Page 6 of The Bet

“Hmph.” She rolls her eyes. “That’s what I thought.” Then, she slaps her hands on her hips. “What’s wrong with a curvy girl who likes to eat a little too many baked goods?”

“Nothing.” If she’s talking about herself, then the answer is – absolutely nothing. She’s perfect.

Her eyes soften, and a smile crosses her face. “Thanks, Rich. You’re a doll.”

A doll? What the fuck does that mean? I’m out of the friend zone and into the toy section? So not the toy section I would have aimed for.

“By the way, Jenna wants to talk to you, so stop dodging her calls.”

“Okay. I’ll ring Jenna in the morning.”

“Why were you avoiding her, anyway? I told her you must have found ‘the one’ and didn’t want her and your mom all up in your business.”

My breath catches. I have found ‘the one,’ but I have no idea how to get her. “No. I didn’t want to tell her about Jim until I knew the truth.”

“Ahh.” Her eyes fill with tears.

“Shit. Don’t cry.” Panic claws at my chest.What in the hell do I do if she cries?The only option coming to mind is kissing her, but she’ll freak out and punch me in the nuts.

“I’m not. You’re so sweet. I don’t know why some woman hasn’t scooped you up and kept you.”

Lady, I’m so far from being sweet, it’s ridiculous.“I think you overestimate my worth.”

“Never.” She steps into my space, and before I know what’s happening, she has her arms around my waist.

My entire body stiffens as I try to decide what to do with my hands. I want to grab her ass and sink into her soft stomach, but that will blow up in my face.Why can’t I think straight around her?

She steps back. “Thank you for breaking up with me. I’m glad it was you and not Jim.”

“You’re welcome. I guess.” I clear my throat and glance around the kitchen. Baked goods are everywhere. Row after row of cupcakes, croissants, donuts, and turnovers swim before my eyes. Sugar and Chloe are my weaknesses.

My mouth waters.What time is it?I glance at the clock above the stove.How did it get so late?It was after one o’clock in the morning. “Do you have to open in the morning?”

Chloe stretches and yawns. “Yeah. I need to get to bed.” Exhaustion radiates off her.

“I’ll go.” I lift my hand and rub my thumb over her cheekbone. “Take care of yourself.” Her eyes widened.Is that desire? Don’t be a dumb ass. She’s tired.

I drop my hand, rush through the kitchen, and out the door, into the pitch-black night.I’ve got to get away from here before I do something stupid.

Chapter Five

Chloe

The next afternoon, I walk into my parent’s restaurant and smile. This is as much home to me as the one I grew up in on Arthur Street. While growing up, I worked alongside them, learning all aspects of running a small business.

“Hey, mom.”

My mom, Jeanne, waves from behind the cash register. “Hey, Sweetheart. How was business today?”

“It was fine. Busy as usual.” I weave through the wooden tables.

“That’s wonderful,” she sighs. “Honey. I’m so proud of you. You’re an amazing girl.’

“Mom, stop it.” I glance around the room. Although the smell of bacon still fills the air, all the tables are clean; and the only sound is the dishwasher in the adjacent kitchen. “Where’s Dad?”

“Cleaning up. He let everyone go early. Saturday night and all.”

“He’s such a sucker.” I laugh and peek around the corner. “Hey, Dad.”

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