Page 95 of Sweet Temptation
Hot girl’s not hot anymore.
Elodie
You people are deranged.
Rome
Thank you.
Lexie
I have to go put the final touches on the cake. I’ll see you all tonight.
I drop my head down into my hands and close my eyes for a minute as bone-deep exhaustion weighs heavy on my chest. This week has been rough, but I just need to get through tonight, and then I’ll rest.
“Hey, Lex.” Amelia walks in and stops in front of the cake. “Oh, honey. This is a work of art.”
I lift my head, refusing to let her see how shitty I feel. “Thanks. Your son has a chocolate addiction that rivals anyone I’ve ever met.”
She walks around it, smiling. “Death by chocolate?”
“Yes. I thought what’s better than a five-tier, naked, death by chocolate cake with a thick layer of chocolate buttercream. I accented with brownie bites, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries and raspberries, and some fresh mint for a pop of pretty color.”
“It’s perfect, Lexie. He’s going to love it.” She stops in front of me and narrows her eyes. “Are you feeling okay?”
“I’m just tired. But I’m not back on the schedule until Sunday morning, so I’m planning on sleeping for the next three days,” I admit, wishing Lucky could stay in bed with me.
“Let me know if you need more time off. I can play with the schedule, if we need to. It isn’t the end of the world.”
“Thank you.” I push up from the metal stool and grab my purse. “I’m going to go home and crash for a few hours before I meet Jamie back here to get the cake to West End.”
“I’ll see you tonight.”
I nod and head through the back door to the small parking lot behind the building and collapse into my car, reaching for the stainless-steel cup I keep in here full of water. I suck the cool liquid down and jump when Dillan knocks on my window. The water goes down the wrong pipe, and I try to clear my throat, but it turns into a cough. One I can’t control. One that hurts my chest and my lungs and my ribs.
I clear my throat again and spit phlegm into my tissue before I finally roll down my window, hating that Dillan had to see that. It wasn’t the first time, and I doubt it will be the last. But that doesn’t make it any better.
“You okay, Lex?” she asks, worried. Her phone in her hand. Probably ready to call the ambulance. Or worse, my mom.
“I’m good. Just exhausted.” Not a lie. I’m going to have to set an alarm to make sure I wake up for the party I planned. “I’m going to go catch a nap before I have to meet Jamie back here. Thank you so much for helping me wrangle everyone for the party, Dillan. I appreciate it.”
“Sounds like a plan. Call me if you think of anything you need, okay?” She shifts her weight and waits, looking at me, worried. I recognize the look. I’ve seen it before.
“You’re the best, Dillan. Thanks. See you tonight.” I fake excitement and wait for her to step back before I pull away.
I just need a few hours sleep, and I’ll feel much better.
Lucky
Ipat my pocket, confirming I didn’t somehow lose the three-carat, colorless, flawless, diamond and platinum engagement ring I just picked up after practice. Charles did a great fucking job. It’s exactly what I wanted. Well, what Caitlin told me I wanted. Let’s face it. We all have our strengths. Diamonds aren’t mine. Nothing wrong with calling in heavy hitters. Even if it was Rome’s idea.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I fucking grin when I see a message from Lochlan.
Lochlan
Happy Birthday, Lucky.
Lucky
