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I raise a brow and say, “Let’s see if you can manage to do it without complaining like a child.”
He furrows his brow and follows me into the store, his mouth pulled into a tight line of dissatisfaction.
The moment we enter, my mouth salivates. The place smells heavenly. The air is filled with the scent of cooked sugar, chocolate, and vanilla. I understand why Piper would like me to buy her everything.
“Welcome to Decadent Dreams. How can I help you?” The woman behind the counter greets me.
“Can you ship orders?”
She smiles. “It depends on what you’d like to buy. I prefer not to ship any cupcakes outside the country. Chocolates do well, depending on the season, and…” She presses her lips. “Sorry, I’m sure you didn’t want the long version.”
“What can you ship to Colorado?”
“We’re not sending her anything,” Finn snaps, then looks at the woman behind the counter and sighs. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to lose my temper.”
“She needs some TLC,” I argue. “Box everything that you can ship, please. Price doesn’t matter.”
The woman gives me a skeptical look. “Everything?”
“Yep, that’s exactly what she said. Piper has a sweet tooth and loves your store.”
She tilts her head and leans forward. “I think I might be able to help you.”
Finn glances over at me. “Don’t you think that’s a little extreme? And what about security?”
“My name is Atzi,” the girl behind the counter introduces herself. “Why don’t you enjoy these cupcakes on the house while I arrange your package.”
“Can you just give us the total so we can pay and go?” Finn demands.
Atzi snorts. “You need to learn to relax. Eat some chocolate, smell the seawater, and let everything else go.”
She gives me a piece of paper. “Write down the address where we’re delivering this package.”
I scribble the address, and when I glance at Finn, he is enjoying the cupcake and looking a lot more relaxed. We might have to take a few more of those to go. I need him to calm the fuck down.
* * *
Derek: Thank you for sending us to the bakery. Their cupcakes are delicious.
Piper: They’re the best thing in the world.
Derek: How did you discover it if you lived in Seattle?
Piper: Dad owns a bar close by.
Derek: Your father owns bars?
Piper: Several. Have I mentioned I’m a bartender too?
“She’s a bartender?”Finnegan asks, a note of surprise in his voice as he looks down at my phone.
We continue walking toward Fisherman’s Wharf, and I huff, “I thought you weren’t going to be a part of this ridiculous outing.”
“I’m here, aren’t I?” he grumbles.
I stop and turn to look at him with a grin. “At least admit you liked the cupcakes.”
His mouth twitches upwards in a half-smile. He shrugs and says, “They were okay.”
