Page 19 of A Soldier's Destiny
“It’s your fault.”
“You can keep telling yourself that, but I just create them, I don’t force anyone to eat them.” Only half kidding, she appreciated how each of them had gone out of their way to help her little bakery become a success. It could have just as easily flopped big time. She sold treats not necessities, and you could get the same thing in the grocery store, well not exactly the same. She took pride in everything she made, nothing was mass produced. Too bad there was that one person who had to make problems, at least she hoped it was only one.
Not knowing how long she had before Jasper would be done, she grabbed the croissant dough from the fridge and began rolling it out on the steel surface. It was a tedious task, but one she enjoyed. In her classes at theCordon Bleu, she’d worked hard to be the best, make the lightest dough, the creamiest custards, richest fondant, and she’d usually succeeded. It had caused some issues with some of her classmates, but she never let it bother her. She’d forgotten about most of that, it seemed like a lifetime ago. But could it be one of them? It seemed unlikely, why would they come all this way to cause her trouble? Nope, it had to be someone local.
The croissants were ready for baking and she put them back in the refrigerator to set for the night. Stepping back and admiring the trays of pastries like an artist admiring a painting, she smiled then yawned.
Gathering the empty containers, trays, and mixing bowls, she dumped them into the sink. It was then she realized Chase was on his cell phone. Was she so tired she hadn’t heard it ring? Rather than make noise with the dishes, she went into the front of the bakery to give him some privacy.
Grabbing one of her signature pink and black boxes, she picked out some petit fours to bring upstairs for dessert later. She planned on convincing Jasper that it would be easier to stay in tonight. The last thing she wanted to do was go to the diner, especially after this afternoon’s discovery. It could be any of the townspeople, and the thought that it could be anyone freaked her out.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
Rori jumped and almost dropped the box of pastries. “Do you always have to sneak up on me?”
“Don’t turn this on me, Angel. You were supposed to stay with Chase, and I find you alone out here.”
“C’mon, you can’t be serious. He’s just in the kitchen.”
“And anyone could have grabbed you without him realizing.”
“Does this mean you’re going to follow me into the bathroom now too?”
“Hmmm, maybe the shower,” Jasper said as he waggled his eyebrows, and she worked hard to hold back the giggle. When he did that thing with his eyebrows, it made her laugh but it also accentuated his scar. She’d had to stop herself a few times from asking if it was from the night he’d rescued her, but it looked more recent. It wouldn’t be polite to ask, but she wondered just the same.
“You’re terrible.”
“No, Angel, I’m very, very good.” Now he did it, her cheeks had to be flaming, and they weren’t the only thing getting hot.
Before she could think of a suitable answer, Chase joined them.
“I’m sorry. I have to go, problems with another case. Are you all set, Jasper?”
“Yup, thanks for helping out.”
“No problem. Let me know if there are any new developments.”
“Don’t forget the box of eclairs,” Rori reminded him.
“As if. Jasper, call if you need anything.”
“Will do, boss.” Chase and Jasper exchanged looks before he left through the kitchen. She was dying to ask what that was about but figured she might not want to know.
“Do you want to inspect my handy work?”
“Can I finish washing up first?”
“Is that all that’s left to do?”
“Yup. Then I’m done for the day.”
“Good. I’ll help.”
While they cleaned the counters and washed the dishes, he asked about the bakery and how she decided what she’d make, it was a nice break from the teasing. But it did keep her a bit off balance. If he was only toying with her, she wasn't sure her heart could handle it.
He was a professional and she was sure that sleeping with a client was off limits. After two years of celibacy, the kiss had ignited a fire she’d forgotten existed. It had to be the reason she was twisted in a pretzel and wanted to jump him. Either way, she needed to get herself under control, sleeping with her bodyguard was one cliché she didn’t plan to experience, maybe.
