He knows all about this one specific supplier. All my others I have zero issues with; everything is always done professionally with rarely any mistakes. But this one, there’s always something wrong, and I find myself venting to Shane about it every time.
“I know, I’m working on it.” I sigh, looking away. I feel like there’s so much going on lately, and everything is just adding to my stress.
He releases my butt cheeks and brushes my hair away. “I’ll look into it for you today. I’m sure I know someone who knows someone.”
“You don’t have to do that, Shane. You already work nonstop. You don’t need to do my job on top of it.”
“I know.” He presses his lips to mine. “But I want to. If it can take some weight off your shoulders, then I’ll gladly do it for you.” He’s so thoughtful all the time. I just hope I’m half as good to him as he is to me.
“Thank you,” I whisper, kissing him back.
“You never need to thank me, Angel. We’re a team.” He smiles down at me. “Now, I have a serious question for you.”
I already know what it is, but I feign ignorance. “What is it?”
“Are there any more of those delicious treats for me?”
I laugh as he gives me his pretty boy eyes accompanied by a charming grin. It makes him look so young despite him turning thirty-eight today. “There’s a whole plate for you in the kitchen.”
“Yes! My girlfriend really is the best.” He pecks my lips and then climbs out of bed. “I’m going to shower quickly. Don’t leave until I get out, okay?” He loves wishing me goodbye before I leave.
“I won’t, I promise.” I smile as he winks and strolls butt naked into the ensuite.
I watch him as he climbs into the glass shower and starts the water. The glass quickly fogs up, only leaving an image of his silhouette as he lathers his body with body wash.
Finally crawling out of bed, I head into my walk-in closet. Because yes, there are his and her closets, and Shane has slowly started adding new clothes to it for me. He probably thinks I haven’t noticed, but I do, and I find it endearing.
I grab a black lace panty and bra set, then shimmy into a pair of black leggings and a simple light-pink t-shirt. I don’t planon wearing this when his family arrives or for the party later tonight, but for an hour at the bakery on my day off, it will do.
When I come out of the walk-in, Shane’s phone is ringing on the nightstand. I quickly look at who’s calling and notice it’s a video call from Hailey. I know I could let it ring out, but she was really nice to me the last time we talked, and it feels wrong to do that. I pick it up and accept the call.
Her pretty face with perfect bob-cut blonde hair fills the screen within seconds. “Hi, Hailey,” I say, feeling a blush manifest along my cheekbones.
“Oh! Hey, Aubrey!” She smiles, then smirks with a knowing look in her eyes. “Let me guess, he’s in the shower.”
I giggle while nodding. “He is.”
“Damn, I really have bad timing, don’t I?” She laughs along with me.
“It’s okay, he should be done soon if you want to wait.”
“Oh no, that’s okay. I was just calling to wish him a happy birthday. I’ll call back later.” She smiles sweetly.
“Actually,” I start, not sure if this is a good idea, but Shane said they’re childhood friends and are still close. “I planned a little surprise dinner for Shane tonight. His family will be here as well as a few friends. I was wondering if you’d like to join us.”
“Oh, Aubrey, that’s very kind of you, but you really don’t need to do that. I understand this situation can be a little awkward for you, given I’m technically his ex-wife. I don’t hold it against you at all,” she answers with such sincerity and warmth that I feel the need to push a little more. I don’t want her to think I don’t like her being in Shane’s life.
“No, it’s okay. Shane explained everything to me, and I know he’d want you here. I’d really like you to come as well,” I tell her truthfully, but frown when a thought occurs to me. “Wait, I don’t even know if you’re here in New York or close by. I should have probably started with that.” I flush harder with embarrassment.
She laughs once more. “I am. And I’d love to come if it isn’t too much trouble.”
“It isn’t, I promise.”
“Okay, well then, I’ll see you later. Thank you again, Aubrey. I can’t wait to meet you in person.” I can tell by her smile that she means every word.
“Me too.”
We hang up just as Shane emerges from the bathroom. “Who was it?” he asks, not bothered by the fact that I answer his phone.
