Page 117 of Sweet Hate
I open and shut my mouth like a gormless goldfish, not entirely sure what to say.
“You sure you don’t need me to help till you close? It’s the least I can do.”
“Honey, you coming in here on the daily and baking these delicious treats is all you need to do to thank me!”
“Every day?”
I don’t want to assume that would be ok, although I don’t want to be out of practice by the time the wedding comes around or the bakery reopens. I’m not entirely sure which will be first at this point. This place is a godsend in easing my anxiety over everything, but I just want to make sure I’m not in the way.
“If you want, we can add your cakes to our specials while you’re here. Earn you some money for bakery repairs.” She smiles widely before shoving what’s left of the cupcake in her mouth.
“I’d love that, but I won’t take the money. You keep it as a thank you for letting me use this place.”
She waves her hand dismissively and takes another cupcake before walking out front.
Excitement bubbles inside me at having a purpose again. Since the fire, I’ve been in this weird limbo, not knowing what I really should be doing, with everything so wildly out of my control. Being able to bake and having a fully functional space to do it properly is amazing. It melts away any lingering doubts I have, excitement and ideas zapping through me for things I can bake for the bar.
And it’s all thanks to Axel.
I leave half the tray there for Jett and follow her out the double doors with the rest boxed up for Axel.
His gaze burns me before I even turn to see him.
Looking up, my eyes meet his piercing blues straight away. His grin spreads so fast you’d think he won the lottery. I wish he wasn’t so bloody cute right now.
Having this hot as hell man react this way to me could get addictive, and that’s the total opposite of temporary.
Six weeks, Haven. That’s all you’ve got. Don’t mix this up and end up broken hearted again.
He slides off the stool and walks toward me. He’s changed since I saw him this morning, now wearing a gray T-shirt that practically hugs his pecs under his trademark leather jacket andripped vintage wash jeans over his biker boots. His slicked back hair makes my favorite white streak prominent against his dark waves.
He looks like my every biker romance MMC come to life, only better, and, you know, without the biker gang. I mean, I don’t think he’s in one of those. I let out a little giggle as he walks up to me.
“What’s so funny, Sprinks?” he asks with a smirk that immediately has my tummy fluttering again.
“Are you in a biker gang?”
His low, throaty chuckle draws Jett’s attention, who looks from him to me and sends a wink my way.
“No, babe. Iamgonna take you for a ride tonight, though.”
Wait, what? My face flushes bright red, his mischievous grin widening as he brushes a strand of hair away from my burning cheeks.
“I meant on my bike Babe. Although, I’m happy to provide a full service at any time.” He winks at me and my brain just stops.
Haven, chill. You’re not a freakin’ virgin, why are you acting like one.
Right, yep. His bike. Whatever. But I’m not even dressed to be on the back of a freakin’ bike, and I have cupcakes.
“Oh no, Axel, I’m fine. I can walk home. Besides, these will get trashed on the bike. I thought maybe you’d want to take them to the firehouse with you tomorrow.” I lift the lid on the box to flash him the rainbow sprinkle frosted cupcakes.
“You made them for me?” He looks down at them in shock. Technically, they are his favorite flavor, but that wasn’t deliberate.I don’t think.
He grabs me by the nape and pulls me to his big chest, careful not to tip the box in my hands.
“Are hugs in public OK?” he murmurs into my ear as he leans down.
“Seems like that horse has bolted,” I say into his chest where my face is currently pressed between his very hard pecs.
