Page 33 of Villainous Summer

It was the first time since we had met that she looked shy. No, not shy exactly but uncertain. As if she wasn’t sure about coming over. As if I wouldn’t want to have seen her.

She held up the telltale white box with its blue letter of the local bakery. “I come bearing gifts.”

I leaned against the doorframe, taking her in.

Her cheeks were flushed a beautiful pink, and her lips were painted with something shiny. Was she always this beautiful?

I stepped aside, allowing her to come into the hallway.

The first time she was here, I was so shocked I hadn’t thought of how the place must’ve looked to her. But as she walked in, I was all too aware of the decor.

As we moved to the kitchen, her eyes darted around the floral wallpaper and the gilt-framed mirrors.

As she sat on the green-and-white ivy print upholstered stool at the kitchen bar, she set the bakery box on the counter.

“What did you bring?” I grabbed the box and slid it closer to me.

Again, her cheeks stained pink. My fingers twitched to touch her skin to see if she was as warm as she looked.

“A peace offering. I can’t tell you how embarrassed I am. Normally, I stick to a few drinks, but I had just got some bad news. And, unfortunately, you’re the one who had to suffer for it. It took me all week to build up the courage to come over here.”

“But you did. Most people wouldn’t. Almost anyone else would avoid the other person, but you’re here, apologizing, with a”—I popped the box open and surveyed the contents—“cake?”

She flicked her pinky nail with her thumbnail, making a small tapping sound. “Lemon rose. It’s my favorite, and I thought maybe . . . Do you like lemon? I should have asked. An apple or chocolate cream pie would have been smarter, but I wanted to—”

“I fucking love lemons,” I blurted.

As if her body had been tense for my response, she suddenly sagged, a grin blooming over her face. “Oh, good. What a relief. It was bad enough that I likely barfed on your shoes—but to bring a dessert you wouldn’t eat, that would be unforgivable.”

“You’re officially forgiven.” I grabbed two forks from the drawer and handed her one. “And you never barfed on me. All vomit was strictly where it belonged.”

“Praise be for minor miracles.” She crooked a brow. “I really am sorry, Van. I told you I’d come with you and act like your perfect girlfriend, and instead, I made a mess of myself.”

“I didn’t need a perfect girlfriend, or else I wouldn’t have asked you in the first place.”

She stuck out her tongue as she scooped out a small bite of the cake.

“Besides, Mr. Haruki told me he was glad I was able to see you home safely. I think being the doting boyfriend made a good impression.”

Since she had already taken a bite directly from the cake, I followed suit, forgoing plates to cut off a piece with my own fork.

The airy, tart flavors exploded in my mouth as I chewed.

Her brow furrowed, and she drew her lower lip between her teeth as I swallowed. “Do you like it?”

“It’s incredible.” I scooped a bigger bite, my mouth full of cake.

She set her fork down and tucked her hands under her legs. “You probably want an explanation for why I was acting the way I was.” She sighed as if it was hard to offer.

“Only if you want to give it. Or we can just say that you had a very, very bad night. Devin said it was a fluke.”

“You talked to Devin?”

Concern creased her face.

“I promised I’d let her know you were home safe. Nothing more.”

I wasn’t sure why I added that last part. While I wasn’t planning on talking to Devin again, I wanted Summer to know there was nothing between us.

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