Page 64 of The Perfect Spiral
“Didn’t feel like going. I’ll go another day when there are fewer people around,” he shrugs. I nod in understanding and venture further into the room.
“Can I ask you a favor?” He begins.
I arch a brow at him, curious about where this is headed. “Depends,” I reply, folding my arms across my chest defensively.
“Relax, baby doll, it’s for my mom. I need to get her something for Christmas and I need help. You know her just as well as I do, so would you come shopping with me today to help find her something?” His voice is laced with desperation.
“Sure, I love your mom, I’ll help. But what’s your budget?” I ask, leaning my elbows on the counter and bending over slightly.
“No budget. Whatever you think she’d like, I’ll buy. As long as I agree with it too,” he smiles, and I nod in agreement.
This will be fun. He’ll give in after thirty minutes of shopping with me, although I’m a much better shopper than Sam or Mom.
“Any ideas of what you want to get her?” His panicked expression and wide eyes suggest he was just planning to wing it and hope for the best. His reaction makes me laugh.
“I’m supposed to know already? I was just going to wing it and hope you’d pick something out for her,” he admits, his tone serious.
Bingo! I’m a mind reader. Thank you!
I shake my head, a smirk playing on my lips. I turn to walk to the refrigerator and stop dead in my tracks when I spot those heavenly treats sitting right in front of me.
“Are you alright?” Knox asks, a hint of worry in his voice.
“Are those... your mom’s cupcakes?” I ask, hoping against hope that they are. I ignore his initial question, my eyes fixated on my favorite desserts in the entire world.
Mama Carter’s famous cupcakes that’ll make you obese if you eat too many. Full of sugary goodness.
I bite my lower lip, trying to control my urge to dive face-first into them.
I grab one and take a bite, the taste of the magical chocolate buttercream icing melting in my mouth.
“Fuck, I’ve missed these!”
His laughter draws my attention, and I find him staring at my cupcake. I suppose I can share, a little.
“Want some?” I offer, and he looks up at me, a smile playing on his lips. He nods, and I walk over to him, holding the cupcake up to his face.
He’s about to take a bite when I smash the cupcake into his face, icing first. I rub my hand on his face, smearing the cupcake even more.
Chocolate icing covers the lower half of his face, his eyes squeezed shut. When I pull my hand away, his eyes flutter open, revealing a look of disbelief that quickly morphs into a mischievous smirk. Oh shit! Time to run.
“You did not just do that, baby doll?!”
He grabs another cupcake and chases me around the counter. I manage to stay ahead of him, thanks to my head start.
“Alex, I’m faster than you! Come here! Now!” He shouts, laughter bubbling from him. He grabs me by my waist and pinsme against the wall.
His knee wedges between my legs, his body pressing against mine, effectively blocking my escape. He holds out the cupcake.
I try to grab it from him, but the height difference makes it difficult.
“Don’t you dare, Knox! Don’t do it!”
He laughs, trying to pin my flailing arms with his free hand. I manage to knock the cupcake out of his hand, and it falls to the floor.
We both watch the sugary goodness face-plant on the floor. What a waste.
“Fuck!” He curses, lifting his gaze to meet mine.
