Page 72 of Tastes Like Watermelon Moonshine
I take satisfaction in the way she closes her eyes and bites her lip. She’s cute when she’s embarrassed by my flirting.
“Alright,” she flicks the brim of my hat. “I’ll be up in the stands. See you after.”
Waving, I watch them go, praying that the game goes faster than usual.
Chapter 35
Raegan - The Present
Thecomputercursorhoversover the submit button. I mash my lips between my teeth. Is this what I want to do? Dad says he’ll pay for it. But will it actually bring in more revenue for the café? I know how to bake almost every type of cake and cookie out there. Well, it feels that way. I haven’t mastered it yet, but I’ve been working on opera cakes, tuxedo cakes, and even a croquembouche. I haven’t told anyone about that one, because I can’t even say it properly.
God, if you don’t want me going, don’t let them accept me.
With a push of my finger, the application to Tyler Junior College is submitted. I sigh as I close the laptop and lay my head down on top of it. Is this the right thing? Can I deal with putting Grace in childcare while my mom and one of my employees take care of the café? I haven’t even talked it over with Austin, which totally goes against our no secrets deal.
“Ugh. Stupid. Stupid. I shouldn’t have done that.”
Picking up my phone, I tap Austin’s name, hoping that I don’t interrupt a practice or something important. I head back to the café kitchen and check the timer for the cookies currently in the oven. Austin picks up after four rings.
“How’s my Sunshine?”
“I think some clouds are blocking the sunshine right now.” I set the phone down and slip in my earbuds so that my hands are free to clean up the kitchen.
“Talk to me, babe. What’s happening?” His voice moves over me like a gentle caress.
“I did something.” I groan. “And I probably should’ve talked to you about it.”
“About what?” He draws the words out. “Did you get a tattoo with my name and jersey number on it? Ooh, how about a heart with my name in it, on your chest?”
His goofy jokes and laughter ease some of the tension, and I drop my hands and bark out a laugh. “In your wildest dreams.” I can give birth unmedicated, but I’m drawing the line at getting a tattoo. For now.
“Hey, I’m cool with it. Maybe I’ll get one over my heart with your name, then add Grace’s in a smaller font under it. And then I’ll add more as we have more kids.”
“Don’t put the cart before the buggy there yet.” I shake my head, not willing to admit that the thought of my name inked on his chest pleases me.
“Huh, what does that mean?”
“It means that you have to marry me before you’re inking my name on you, or adding any more names to that list.” If we were talking in person, I would playfully jab a finger into his chest. A wave of longing winds its way through me. I dislike the distance.
“Rae?” Austin’s voice drags me from my thoughts.
“Sorry, just got lost in thought there.” The FaceTime tone on my phone starts ringing. “I’m in the middle of some baking andcleaning in the kitchen. Unless you want to watch me run around the kitchen?” I infuse my tone with laughter.
“I’m always up for watching you work. I know how much you love your job.”
I dry my hands off and set my phone up where Austin will have a view of the majority of the kitchen. A smile covers his face once he shows up on the screen. He’s been letting his stubble grow a little more recently. I squeeze my hands into fists, my fingers itching to feel it scratch my fingertips. I sigh, and he smirks at me. He thinks he can read my mind.
“So, it’s not a tattoo. And you clearly haven’t dyed your hair any crazy colors. So… What did you do, Rae?” He quirks an eyebrow, its perfect shape nearly reaching a glossy curl hanging down onto his forehead. His hair is wet like he recently showered. Mmmmm, he probably smells good. “Rae, stop daydreaming.” His husky laugh causes a shiver to traverse my spine.
I shake my head. “You’re distracting me. Anyway…” I swallow, “I applied to culinary school.” I quickly turn back to the dishes I need to put away. Even though I can’t see him, I can feel the weight of his gaze on my back even through the phone. A metallic taste fills my mouth and I realize that I’m biting my tongue. “Say something!” I whirl around and clap a hand over my mouth. Oh man. This is awkward. “Sorry.” I whisper through my fingers.
“Rae, for real?”
I nod. “For real.” I lean back against the counter, my hands tucked behind me.
“I’m impressed, Rae. I know you’re a good baker, but this will put you over the top. Everyone will want to come and eat at the café. Who knows, maybe you’ll become world famous. A household name!”
“Okay, now you’re teasing me.”
