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“I can understand that.” I plunged the knife into the three-layer cake. “But it can’t be good for you to work so many hours and wear so many hats.”
He shrugged and with it came an unwelcome change in his demeanor. “It’s been a good distraction.”
I had said the wrong thing. I wanted to kick myself; instead, I tried to smooth it over. I placed a large piece of cake on one of the small plates before lifting it up and presenting it as a peace offering. “Here’s to you getting some better distractions this year.” I used my, why yes, I’m talking about me voice and I would be very happy to distract him right here and now.
He eyed me carefully before taking the cake. The tension eased from his face. A smirk even appeared. “Thank you.” He took the cake.
“You’re welcome. I’m sorry I didn’t bring any candles. I could still sing to you.”
In his eyes, I could see the memory play of the last time I sang “Happy Birthday” to him. It was a private setting in the back of his truck after his family birthday party. I wished him happy birthday in my own way.
He drew closer as if inviting me to replay that night, but he paused. “That sounds like trouble, Miss Shelby.”
I wished he would call me Chief, but Miss Shelby was better than Miss Duchane any day. “You always said a little trouble was good for the soul.”
“You’ve always been a lot, darlin’.” He ran away from me and landed on his couch.
I internally sighed and cut myself a small piece of cake. I hoped Emma would forgive me for cheating without her. I sat down with my cake on the plaid chair, away from him, wondering what it was going to take for him to warm back up to me.
He cast me a furtive smile as if he himself knew how silly it was for us to be sitting so far apart. After his sneaky grin, he dove into his cake. One bite in and pleasure filled every nook and cranny on his gorgeous face. “Dang. I think this is better than my momma’s.”
I smiled, pleased. “Let’s not mention that to her.” She prided herself on that cake.
He chuckled. “Good idea.” He started shoveling it in as fast as he could while keeping some manners intact.
I took small bites and savored every bit knowing it would be a while before I had sugar again. Tomorrow I was back on the detox wagon. “I was thinking you should talk to Jenna and Brad Kacinski. They own High on Laughs, a comedy club in Edenvale. It’s really popular among the college kids there. It would be a great business to add to your app.”
He gave me a crooked grin. “You trying to take over Bobby Jay’s job?”
I bit my lip. “I’m just trying to be helpful.”
“I see that.” Sexy undertones accompanied his response.
I set my cake down on the pizza box in front of me and leaned more toward him. “I was also thinking that maybe you should meet me there on Saturday night. It’s comedy sports night. Several teams compete against each other to see who’s the funniest. It’s a lot of fun.” I tucked some hair behind my ear. “And, you know, I could introduce you to Brad and Jenna. It could be strictly business.”
He lowered his fork. “Business, huh? Is that what you want?”
I shook my head. Sexual tension lingered between us like fog after a Georgia rain, thicker than chicken and dumplings. Unfortunately, Bobby Jay came in like a fog light, laughing at us.
“Y’all need help. Why in the world are you sitting so far apart? I thought I’d come in here having to tell you to take it to the bedroom.” He let out a heavy breath. “Since you’re still being stupid, I guess I’ll get some cake.”
I sat back in the chair, disappointed, until Ryder said quiet-like, “What time on Saturday?”
“Seven.” I smiled.
“Save me a seat.”
My heart soared so much I wanted to fling myself onto his lap. The knock on the door prevented me from being foolhardy. It also gave me some pause. Bobby Jay answered the door with cheeks stuffed full of cake. On the other side of it were two beautiful bombshells, Macey holding a large bouquet of brightly colored happy birthday balloons, and Marlowe looking put out, as usual. I gripped the chair, not sure what to make of it. Ryder stood, looking between me and them. Was he trying to decide who to choose?
Macey ran in all smiles and avoiding my gaze. “I heard it was your birthday!”
Marlowe rolled her eyes. Was that because she wanted Ryder, or she thought, like me, that Macey was an imbecile? Marlowe also gave me an appraising sort of look. If I wasn’t mistaken, it was almost as if she were sorry. That more than anything threw me off.
