Page 33 of Naughty & Nice

He hesitates momentarily before answering. “Weeks from now. She left for a modeling shoot in Paris right after you left. She was planning to go away afterward. Try to figure out the meaning of life.”

“Paris? Holy shit. I had no idea she modeled. I think that was half of the trouble, being broad-sided. The last girl I lived with was a model who’s now shacking up with a married Washington football player. I saw a picture of Addy with the two of them at the Nascar race and freaked.”

“Ah. Okay. I’ll give you some latitude on that one. But you’re going to have to come up with something grand to have a chance at winning her back. Real men who want a future with you don’t cut and run.”

This statement hits me like a sucker punch to the solar plexus. “You’re right. I have a lot of growing up to do. But I swear I’ll make it up to her.” Something he said earlier now niggles at me. “What did you mean? She’s trying to figure out the meaning of life. If she’s modeling in Paris, why is she moonlighting in a bakery.”

“Fuck, man. I shouldn’t be telling you this.” Alden massages the back of his neck in consternation. “But Addison fell hard for you. You better be in this for-”

“Hell, yeah. I’ll do anything.”

“Addy’s complicated. She’s all the things you know, with a layer of self-loathing underneath. She hates modeling. She’s the only member of her rotten family not in academia because she has dyslexia. It’s pretty severe. She’s tried to make a life for herself despite her limitations. I think she’d love to have her own cake shop. But managing a business would be nearly impossible without help. She never does anything on the computer here. She’s rarely on her phone. Even basic math and reading are tough for her.

“I could help her.”

“Whoah, man. You two have barely been together a hot second, and then you dumped her over voicemail. I’m not sure-”

“Alden, I’m all in. I swear. I almost married my ex, and she’s not worthy of taking out Addy’s trash. I thought the world revolved around Ashley. It wasn’t until I met Addison I realized my ex-girlfriend manipulated situations to be front and center. But Addy gets your attention naturally. Because she’s so radiant, youcan’tlook at anything or anyone else. It’s not just her physical beauty. She’s… she’s… hell, she’s everything.”

This daunting man stares at me quietly, hands on his hips. My heart is in my throat. What do I do now? “Okay, man. You do what I say without question, and no one will get hurt.”

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

CHAPTER26

Addy

“Thank you.”Grabbing the glass of lemonade James holds out to me, I inhale the sea air and relax into my lounger. “This is just what I needed. I appreciate you having me here. And your friendship. It came right when I needed it most.”

Holding out his glass, we clink them together to toast this unlikely relationship. “Well, first. You deserve a man who knows how special you are. Don’t let that boy’s mistakes define you, young lady.” I can’t help but blush at his sweet words. “You’ve got so much more to offer the world than you’re giving yourself credit for, Addison. I believe in you. We just need to develop a business plan, so you have the tools to go after it. If I could do it, with my little lawn care business, so can you.”

“I just can’t imagine trying to run a business with my limitations. I could get sued for not following a contract I can’t read in the first place.”

“That’s where your team comes into place. The best managers and business owners know how to surround themselves with people who can get the job done. We just need to identify their roles.”

I bite my lip, wanting to be excited about the prospect, but reality is taking hold. “This sounds terrifying. And expensive.”

“Do you believe in your work?”

“Yes! I love what I do, and I’m good at it.”

“I know. I’ve seen it.” Alden’s website has a gallery of my cakes. “You should use your modeling talents to showcase your treats. Pose with your products. It’ll draw in tons of customers.”

I blush, feeling a bit embarrassed but proud nonetheless.

“I’m putting up the seed money for your shop. We’ll work out the particulars. I’d like to be a silent partner until you’re doing well enough to buy me out.”

I nearly choke on my lemonade. “What?”

Handing over a napkin, James chuckles. “I believe in you, Addison. It’s time you start doing the same.”

I barely have time to process all he’s said before my phone starts jumping across the metal table between us. Reaching for it, I hit the messaging app and discover Alden’s left a voice message.

“Hey, sassy girl. A lot’s happened since you’ve been away. Check this out.” Underneath his voice message is a link. Clicking on it, the internet browser on my phone opens to the local newspaper’s webpage. And the first thing I see is… Trevor.

He’s standing on Lark Street with a banner hanging above his head, draped from one light post to another. ‘Come to Honey Bunz, where you’ll meet the world’s sweetest cupcake.’What?Looking back down at the handsome firefighter, he’s wearing his helmet and turn-out gear with the jacket open to reveal a shirt that says, ‘I like a girl who’s a little sassy & a lot smart assy.’ There’s a little black x over the assy, placed by the paper to prevent complaints, but you can still easily read it.

“Oh, my god,” I blurt.

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