Page 28 of Sweetest Temptation
“I’m full of surprises…”
“Yeah,” she said softly, meeting my gaze. “That’s what worries me.”
I moved in, now hovering over her. “Why? Do I make you nervous, Zanova?” I tucked my bottom lip between my teeth, eyes gazing down at her.
“Actually, you don’t,” she lied.
I laughed, moving back from her. “If you say so.”
“Listen… Today was epic, friend! You did that,” her friend said as she came from the back, still dressed in her apron.“Not to mention, I enjoyed the sexual chemistry in the air.” She smirked, hands on her hips, looking between us.
“Nyala… I love you, friend, but you are doing too much.” Zanova cackled.
“So were you two, and the customers loved it! I can’t wait until, you know who, sees those pictures that I’m sure are circulating around social media,” she said, laughing.
Her words caught my attention.
Who was she talking about? Was Zanova not single?
If she wasn’t, I didn’t give a fuck. I didn’t see a ring on her finger, so she was fair game.
“Okay, boo. I’m out. I’ll send you my bill.” Nyala joked.
“Okay, love. Thanks again for coming to help me out.” They shared a hug.
“You already know, boo. Call me when you get home,” she said, then looked at me. “It was nice seeing you again, Samir. I definitely enjoyed the show.” She winked over her shoulder as she headed out of the shop.
I chuckled because shorty was a trip.
About an hour later, the last few customers waved on their way out. The bell over the door gave us a soft chime as it closed behind them. The once-buzzing bakery was now still, except for the faint sound of music playing over the speakers.
I leaned against the counter, exhaling a long breath. “You know,” I said, glancing at her with a crooked grin, “you run a tight ship, Ms. Pierce. Didn’t think I would break a sweat when I woke up this morning.”
Zanova shot me a look over her shoulder as she wiped down a tray. “You sure it was working and not your oversized ego that’s got you sweating?”
“Could be the company too.”
Her body tensed, but it was quick—so quick that if I weren’t paying attention, I’d miss it.
She shook her head, but the smile tugging at her lips gave her away. “Are you always this cocky, or is it the tequila from the tarts talking? And don’t think I didn’t see you eat a few of the samples, sir.”
“Busted. But tequila don’t talk, baby. It inspires.”
That earned me a quiet laugh, soft and genuine—the kind that made something in my chest tighten. Zanova finished wiping the counter, then tossed the rag into the sink before crossing her arms.
“You didn’t have to stay and help. I’m sure you have a party somewhere waiting on you.”
I shrugged, pushing off the counter and stepping closer. “I did. My sister has been blowing me up. She is going to kill me for dipping out, but I’d rather be here.”
Her eyes flicked up, meeting mine.
“Besides… I had to make sure the star of the show made it through her big day in one piece.”
“Uh-huh.” Her tone was playful, but her pulse jumped just enough for me to notice. “So now you’re my bodyguard too?”
“Nah, just a man who knows how to recognize a woman killing it in her lane.”
For a second, neither of us spoke. She looked away first, breaking the tension as she moved toward the back, untying her apron.
