Page 20 of Almost Love

“Answer that one and you can have a turn.”

She sighed heavily and he rubbed his lips together to hide a smile. “Probably the chocolate and oatmeal cookies. Or maybe the rocky road fudge.” Then her expression shifted, every line and wrinkle smoothed away as her eyes lit up. He exhaled at the look of joy on her face and before he could commit it to memory, it was gone. “Actually, the double chocolate fudge. It’s the one thing that runs out every day, along with the donuts you keep taking.”

“Can’t help that you make the best donuts I’ve ever eaten.”

“How many places have you eaten donuts at?”

He pursed his lips. “Two. Randy’s in Inglewood and yours.”

“Well, obviously mine is better than Randy’s,” she said with a scoff and waved him off. “What’s the most overrated kind of food in your opinion?”

“Wow, no soft lead up, huh?”

“I didn’t know there were rules to getting to know each other.”

He chuckled and shook his head. “No rules…uh, most overrated food? Everything served at Thanksgiving.”

“Elaborate,” she said. Grover set their food in front of them and she offered him a softthank you.

“Right. So, you know how it’s all about combining sweet and savory? I hate it. Cranberry sauce, marshmallows, sweet potatoes; none of it makes sense to me.” He couldn’t even focus on what she had ordered for him, because his brain was full of disgusting Thanksgiving food spread out on a table. His parentshad stopped doing it because he had physical reactions to the food, and every year they substituted with something else.

After his family was gone, Oakley struggled to attend Thanksgiving meals with friends. But he did it, in memory of his parents and also to be polite. Or as polite as someone could be while dry heaving at the smell of turkey and the sight of green beans.

“Thanksgiving food is overrated,” she said, gesturing with her hands. “The turkey is always too dry and the sauces are weird. And what is up with the marshmallows on the potatoes?”

His eyes widened as he stared at her, because this was the most animated he’d seen her. But also because… “I need a minute to process the fact that we agreed on something.”

“We agreed on the fact that I make the best dessert.”

He shook his head, chuckling. “Wenever said that.”

“Considering you’re at my bakery every single morning, I’ll take that as your word.”

“I show up every day hoping to see you,” he said simply and only because he was watching her closely did he see her eyes widen a fraction. Clearing his throat, he smiled. “Though, your desserts are pretty fucking good.”

“That’s not as good a save as you think it is.”

He snorted and finally looked at his plate. “Holy shit, what is this?”

“Try it first.” He looked at her mountain of food, which made her frown as she said, “What?”

“Why didn’t you order that for me as well?”

“Because it’s just a breakfast plate. I’m supposed to be introducing you to food in Wildes, right?”

He shrugged, but smiled, because she was right. You could eat a breakfast spread anywhere, including at night, but whatever was in front of him was clearly unique to The Hive. Oakley picked up his sandwich and figured out the best way toeat it. Biting into a corner, he groaned when all the flavors filled his mouth. The beef was tender, the amount of butter, dressing and sauerkraut created the perfect balance. Not to mention the melted cheese.

“If food could make you orgasm, this would be it,” he mumbled with his mouth full, not even caring how inappropriate or ridiculous he sounded. Oakley couldn’t even open his eyes, because every time his teeth sank into the bread, beef, cheese and dressing combo, he got another hit of something delicious.

“Would you and the sandwich like to get a room?”

His eyes snapped open as he froze mid-chew and found her watching him with an arched eyebrow, like she was mocking him. He finished chewing and swallowed, setting the rest of his sandwich down before clearing his throat. “So, what were we talking about?”

“Obviously that sandwich is a winner.”

“Never eaten a Reuben that tasted so good.” He popped a chip into his mouth and eyed the sandwich that was still left. “This might actually become my comfort food, though.”

Her mouth lifted in a half smile. “Whatwasyour comfort food?”

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