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“The hero is allowed to do that at this point, right?” he whispered.
I nodded, still struggling to catch my breath.
“Good.” He planted one last, toe-curling kiss against my lips. “I’ll see you tomorrow at eight.”
“TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT” CRÈME BRULEE
6 egg yolks
6 tablespoons white sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ½ cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons brown sugar
CHRISTINA
I ROLLED OVER ON MY mattress the next morning, taking a few more seconds to revel in thoughts of Nathan kissing the hell out of me the night before.
“The hero is allowed to do that at this point, right?”
When I finally opened my eyes, I caught sight of my alarm clock and screamed.
The “morning” was long gone, and it was already three o’clock in the afternoon. Eight hours past the time when my alarm was supposed to sound, and six hours past the time I was supposed to be setting up for the annual Cedar Falls Festival.
Panicking, I stumbled out of bed and took a quick shower. I dressed in an oversized sweater and leggings, not caring that they didn’t match.
Grabbing my purse, I pulled out my phone and saw dozens of text messages from my top baker.
Lori (Top Baker): The bakery is locked. Where are you?
Lori (Top Baker): Are you on your way????
Lori (Top Baker): Mayor just called asking about some changes. Can you answer your phone?!
Lori (Top Baker): WHERE ARE YOUUUUUUU???!!!!!
Shit. Shit. SHIT!
I rushed downstairs to find my car keys and saw Amy sitting at my kitchen table. Looking as unbothered as ever, she was stuffing a bite of pancake into her mouth.
“I could’ve sworn we had a deal,” I said. “Whenever you come over and spend the night on the eve of my important events, you’re supposed to make sure I’m awake on time. I know you worked late last night, but you still promised to wake me up at seven.”
She blinked.
“Like, you know how important today’s event is for me,” I said, forcing my feet into boots.
“Oh, I do know.” She smiled. “I put condoms, mints, and a change of clothes in your car already. I’m looking forward to hearing all about your night with the officer. I bet he’ll make you come more than once. What do you think?”
I didn’t have the energy to tell her what I was talking about. I grabbed my coat and keys from the rack, stepping outside on the porch.
It took me all of two seconds to realize that my car wasn’t here.
What the hell?
“I thought you said you placed stuff in my car.” I stepped into the house again. “Where is it?”
“It’s at the festival already.” She placed her hands on my shoulders. “No need to panic, Christina. I got you.”
I gave her a blank stare. Whenever she said, “I got you” that meant shit was seconds away from hitting the fan. I grabbed her car keys from the rack and jumped into her Honda, speeding all the way downtown.
I parked my car in the loading zone—right under an array of twinkling lights, and sprinted to the courtyard where the event was taking place.
I braced myself for chaos and confusion, for angry glares and harsh words from my staff, but when I opened the doors, I saw them laughing around a colossal chocolate fountain.
The oversized gingerbread men were already frosted and standing guard on the adorned sweets tables, the candy-colored lights were strung high above the completed ten-foot dessert towers, and the custom beverage bar we’d designed months ago was all set with holiday rums, hot chocolates, and endless blends of coffee.
As my staff took turns dipping strawberries into the chocolate, a small group of police officers carried cakes to the center table.
“Good thinking, Miss Ryan.” My top baker patted my back. “I’m really sorry about all the text messages I sent. I didn’t know you’d already asked some of the cops to help us with this.”
I didn’t … “What’s left to do?”
“Chocolate drizzle on the welcome candies, but you always insist on us doing that an hour or so before the event begins so …” She tapped her chin. “Nothing, I guess. Oh, and here you go.” She handed me my car keys. “We only got the supplies we needed out, so no worries.”
“Thanks. What time did the cops start getting here?”
“Right after I sent you a few texts.” She lowered her voice. “The new deputy—Officer Benson, I think, took charge and let me direct whatever we needed to get done. Between you and me, he’s the first man who’s ever made my panties wet at first sight.”
I laughed. “Is he still here?”
“No, but he’s close.” She pointed to the side exit doors. “He’s across the street at the hardware store. Do you know if he’s seeing anyone by chance? Like, is he available?”
“No, he’s dating someone right now,” I said, heading for the exit. “Text me if you need anything else.”
