9
The Tuesday before the Valentine’s Ball, Alexis rushed around the bakery. Because the ball also fell on Valentine’s Day, she was extra busy with orders outside of the event. Melissa had been especially helpful, working long hours right alongside her. Alexis promised to give her a bonus check on top of her overtime. This event would help promote the business heavily, despite it already being popular. She couldn’t be thankful enough for Melissa’s help.
The bell above the door jingled, and Alexis glanced at the clock. A smile tugged at her lips. Lonnie always showed up at the same time each morning to pick up cupcakes before heading to work. She had come to expect it. Her eyes met Melissa’s, who tilted her head toward the front encouragingly.
Alexis wiped her hands on her apron and walked to the front of the store, smiling brightly at Lonnie. “Ready to try a new flavor?”
His eyes brightened. “That sounds amazing.”
Alexis pulled a cupcake out of the case. It was a small batch she had whipped up while testing different flavors. She alreadyhad all the ingredients for the other cupcakes she was working on, so it didn’t take much effort to make the new ones.
She handed the cupcake to him and watched as he bit into it. His eyes rolled back into his head, and he groaned.
“Oh my God. That’s incredible.”
She smiled. “Thank you. I crushed mints up and mixed them into the batter and used peppermint marshmallow frosting on top.”
“I think this is my new favorite.”
“Good.” She pulled a box out from behind the counter. “Because I included a few more in your box today.”
He finished the cupcake. “They’re going to have to fight me for them.”
She giggled.
He paid for the cupcakes and leaned against the counter. “How about you let me take you out for dinner? It’s about time I feed you.”
She laughed nervously. “Um, I don’t know. I’m pretty busy with the shop with it being so close to Valentine’s Day.”
“She can go. I got you covered!” Melissa shouted.
Alexis’s head whipped toward Melissa, who winked despite the glare Alexis aimed at her.
Lonnie’s low chuckle brought Alexis’s attention back to him. “So is that a yes?”
She forced a smile. She wanted to go on a date with him, but the unease of being with another man and not being able to be truthful about her past and her real identity made her want to stay away from relationships. In her past life, she was honest to a fault. It was why she couldn’t keep quiet about Vic’s activities and took it to the police, even if it put her own life at risk. Keeping her past hidden had been incredibly challenging since moving to Cupid City, and lying by default didn’t make her feel good.
“Yes.”
Lonnie’s face lit up, and Melissa squealed. Alexis couldn’t help smiling, genuinely this time.
“Perfect. Can I pick you up?”
“Um, sure. How about from here? About six?”
“It’s a date.” Lonnie gave her one last smile before leaving the store.
“You’re welcome,” Melissa said.
Alexis turned toward her and raised an eyebrow. “For?”
“Getting you a date with the hottie, of course.”
“I’d rathernotgo on a date.”
Melissa put her hands on her hips. “Okay. You need to explain this to me because I just don’t understand.”
“I just don’t want to date.”
