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“When can I see you again?” he asks, placing his hand on my bare thigh, rubbing his thumb back and forth. Goosebumps flush my skin, and I place my hand over his to keep him still before my sanity snaps.
“Tomorrow?” I offer.
“I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“Alright. See you then.” I hesitate with my hand on the door handle. “Goodnight.”
“’Night, sugar.”
Hopping out, I slide my hands down the sides of my dress and make the climb up the steep steps to my apartment, feeling his eyes on me the entire time.
Chapter 8
All day at work today I’ve been watching the clock, hoping time would move faster, but I still have a couple hours before it’s time to close up.
This morning, Courtney and I made her blueberry crumb cake and apple cinnamon crumb cake, and then I spent the rest of the day working with Ally out in the front of the café. I received inquisitive looks and smiles, and was told by almost everyone that if I needed anything, just to ask.
I’m not used to such open hospitality, but I can sure as hell get on board with it.
Courtney plans on hiring another person by next week so that her and I can focus on the bakes and food. But for now, I’m enjoying learning a couple items each morning and then going out to work the front of the café.
As I’m adjusting the alignment of the cookies in the case, the door jingles open, and I look up to see Tyler and Jack entering.
“Hey, sugar,” he says smoothly, smiling. I don’t think I could ever picture himnotsmiling. He’s like a happy puppy all the time.
“Hi.” I smile automatically, not able to help myself.
“Hey, Ellie, is Courtney in the kitchen?” Jack asks.
“Hi, baby,” Courtney coos, emerging from the swinging doors.
“Ty wanted some more cupcakes, and I needed to see my woman.” Wrapping his arm around her waist, he kisses her hard, forcing her to grip his arms for support.
I look away, feeling awkward, and glance at Tyler, finding him watching me with a heated look in his eyes and the cocky grin of a man who knows where my thoughts have gone.
“You’re back for more?” I ask him, absentmindedly playing with the strings of my apron. “Did you already eat the donuts and cupcakes I gave you?”
“Of course. I ate those yesterday.”
“Tyler, I gave you three cupcakes and two donuts,” I admonish.
“I’m well aware, sugar. But they were really good, and I couldn’t help myself.” He smirks. “Plus, I thought I’d pick up a little dessert for later.”
“Oh,” I breathe, my eyes darting over to a smiling Ally who’s emerged from the kitchen to spy on me.
“Ty, do you have plans tonight?” she asks, crossing her arms over her chest.
“I do.” He slips his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels.
“With someone?” she prompts.
“Yes.”
“Anyone I know?”
“What would you like?” I direct at Tyler, interrupting Ally and her thousand questions.
“Um, excuse me, I was asking him something.”
