Page 38 of The Sweetmate
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“Please tell me if I’m overstepping.” I tell the camera guy. I’m trying to get a few good shots of Casey while not being in their way. The competition is between Casey and two other well-known and respected pastry chefs.
The camera guy gives me a thumbs up and goes back to looking into his screen. Casey is explaining to the camera that his cupcakes for the judges are going to be Siren Cupcakes.
“These Caribbean chocolate cupcakes with a buttercream frosting are enough to tempt any sailor.”
“Mmmm, and is there a particular siren that inspired you?” The show host asks.
“Actually, yes. Her name is Emma. She made sure I knew to choose sirens and not mermaids.”
“What’s the difference?” The host asks.
“As Emma put it, sirens lure the sailors to their deaths. So,” Casey holds his bowl up. “Death by chocolate. This ones for you Emma!”
He winks and the camera pans out and moves on to the next contestant. I’m not proud that I feel jealousy rears its ugly head. Who is Emma? Why did she get his wink? Which is silly for me to be thinking since the man winks at everyone and everything. It’s also his brand and trademark.
Let’s not go there. I’m not jealous ofEmma.His siren. Who gets cupcakes dedicated to her. He dedicated s’more cupcakes to me. S’mores that were comfort. Sirens are temptation and sexy. Who have I become that I’m comparing cupcakes?
“Cupcake. Psst. Snow White.” I turn my head. “Hey, Apples. Get over here.”
I realize they’ve called break and Casey is calling to me. “What’s going on? You look on the verge of Hulking out.”
I snap my attention to him. “What?”
“Who said something to upset you?” His brow pinch in concern.
“Who’s Emma?”
Casey places his hand on my hip and steps into my personal space. “Is that jealousy? It looks good on you. I’m not gonna lie. I’m into it.”
“Shut up. I’m supposed to be your girlfriend. I need to know who my supposed boyfriend is dedicating seducing cupcakes to.” I’m not proud of myself in this moment. I can hear how petty I sound.
Without blinking an eye, Casey says, “Emma is a little girl I met for five minutes in the Chicago airport on my way to New York City. She told me she wanted to see me bake siren cupcakes and I promised her I would.”
“Oh.” I feel lower than a snake’s belly. I wait for him to move and go back to doing baker things, but he doesn’t. Together, we stand in front of one another with his hand firmly placed on my hip. His thumb sneaks underneath my shirt andgently brushes along the skin. Someone calls out for everyone to return to their stations. He gives me a gentle squeeze on the hip, as he leans in to whisper against my ear. “It’s okay, cupcake. Stake your claim.” He gives my hip a playful pat before he hurries back to his station.
The camera comes back to Casey. He easily draws viewers in with his mesmerizing blue eyes and dazzling smile. “Emma is a little girl I met at the airport, so I hope she sees this.”
“Uh-oh. I’ve heard about your airport adventures.”
Casey easily laughs the comment off. “See, and I think when I meet people like Emma who inspire me are the more entertaining ones. Yet those are never shown or talked about. Believe me, there’s no cupcakes dedicated to – ”
“Apple,” I cough loudly and then hide.
Casey quickly recovers and redirects his statement. “I have met some incredible people while traveling. On my flight to New York City I sat next to the most beautiful woman. And I’ve been trying to get a seat next to her every day since.” The sincerity in his voice hits me hard. His voice. The way he stares over at me. For a moment I simply stare back at him too stunned to do anything else. Finally I bow my head as a blush creeps up my neck and cheeks.
After they finish filming, Casey and I hurry to get our swimsuits. Of course, when we make it to the beach there’s paparazzi. For once I don’t mind. It’s the perfect excuse to be affectionate with him without reading too deep into it. It’s freeing. As someone who is terrified of being in the spotlight, I don’t mind as long as the only person next to me is him.
Chapter 13
Casey
Today after filming, I need to get to the store. “I need to go shopping. Brunner’s a dick but I love his kids. Got a birthday coming up.”
“Oh fun. Mind of I tag along? I wouldn’t mind going shopping.”
“Of course. Great photo opportunity. But no pics of me buying for my family or anything related to family. I want my personal life out of headlines.”
