Page 33 of Sweet Hate
“Careful Hurricane. That attitude’s gonna get you in deep.”
Oh hell no.
I immediately want to smack the cocky smirk off his smug face.
“Good. I like it deep. Too bad you’re more comfortable in the shallows.”
That startles a laugh out of him, both of us inexplicably closer to each other than where we started—it’s like we’re two magnets—how does this shit keep happening? I don’t remember moving.Did I?
He shakes his head, stepping back and turning to face the torn apart kitchen.
“Haven, we have a problem.”
“Yes, it seems we have a few of those. Your bad attitude being one”.
He side eyes me, his gaze dropping to my lips.
“That sassy mouth of yours is going to get you in trouble one day,” he rumbles out, the low, deep tone doing unspeakable things to my panties.
“That’s half the fun. Besides, there was a time you appreciated my mouth, sassy or otherwise.”
Growling, he grabs my hand and drags me further into the kitchen.
Damn, I guess playtime’s over then.
“The fire didn’t start because of a faulty oven, Haven. The appliance itself wasn’t the issue. The wiring is. We’re looking at having to rewire the entire bakery. The whole place is a fire waiting to happen. I don’t know who the hell installed all this, but Grams is lucky this place didn’t blow years ago.”
Shit, that wasn’t what I was expecting to hear.
“All of it? You’re sure?”
“I checked the other sockets and lighting. Opened up the wall to check some of the internal wiring too. I’m so sorry, baby. It’s everything.”
Baby?My eye twitches at the endearment. Does he realize he just called me that? I sneak a look at him out of the corner of my eye, but he’s just staring rigidly ahead.
Uhhh, but why are we still holding hands?
“I’m not your baby. Don’t call me that,” I blurt, tugging my hand away. “What does this mean? Can you fix it? How long will it take?”
Instantly I regret yanking my hand out of his, apparently that was the only thing keeping me relatively calm. Now my mind has gone full blind panic mode, thoughts immediately racing with what ifs. Meanwhile Axel just stands there, staring at my hands. He snaps out of whatever trance he was in, the tension rolling off him in waves as he runs a hand through his hair.
Well, that’s not helping. I don’t like him looking anxious. That’s my role for God’s sake. I’ve got nothing, all words forgotten in the cold, hard light of the latest shitshow to land at my feet.
If the kitchen isn’t repaired, how the hell am I going to be able to make the Merryweather wedding cakes? Do I need to cancel and face their wrath?
Shit. I really,reallydon’t want to have to do that.
“I need to get an electrician in. I can do a lot of it, but the heavy rewiring needs to be done by someone certified. I don’t wanna take any chances with you and Grams being in here.”
Deep breaths. In and out. In and out.
“OK, how long will that take?”
“I left Lucas a voicemail. Remember him? He’s a damn good electrician, and I’m sure he’ll do us a solid. Once he comes around, I’ll be able to give you a firmer timeline.”
“Of course I remember him. That would be great. The Merryweather wedding is in just over a month. Will we at least have the kitchen operational by then?”
“I am going to do everything I can to try and get it done for you, ba—Haven. I promise you.” His mouth says one thing, buthis face says another. I know him well enough to pick up on his tells.
