Page 19 of Always the Baker

“Oh, um, that’s really sweet.” My mind raced as I tried to think of an excuse. “But I actually promised my roommate I’d meet her at the bar for girl talk.”

Brax nodded. If I wasn’t crazy, I’d swear he looked a little disappointed. “No problem. Raincheck on that ride, then? As you can see, I’m trying to spend every second I can with you.”

The low rumble of his chuckle made my nipples harden.

I hated myself for lying to him. Smiling, I twiddled my thumbs. “Definitely. I’ve really been enjoying my time with you.”

“Same.”

We walked back toMera’s, which was close enough for me to walk to the hotel or get a cheap Uber. As we prepared to say our goodbyes, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was digging myself deeper into a hole I might not be able to climb out of. But lookingat Brax’s warm smile, I realized I wasn’t ready for this dream to end. Not yet.

With the boardwalk area of the beach being closed, I sat on a bench and ordered my Uber. Brax insisted on waiting until I left, which I appreciated. The cool night air hit my face as I stood up from the bench, and I missed the warmth I’d felt sitting next to Brax. My ride arrived quickly, and I slid into the back seat as my mind reeled.

I watched as Brax drove away in his fancy, expensive car that I didn’t even recognize the make of. Then, I was off to my cheap hotel. As we drove through the city streets, the neon signs and towering buildings blurred together. I couldn’t believe I’d just spent the evening with Brax fucking Adams.

The Uber pulled up to my hotel, and it was a far cry from the luxurious places I’m sure Brax was used to. I hurried inside.

Suddenly, the excitement of the vintage room wore off. It was no longer dark and big. It was old and outdated and a glaring visual of the distinct difference between me and Brax. Between who I was and who I wanted to be. I kicked off my shoes, slid out of my dress, and flopped onto the bed, staring at the ceiling.

“What am I doing?” I whispered to myself.

I grabbed my phone and opened my messages. My fingers flew across the screen as I typed out a text to Ember.

Me: you’re not going to believe this. I just spent the whole night talking to Brax Adams. THE Brax Adams. My God on today. He’s so cool. So kind. So sweet. So fine. So chill. I’m freaking out!

I hit send and waited. Though I sent a text because I wasn’t sure if she was awake or not, I knew when she saw it, she’d call me. A minute later, my phone vibrated.

Em: NO WAY!!! Spill everything right now! Send me a voice memmmooooo!

I grinned, settling back against the pillows as I recorded a voice memo with details about my evening with Brax. As I recounted our conversations, a nagging voice in the back of my head reminded me of all the lies I’d told. I pushed it away, focusing instead on the way Brax’s eyes crinkled when he laughed and how his fingers gripped mine. How he held me as we watched the sun set. The feel of his lips against my neck.

For one night, I’d gotten to live a fan fiction dream. Soon, I’d have to face reality. But for now, I let myself bask in the glow of an amazing evening. After sending the text, I hopped out of bed to shower.

By the time I was done brushing my teeth and washing my face after my shower, Ember replied. She was so happy for me, even though the foundation of my time with Brax was a lie.

I paced the room as my mind raced. Brax thought I was this cool, artsy girl working on some big mural project. In reality, I was just a small town nobody who’d be heading back to my mundane life in less than forty-eight hours.

“Maybe I should just come clean,” I said to myself, stopping in front of the mirror. My reflection stared back at me, looking lost and uncertain. “Tell him the truth before this gets any more complicated.”

But then I remembered the way Brax looked at me when I’d talked about my fictional art project. How his eyes had lit up with genuine interest. How he said he envied my normal life. I came here for an escape and was providing one for him.

I flopped back onto the bed, groaning. “Who am I kidding? I can’t tell him the truth now. He’d think I was a total loser. A lying little loser. I’ll just see it through. Things will end after I leave here anyway.”

My phone buzzed with a text from Brax, and instantly, I smiled.

Brax Fucking Adams: Wassup? Can’t wait to see you at the gig tomorrow night. You’re going to love it. Here are the details.

I bit my lip as my heart raced. One more night. That’s all it would be. One more chance to live out this fantasy before I had to go back to reality.

Me: Can’t wait to see you and hear you. It’s going to be a vibe.

“Just one more day,” I whispered, closing my eyes. “What could possibly go wrong?”

6

Billie

I steppedout of my room, determined to conquer the city. Or at least not look like a total tourist. The bustling streets engulfed me as I tried to mimic the confident stride of the locals. True to the South, a lot of people I made eye contact with smiled or spoke. While some had a rushed, urgent pace, others moved as if they had all the time in the world.

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