Page 75 of Delicious

Sometimes I feel invisible.

Maybe I should have talked to them, but something deep inside always stopped me. A little voice that said—well, it doesn’t matter what it said. I tried really hard not to listen to it. Instead, I’ve spent the last couple of years away from the bay where everyone knows me and my family, trying to figure out who I am. Somewhere I could just be Quinn, not the baby Ainsley brother. I guess I needed to find out who I could be without them. I’m finally in a place where I’m happy, where I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and what I do.

I let loose a really loud sigh. Now I just have to tell my family the truth.

“Whoa, if you think any harder,papi, you gonna give yourself a brain haemorrhage.” A soothing, musical accent speaks up behind me.

I turn and see the guy from yesterday, the one who works at Colin’s bakery.

“Cookie, isn’t it?” My gaze rakes over him.

He’s small, maybe five-five or five-six, with a slim build. His hair is almost black at the roots and has a pale faded pink to the ends. A few of the thick loose curls poke out the hood of his purple hoodie, which is pulled up over his head and zipped up to his chin. His hands are buried deep in his pockets, making his purple hoodie stretch at the waist, and he’s wearing the shorts so tiny they’re pretty much hot pants. On his feet are silver glittery Converse that sparkle in the early morning sunshine.

I can’t help but stare at the miles of golden skin exposed. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a guy with legs so long and shapely. They look really smooth too; for one insane second, I wonder what his skin would feel like beneath my fingers, which twitch in an unconscious response.

Startled at the errant thought, I tear my gaze away from his legs, only to see him shudder.

“You look cold,” I state rather obviously.

“Ay, your country is very cold even in summer,” he replies, shivering again.

“Or maybe it’s because you’re half-dressed. You’ll freeze your balls off.” Unable to help myself, I find my gaze drawn back to all that golden skin.

Cookie snorts, and my eyes rise to meet his. “My balls are just fine, but thanks for noticing.” He gives me a cheeky wink, and I could swear my cheeks heat, which is ridiculous because I don’t blush… ever. “Besides, it’s warm in the bakery and by the time the sun’s up, I’ll be sweating.” He tilts his head and studies me curiously. “I don’t usually see anyone out this early. I thought it was just me and Colin keeping baker’s hours. Unless you’re a raging insomniac, or worse, one of those crazy people who like to be up early.”

“None of the above.” I grin. “Just enjoying the peace and quiet.”

Studying me for a moment longer, he then lifts one shoulder in a casual shrug. “Okay, sorry to disturb you.”

He turns to leave. “No, wait,” I blurt out, surprising myself with my outburst. He looks back over his shoulder at me with those dark eyes framed by sooty black lashes. “I just mean…” I shake my head, not knowing what I mean. “I guess I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

Why did I tell him that?

He continues to watch me for a few more seconds, his pouty lips pursed thoughtfully. “You know what you need? Sugar and caffeine.”

“Oh, uh.” I frown and look down the cliff walk, to where I can just about make out Colin’s bakery with its baby blue and white awning at the bottom of the hill. “I didn’t think the bakery was open yet.”

“It’s not.”

“But I don’t–”

“Colin won’t mind, he’ll be up to his eyeballs in cookie dough by now anyway.” He smiles and something inside me relaxes at the warmth in his eyes. “Besides, we’ve been trying out some new recipes. You can be our test subject.”

“Should I be afraid?”

He laughs, and it’s a beautiful, carefree sound. “Depends how critical you are of my new frosting.”

He spins around and sashays down the sloping path. I follow along obediently, unable to help it when my eyes track downwards. Jesus, those shorts areshort, and his bum is… curvy. I’ve never seen such a magnificent arse on a guy. Although—I frown—have I ever actually checked out a guy’s bum before?

I mean, it’s not like it’s a big deal. Two of my brothers are gay and although I’m straight, I’ve always been able to appreciate when a guy is objectively attractive.

“So, you’ve just finished college, right?” Cookie says, tearing my attention from the mesmerising wiggle of his hips.

I hurry to catch up with him. “Um, uni. We call it uni.”

“Right.” He nods. “Your family must be really proud.”

“Hmm,” I reply, which seems to be my standard response whenever someone asks me about uni since coming back to the bay.

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