome too!" she said as she kissed him on the cheek and left.

Paul smiled. At least he had Rosie's vote.

AN: if you're reading, please follow/favorite or review. TIA!