2
Alexis spent the better part of the weekend baking orders for Monday. Playing music quietly in the shop's kitchen while she worked was as wild as her weekends got. By the time Monday rolled around, she had several orders ready and waiting for pickup. The Valentine’s Ball was coming quickly, and she usually had an influx of orders come in from people visiting from out of town. The small strip of stores in their city always did great business during the month of the ball, so she was relieved she got extra inventory ready for an expected increase in traffic.
Melissa came through the door that morning carrying an extra coffee for Alexis.
“You’re a lifesaver,” Alexis said, taking the coffee and closing her eyes with her first sip. “This is amazing.”
“I needed it after all the alcohol I consumed this weekend, and I figured you were probably working long hours all weekend. We both needed it,” Melissa said.
“Crazy weekend?”
Melissa huffed out a laugh. “You wouldn’t believe how crazy the clubs get.”
“I can imagine they’re pretty wild.”
Melissa washed her hands and then pulled on her apron. “I’m going to get you out of your comfort zone and take you to a club.”
Excitement worked its way up inside Alexis but was quickly squashed. She knew she couldn’t do that. It would be a terrible idea, right?
“I don’t think I’d have any fun,” Alexis said.
Melissa turned toward her with an incredulous look on her face. “You’re full of shit. I know you enjoy dancing. I’ve seen you do it when you’re baking.”
“Dancing in the kitchen and dancing at a club are two entirely different things.”
“But you love it,” Melissa said. “Stop denying it. I’m going to take you out, and you don’t get a choice.”
“But—” The bell on the door chimed, signaling a customer had come in, cutting Alexis off.
The next several hours were busy with people coming in and out of the shop picking up orders. By the time the shop closed, Alexis was too tired to ask about the club. As far as she was concerned, Melissa wouldn’t hold her to it. And they wouldn’t be going on a weeknight anyway, so that was a problem for another time.
It was dark when they stepped onto the sidewalk. Alexis locked the door behind her and pulled her coat tighter around her before waving at Melissa as they parted ways. When she turned the corner toward the parking lot, she ran straight into a man who grasped her arms.
A scream tore from her lips before she could stop it, and she tossed her hands up in front of her face. If her past was any indication, screaming could save a life.
“Whoa.” The man held his hands up and stepped back from her. “I’m sorry. I was just trying to keep you from falling.”
She put a hand to her chest and could feel her heart pounding as she looked around wildly, getting her bearings. She was inCupid City, and she was safe. The streets were still busy, and several people had turned to look their way. When she focused on the man in front of her, she damn-near gasped. He was sexy in a don’t-fuck-with-me way. His dark hair was wavy, and despite him wearing a heavy coat to combat the cold, she could tell he was fit.
“I’m… I’m sorry. You startled me,” she said, her voice coming out far shakier than she liked.
He tilted his head as if studying her. Beside him stood another man who was just as fit and large. She recognized him as a local but couldn’t recall his name.
“Alexis, right?” the man she recognized asked. “You own Sweet Cream Cupcakes.”
She nodded. “That’s me.”
He held his hand out. “Cass.”
“Oh.” Her eyes widened. “Oh.Cass. It’s nice to meet you.” The look on his face told her he knew exactly what she was thinking. When she had been brought to Cupid City, the U.S. Marshal told her he had a friend who worked in security there. His name was Cass Rhodes. If Alexis ever felt like she was in trouble, she was to go straight to him. He could protect her until the Marshals could get her out.
“This is myfriendLonnie,” Cass said.
Alexis shook his hand, and her eyes flicked to Cass momentarily. Lonnie was safe. That’s what he was telling her. But Alexis could never be too safe.
Lonnie’s hand engulfed hers, and she marveled at how small she seemed compared to him. “It’s nice to meet you. Sorry about the scream.”
The smile that lit Lonnie’s face had her knees going weak. She suspected he didn’t smile much and was purely business, and she hoped she could find out if her suspicions were true.
