Page 71 of Golden Goal

“Sure, why not? Can’t say no to your baked goods.”

Chapter twenty-eight

Rebecca

“Do you want butter? Sit wherever you want,” Madison says as she hands me a plate with a blueberry muffin on it.

“I’m good. Thanks.”

I take a seat at the table, break off a piece of muffin, and pop it into my mouth. I have to hold back the moans that want to escape me when the sweet, but not overly so flavors, burst on my tongue.

“This is delicious,” I tell Madison when I finish chewing.

“Thanks.” She smiles at me. “I was testing a new recipe, so I’m glad to hear you like it.”

Chairs scrape next to me, and then Holt puts his hand on my thigh, causing me to jolt slightly. He gives it a squeeze before moving his hand. I peek at him out of the corner of my eye, but he’s sipping his coffee and talking to Hunter.

“What is it that you do again?” I ask Madison. “I’m sorry. I should know this.” I grimace. I’m pretty sure Sutton told me Madison owns her own business, but I can’t remember what it is.

“No, it’s fine.” She waves off my apology. “I own a cake business—Madison Mae Cakes. But I also help my friend Rachel come up with new recipes for her bakery, hence the blueberry muffin recipe.”

“That’s amazing. You must have a lot of self-control. I don’t think I could be around cakes all day and not sample all of them.”

“I do my fair share of tasting when I’m trying a new recipe, but otherwise, not so much.” She shrugs. “After so many years being around cakes all day, it’s not really tempting anymore.”

I nod, focusing back on my muffin.

“What are you guys doing the rest of the day?” Madison asks.

“Not a lot. Hadley’s home with Hazel, so I need to go relieve her. She’s got a photography gig in Ocala tonight,” Holt says, setting his mug down.

“We should have a barbecue tonight, to celebrate you buying a house,” Hunter says.

Holt shakes his head, chuckling. “You’re getting ahead of yourself, Cap. It’s not a done deal.”

“Fine. But once it’s done, we’ll plan a celebration.” Hunter swings his gaze to me. “You’re invited too, Rebecca.”

“And Hadley,” Madison pipes up.

“You don’t have to organize anything,” Holt says.

“We want to,” Hunter tells him. “You tell us when, and we’ll make it happen.

“Fine.” Holt pushes his chair back. “We should probably get going. Just wanted to pop in and tell you the good news.”

Hunter stands too. “I’m excited to have you in the neighborhood.” He claps Holt on the back as they make their way to the front door.

“Thank you for everything.” I smile at Madison.

“I’m so glad you and Holt are dating. Not that you need mine or anyone’s approval.” She shrugs. “None of us liked Kat. She was a bitch. But you, you we like.”

I stare at her, unsure of what to say. Do I say thank you?

“It’s new. It kind of just happened,” I finally say. “We’re still figuring everything out . . .”

“Well, I’m happy for you, and I hope this means we get to see more of you. We need to exchange numbers so I can add you to the group chat.”

“Sounds good to me.”