Page 11 of Sizzling Desire

Whatever happens, I tell myself, I can handle it. But as I close the door behind me, a knot tightens in my chest, and I can’t ignore the truth.

The real battle tonight isn’t with Kane. It’s with myself.

I arrive at Kate’s Kakes fifteen minutes early, the jingling of the bell above the door announcing my arrival. The shop smells faintly of lavender and sugar, the kind of warm, inviting scent that feels like a hug. It should be calming, but my nerves are jangling like I just downed three espressos. Tonight is all aboutwedding planning, and I’m determined to keep things professional. No distractions. No overthinking. Definitely nohim.

“Grace! You’re early!” Kate pops her head out from behind a display case of pastries, her smile radiant.

“I figured I’d get a head start,” I say, forcing a grin. “Where do you need me?”

She waves me toward a small round table in the corner, already set with color swatches, sketches, and what looks like a cupcake tower. It’s all so perfectlyKate—bright, cheerful, and meticulously organized. I take a seat and try to ignore the knot tightening in my stomach. This is about Kate and Hudson. Tonight isn’t about me.

Or him.

The door swings open, the bell jingling again, and I swear the room tilts. Kane walks in, his dark hair tousled like he just rolled out of bed—or someone’s bed. Effortlessly handsome, as always, in a black Henley that clings to his broad shoulders and dark jeans that make his legs look impossibly long. Our eyes lock, and the corner of his mouth tips up in that infuriatingly smug grin. Damn him.

“Kane,” I mutter under my breath, already regretting every decision that led me to this moment.

“Gracie,” he drawls, his voice low and smooth, with just enough bite to make my blood boil. He leans against the doorframe like he owns the place, his eyes skating over me in a way that feels entirely too intentional.

I grit my teeth. “Don’t call me that.”

He steps closer, his boots heavy on the wooden floor, and his voice dips lower, just enough to make my pulse spike. “What should I call you, then? Miss Fletcher? Or is ‘beautiful’ still okay—when I’m touching you, that is?”

Heat floods my face, anger, and something else I refuse to name rushing through me. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re predictable.” His grin widens, but there’s anedge to his tone, something darker lingering beneath the teasing. He strolls over to the table like he’s been invited to some kind of royal feast. Kate bustles in, oblivious to the silent war raging between us, and Hudson follows close behind, a hand resting on her lower back.

The rest of the group trickles in over the next few minutes—the Walking Ladies, Riley, and Mia—all carrying their unique mix of chaos and charm. The air in the room lightens with laughter and chatter, but I can’t fully relax. Not with Kane sitting directly next to me at the planning table, his long legs stretching out.

The meeting kicks off with lighthearted chatter, everyone teasing Kate about her color-coded charts and over-the-top enthusiasm. It’s almost enough to distract me from the way Kane’s knee brushes mine under the table. Almost.

“Okay, okay, let’s get to the good stuff,” Kate says, her eyes sparkling. “Roles for the big day.” Kate claps her hands. “First up, Grace—maid of honor. Obviously.”

“And, of course,” Kate continues, “Hudson’s best man is Kane.”

Of course, he is. I plaster on a smile that feels more like a grimace. There’s a round of cheers and applause, and I try not to notice Kane’s eyes on me.

“Lori, Hudson’s mom, will be our ring bearer,” Kate announces, beaming. “She couldn’t be here tonight but she’s thrilled.”

“And Gladys,” Hudson adds with a laugh, “will be giving away the bride.”

“She’s been like a second grandmother to me since my grandma passed away.” Kate adds.

“A damn good choice,” Kane says, and for a fleeting moment, there’s no sarcasm in his voice.

“I’ve been practicing my strut,” Gladys says, adjusting her wide-brimmed hat. “Just wait, kids. I’m gonna steal the show.”

The Walking Ladies erupt in giggles as Kate adds, “Betty, Florence, and Joan will be our flower girls.”

“We insisted, and honestly, how could anyone say no to us?” Betty cackles.

“And I’ll handle the dresses,” Mia chimes in. “For Kate, the flower girls, the ring bearer, and, of course, the men’s tuxes.”

Riley stands, clipboard in hand, all business. “Which brings us to logistics. As your wedding planner, I’ll coordinate timelines, confirm vendors, and make sure everything goes off without a hitch.”

“Oh, and one more thing,” Kate looks at both me and Kane. “We want a co-ed bachelor/bachelorette party. Got it?”

“Ah, man, that sucks.” Kane argues at Hudson who just bows his head.

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