Page 81 of Cupcake of the Month
“But you just got back.” Wendy tugged at her ponytail. “Good news?”
“I hope so. At this point, I almost don’t care as long as it’s resolved. But you can still call me, and I’m sure my brothers willbe happy to continue helping with customizations if you need them.”
She did care, really, but it was easier to pretend. Success ran in her family, and she might be the one stain on the Shoenover track record.
The cousins exchanged anxious glances. “Are you coming back?” Brandi asked.
“I don’t know. I mean, yes, eventually, for a visit. I’m so sorry to do this to you guys.” Her voice hitched and tears stung at her eyes. This had been her sanctuary, away from the news and her family offering unneeded help, and now there was no time for a proper goodbye.
Try as she might to keep her eyes on her friends, her gaze flicked to Josh without her permission. He was still filling the cupcake tin.
The same spot he’d been filling since he started five minutes ago.
She licked her suddenly dry lips. “I hate leaving so quickly. If everything works out for the best, I’m going to stay up there and schedule some clients and everything sorted while I flesh out a plan for Mrs. McGraw. When I come back, you can throw me a party.”
Tears glistened in Brandi’s eyes and she enveloped Jordan in a hug. “We’ll miss you.”
“I’m not staying away forever.” Jordan wrapped her arms around her friend, and Wendy joined them. “We still have to schedule that hotel employee softball game.”
She met Josh’s eyes over the embrace. He shifted away before she could see his expression. He was probably thrilled that she was leaving.
“Okay. I should finish packing.” A lump formed in her throat. “You guys. Thanks for letting me stay here for the past few months.”
“You’ll always be welcome.” Wendy sniffled and picked up her laptop. “Come by the office before you leave. Paul, let’s get you making some calls.”
“Sounds great.” He turned to Jordan and gave her a crisp nod. “It was a short but sweet pleasure.” Paul followed Wendy out of the kitchen with the box.
“It won’t be the same without you here.” Rob raised his arms halfway in the air, then lowered one and extended his hand.
Jordan laughed and stepped into his embrace. “I’ll miss you, too.”
He gave her a quick squeeze, then snagged a cup of coffee and followed Wendy.
Brandi gave Josh a glance before hugging Jordan. “Need anything?” she whispered.
Jordan shook her head. “I’m fine.”
“Okay.” Brandi headed out the back door. A minute later, the sound of her car started.
Which left her alone with Josh.
He slid the cupcake tray into the oven and closed the door with a little more force than necessary. “Were you going to tell me you were leaving today? If Wendy hadn’t mentioned the calendar?”
“Do you care?” Jordan shrugged and picked up her yogurt to hide the swirling energy in her body. “You would have figured it out eventually when I stopped showing up.”
Josh’s blue eyes narrowed before he advanced to her. He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her in.
“No,” she said, denying her flash of desire.
He released her, the word hanging in the air between them.
“To be clear.” She pointed a finger, making sure it didn’t tremble. “I want to kiss you. So very badly. But I’m not going to. It’s not about your mom and stepdad. Or your life. This is about trust. And you don’t trust me. You never did.”
“I do.” His low, controlled voice washed over her.
“Only because you were forced to.” She kissed her fingers and placed them on his lips. They tingled at the contact. “Besides, we had fun. That’s what I was in it for,” she lied.
He raked her with a gaze filled with longing and regret. She willed herself still, aching to fall into the sanctuary of his arm.
