Page 63 of Merry Little Sugar Rush
I pull out my phone and tap on the messaging app. I click on Ray’s name and scan the message.
Ray
Eve and John would be honored to have you make an arch for their wedding. I’m attaching a photo of the altar area so you can get a visual. If you want to go in and take measurements, just say the word.
Me
Sounds good. I’ll start drafting a design soon.
Ray
The bride and groom want it to be a surprise, so if you need any direction, Joy will help you.
Me
Sounds good. Thanks!
I snicker and flip my phone down on the table, picking up my pizza and taking a bite. “Sorry about that.”
“Everything okay?” she asks, chowing down on a breadstick with cheddar cheese dipping sauce.
“Yes. That was your dad, actually.”
That seems to catch her attention. “My dad? What did he want?”
“Your parents asked me to build an arch for the wedding. Something simple, not elaborate, that the happy couple can put in the landscaping in the backyard when it’s all said and done.”
Joy grins happily. “I love that.”
“Your sister gave the go-ahead, but they’re leaving the creative part up to me. They want to be surprised on their wedding day.”
“Oh, I can’t wait! Can I help?” she asks, practically vibrating in her seat.
“You want to help me build it?” I ask, trying to hide how turned on that thought makes me.
Her eyes are sparkling, and it has nothing to do with the decorations and lights covering every square inch of her bakery. “Yep. I’ve helped my dad do little things, but I’ve never actually taken a bunch of wood and helped build something from scratch.”
“Well, you got it. Can you come to my grandparents’ house tomorrow after work? I’m going to do some sketches and you can pick which one you think your sister would like the most.”
“Oh my gosh, yes. I can’t wait to help. Wait, you’re going to let me do more than just pick a design, aren’t you?” Her gorgeous green eyes narrow as she stares at me.
“Of course I am. You wanna help, then I’ll let you help. My only rule is you end with the same number of fingers you started with.”
That makes her giggle. “Deal. No way do I want to lose one of these puppies,” she agrees, wiggling her fingers before reaching for her pizza.
“I’m quite partial to all ten of those too,” I tease, leaving the innuendo hanging like the garland over the doorways. My memory is filled with recollections of feeling those fingers and her hands wrapped around the length of my cock after we woke up this morning.
Again, she blushes and diverts her gaze.
We finish eating, chatting about work and the upcoming holiday, and I realize I’ve never felt this content. This settled.This comfortable with a woman, especially one I’ve only been seeing a short period of time.
But that’s the thing. I’ve known Joy my entire life, and being with her just feels…right.
After we clean up our pizza mess and place the leftovers in her refrigerator, I turn my attention her way. “What do you have left to do?”
“Well, I’m featuring hot cross buns with apricot jam and a fresh honey bun with honey glaze on my specialty menu this week, so I need to finish prepping the dough so it can rise overnight. I also need to make the eggnog buttercream frosting for my chocolate and spiced cupcakes.”
I stop where I stand and give her my complete attention. “I know I just stuffed myself with pizza, but I could totally find room for a honey bun right now.”
