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Thiswas what had started to please me the most; baking things to make others sigh with delight, to feed people joy in solid form.It was how I’d built my business; making the recipes that made me happy, and sharing memories associated with them.Sharing the flavours of my culture with people through the medium of food made me feel bright inside, married the two worlds I felt I had a foot in.
The fusion of these in delicious bakes made me feel good and happy andalive.
I knew right then that I had to tell the people who’d helped me build up Maddie Liu Bakes about Seb and what had happened.If there was one thing I’d learned in my life, it was that telling the truth always made things easier going forward.
Lies were what made stuff complicated.
I’d had enough lies from my ex fiancé to last me the rest of my days.Who knew was else he’d lied about?
I resolved to make a blog post tonight about Seb.I’d keep it simple—no one except the two of us needed to know exactly what he’d done, but I really wanted to address the fact he wouldn’t be showing up in my videos any time soon.
Or ever again.
Then, I’d read the letter.
Hours later, the bakery cleaned and shut, I sat down on Jess’s couch with my computer, and opened a new window to start a blog post.I’d typed three sentences when a rap at the door interrupted me.
I looked through the peephole, then stepped back in surprise.Anticipation with a side of panic zinged through me for a moment.
Why is Rick here?
He stood on the porch, attractively rumpled, wearing a gray chambray button-down stretched over his biceps, tattered jeans slung low on his hips.
I’d heard men referred to as snacks often, but Rick Callahan was awhole meal.And dessert.
I tamped down on my libido as I opened the door.“Hey.”
“Hey.”He gestured with an envelope.“I brought over the estimate for the deck.”He lifted his other hand, which held two beers, condensation dripping down the sides.“And somethin’ to take the sting off the cost.”
“Hey, it won’t be me paying,” I laughed.
“Yeah, I know, but if you’re three sheets to the wind when you remind Jess how expensive it’s gonna be, it’ll be easier, right?”His cheeky grin was charming, and I was helpless to do anything but smile in return.
“Wanna come through?We can sit outside on the grass.I’m not putting my foot through that wood again.”
“And at least if youdo,you’ll also have beer.”
“I can’t argue with that logic,” I chuckled as he stepped into the house.God,he was so handsome and broad and a walking fantasy.
The combo made me weak.
Clearly fresh out of the shower, he smelled minty and addictive, his hair curling damply at the edges.I wanted him almost more than I wanted to breathe; I felt dizzy with it.I stepped back as he closed the door behind him, and I shut my eyes for a moment to calm my raging hormones.
“You okay?”
“Long day,” I lied.
The frown that graced his lips told me he didn’t buy the excuse, but instead of replying, Rick just gestured into the house, silently suggesting I should lead the way.
“You must know this house like your own.”
“I don’t come overthatoften.”
I walked us through the house.The door to the yard already stood open, the weather sweet and mild.I grabbed a bottle opener from the top kitchen drawer and pocketed it before we walked out into the air together.
We sat on the edge of the deck, feet in the grass.Rick offered one bottle and the envelope.
I popped the tops for both of us, drank a little, and winced.
