Page 29 of The Persistence of Thornes
I settle in and glide my finger along one of the veins in the stone countertop. Caleb doesn’t move.
“So,” I say, brow arched. “Where are these cupcakes you promised me?”
He grins, and a dimple I’ve never noticed before pops out, instantly causing my heart to skip a beat.
“I promised youacupcake,” he teases. “I didn’t sayanything about sharing any more than that.” He shuffles to the other side of the kitchen, and when he turns, he’s holding a plate completely full of cupcakes. “That one there is chocolate-chocolate.” He sets the plate in front of me and points to the one with smooth chocolate icing. “Birthday cake, strawberry lemonade, cookie dough, brownie sundae, orange creamsicle, banana split, red velvet, and finally, peanut butter.”
Mouth watering, I blink at the selection. “That’s quite the random selection.”
He shrugs. “Salem owns a cupcake shop. She always has extras.”
“Salem is your ex, right? Seda’s mom?”
“Yeah. Want a drink?” He steps back and pulls open a cabinet.
“Water would be great,” I reply. “I haven’t had a chance to meet her yet.”
“I’m sure she’ll introduce herself soon. And when she does, she’ll probably show up with more of these.” He gestures to the assortment of cupcakes. “I was kidding, by the way, when I said you could only have one. I’ll never eat all of these. Take as many as you want.”
“One is more than enough.” I already feel indebted to this man. In a matter of days, he’s done more for me than almost anyone ever has. And he’s been gone for a good portion of the time that my brothers and I have been in Hawthorne Mills.
“At least take a few for your brothers.”
I bite my lip, uncertainty swamping me. “You really wouldn’t mind?”
His gaze softens, the blue of his irises darkening. “I don’t mind at all.”
I swipe the birthday cake flavor for Casen and brownie sundae for Quinn, then pick up my water and slowly sip it.
Caleb stares at me, waiting.
“What?” The question is pointless. I already know what he’s going to say.
“You’re supposed to take one for yourself too, Halle.”
My stomach sinks a little. “I feel bad. I don’t want to take all your cupcakes.”
“Halle.” His bossy, commanding tone should bother me. Instead, I feel it in places I don’t want to think about.
To distract myself, I snag the red velvet.
“Good.” With a nod, he picks up the peanut butter one. “Eat up.”
Certain that he’ll scold me again if I don’t, I peel the paper from the cupcake and take a bite. “Mmm,” I hum as the flavor of the cake and the rich cream cheese frosting register. “This might be the best red velvet cupcake I’ve ever had.” I take another bite.
He chuckles, amusement lightening his eyes a hue. “And to think you held yourself back.”
I purse my lips. “I was trying to be nice.”
“Hey.” He raises his hands. “I offered you a cupcake in the first place. You were always going to get one.”
For the next several moments, we eat our cupcakes in silence. I have to hold back a moan more than once to keep from embarrassing myself, but the flavor is incredible, so it’s not easy.
Eventually, he wipes his mouth and clears his throat. “Ifyou really do need another job, I might have a solution for you.”
“Really?” I straighten and survey the house. “Do you need help cleaning?” Keeping this place clean wouldn’t be so bad. From the sound of things, he’s gone a lot, and?—
“No.” He drops his head and huffs a laugh. “I’m good on that front, but I do need an assistant. I’ve been putting off looking for someone, but now…” He shrugs. “It’s yours if you want it.”
