Page 29 of Just a Little Prick

She sighed softly. “I’m so sorry, Lora. Why don’t you go take a little break?”

“No, I want to do something.” I came behind the counter, putting an apron back on and tying it tight around my waist. I grabbed a bowl, turning to look at the pastry case. Low on vanilla bean, it looked like. I could make more.

“Okay. Well, don’t overdo it.” She turned to look at me, her expression gentle. “Hey, listen. One of my good friends is coming to visit for the weekend. Why don’t we get together and have a girls’ night? I think you’d really like Sydney.”

That didn’t sound too bad. I did still want to make friends. It would be fun to have some girl-time. I looked over my shoulder and nodded. “Sure. I can host, if you want?”

“Sounds good!” She smiled. “Oh, but head’s up. Sydney is about to get married, so she might talk about it a lot. I hope that’s okay.”

“I don’t mind. It’s good that she’s happy.”

Kenzie nodded. “Great. Are you free tonight? It’s Friday. Good night to hang out, have some wine and pizza?”

I couldn’t help laughing. “Sounds good. Yeah. Let’s do it! Come on over. You know what time I get off.”

Chapter Eleven

Bradley

I sat at my station, sketchbook open. I didn’t have any clients for a little while, so I figured I could brainstorm. Come up with new designs.

All I could come up with were pieces I wanted to put on Lora.

I sighed. This was supposed to be a series of hookups until she inevitably found a guy she wanted to get serious with. So why was I so messed up over her?

There was no reason for it.

I just needed to blow off some steam. Maybe take Emily up on her offer, if Lora didn’t call.

No. I didn’t want to do that.

Behind me, the guys were chatting, cutting up a little. I didn’t pay a lot of attention to what they were saying until Benny called my name.

“Bradley!”

I looked up, sighing.

Benny grinned. “C’mon. We’re hitting happy hour after the shop closes. You coming?”

“Uh, yeah, I’ll come.” A few beers wouldn’t hurt. Maybe some time to think would help me sort this shit out.

“You sure? I mean, will you have time before your date?”

“I don’t have—oh. Emily.” I shrugged. “Yeah. It’ll be fine.”

The guys burst into laughter. I rolled my eyes. They were on my nerves today.

No. It wasn’t them. It was something else entirely.

“Hey, Bradley—invite Kenzie to join us?” Logan smiled at me.

“You knock that shit off,” Benny snapped, turning to point a finger at Logan. “You know she’s off-limits, boy.”

“Logan, I will break your neck if you touch my sister.” I closed my sketchbook, turning to face him. “Don’t even say her name, got it?”

“I didn’t mean it like that, geez.” Logan held his hands up, shaking his head. “God. Sorry. I just like chatting with her. That’s all. And anyway, maybe she’ll bring the other muffin girl, too?”

“Her name is Lora, asshole. Don’t you bring her into this, either.” My face felt hot. Benny was watching me, one eyebrow raised. The look on his face made me nervous. “In fact, how about you just leave everyone at Bakeology alone?”

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