Page 45 of Obsessed Fox

"Always a mysterious motherfucker but alright, I'll bite. I'll let you know what I find. What do you plan on doing in the meantime?"

"Keep my woman safe."

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Maisie

Working behind the counter and getting to talk to my customers was the best part of my day. Sure, that sounded contradictory considering I became a hermit by nature but there was something different about talking to people when I knew their favorite treats.

Take the next customer for example.

"Hi, Ms. Dixie. I've got your lavender cupcakes boxed up and ready for you." I smiled at the woman who came in once a week for the exact same order.

Seven lavender cupcakes. One for each day of the week, she would always remind me.

"You're such a dear." She patted my hand as I slid the box across the marble counter that stood between the two glass bakery cases. "I heard from Ms. Daisy that you were at the Crazy Fox this morning with a gentleman. I'm glad to see you're dating after all this time."

I forced myself not to roll my eyes at the old woman who had been a steady customer almost from the beginning and brags to almost everyone in town about my cupcakes.

Growing up, my parents insisted we live off the land, so I learned early on how to incorporate that into baking. My lavender cupcakes are the shit because I don't use an extract like most people. I grind up dried leaves straight into the sugar and allow the natural oils to do their thing.

I realized I’d stayed quiet for longer than Ms. Dixie considered sociably acceptable when she gave me a pointed look.

"Yes, Hendrix and I went out for breakfast, and yes, we're seeing each other."

"I knew it. You two are so adorable. From what Ms. Daisy said, he even pulled your chair out for you. That's a sign of a good man right there."

If Ms. Dixie knew about his pierced cock and filthy mouth in the bedroom, she probably wouldn't be calling Hendrix a gentleman anymore.

"And you let him pay the bill. That's such a lady thing to do. Too many women these days want to split things all the time but I say if he's willing to pay, let him. There are plenty of other ways to contribute to a relationship."

I kept my mouth shut because there was nothing for me to say to that. I didn't have feelings either way on the topic.

"What else did Ms. Daisy say? She was obviously very talkative this morning and I guess it was a good thing today was your normal day to come see me. Otherwise, you would've had to wait to get the scoop."

Ms. Dixie brushed me off with a wave of her hand. "Nonsense. I would've made a special trip to come ask you if that was the case. I can't let Ms. Daisy be the only one gossiping. I need to contribute. Otherwise I'll be kicked off the phone tree."

I burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of her statement.

Except I knew it wasn't ridiculous. These ladies took gossip to a whole other level. I wouldn't be surprised if there really was a club.

"Well then, I'll let you in on a little secret . . ." I leaned down close enough so that only she could hear me. "I've already moved in with him as well."

Ms. Dixie gasped. "Before marriage? You little hussy." She smacked my hand with a big smile that told me she was only joking. "I can't wait to tell the ladies."

I shook my head and rang up her order.

The whole town would know within an hour, if they didn't already. Hendrix's neighborhood wasn't like Kati's. He didn't have little old ladies next door or across the street that watched his every move, so it was understandable that they didn't see the two nights he kidnapped me.

Hendrix had insisted that morning that he wanted to make a statement.

Well, I just upped him one by divulging that little tidbit even if it wasn't completely accurate. I still had my apartment above the bakery, but since I owned the building, it wasn't like I had a landlord to report to. I could move out or stay if I liked. Although I already knew what I would be doing. Hendrix wanted me in his bed and that was where I wanted to be, so it was a moot point.

"I can't believe you just told the biggest gossip in town that you're living with Hendrix." Janie snuck up behind me and made me jump.

"Jesus Christ, don't scare me like that!" I put my hand to my erratically beating heart.

"Sorry." She didn't sound sorry at all when she shrugged. "Next time you should check your surroundings before sharing the big news."

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