Page 14 of Rival Hearts

“I’m listening… What kind of boundaries?” She moans in delight at the first bite of her salad, and I fidget in my seat, trying to inconspicuously adjust my hardening cock.

Don’t get a boner in Daffodil’s.

Don’t get a boner in Daffodil’s!

“Separation of church and state. As much as it’s reasonable. That means no business talk outside the four walls of the cafe, and we keep it professional during business hours.”

She hums in approval. “What happens if we break up? It won’t be so easy to avoid each other when our finances are tangled together.”

“We agree now that whatever happens between us doesn’t affect the business. We’re both adults. And even when you claimed I was your archnemesis, we maintained a cool civility, especially since Shannon and Cole are our friends. If a romantic relationship ends, there will be a concerted effort to remain respectful and amiable.”

Quiet chatter surrounds us. The clink of silverware accompanying each murmured conversation as Sierra continues to eat while contemplating my terms. I hope I don’t have to push harder—hope she wants me as much as I want her—and she accepts the compromise, willing to give us a chance.

“You know, I never would have pegged you for the reasonable one in a relationship,” she finally says. “Especially with your propensity for diving into new things so quickly. But you can be very persuasive. Every damn word out of your mouth makes so much sense, I struggle to come up with a rebuttal.” She mock glares at me. “It’s annoying as hell.”

“Sorry not sorry, sweetcakes.” I finish the last of my potato soup and swipe a napkin across my mouth. “Just think of it as a skill you’ll come to love.”

“Unlikely.” A balled up straw wrapper bounces off my chest. “But you’ve convinced me. We’ll try these boundaries, and see how it goes.”

“That’s my girl.” Sierra blushes at the endearment, and now that we’ve cleared that up, I can’t resist rising a little out of my seat, snaking a hand around her neck, and planting a hard kiss on her lips.

In front of everyone.

They’ll know soon enough that the Cold Coffee and Cakes War has officially ended, and the armistice was just sealed with a kiss.

CHAPTER TEN

SIERRA

Once we gave her the okay, Luna called her contractor friends over at Wilson-Covington Construction, who added us to their booked schedule as a favor to her, and the plan for Crossing’s Cups & Cakes was put into motion.

“I’m really proud of you.” Shannon sorts through a rack of wedding dresses in preparation for her next bridal appointment as I lounge on one of the overstuffed chairs meant for a bride’s guests.

“Really? You don’t think I’m making a huge mistake?”

“I think you’ve forgotten what it took for you to get to this point,” she says, presenting a white mermaid-style dress before I shake my head in disapproval. “Calculated risks. Being a small business owner isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s not for someone who wants to play it safe. Two things you definitely are not, despite this latest spat of self-doubt.”

I sigh, banging my head against the back of the chair. She’s right. I'm not an overly cautious person. I go for what I want. Make the tough decisions.

And risks are necessary for the vitality of a business.

When it comes to Buttercream Dreams, though, it's been my baby for years. It didn’t pop out of thin air. I educated myself on the ins and outs of a bakery and learned from my mistakes. I fought hard for my dream when the odds were stacked against me.

“I think it’s just easier to worry about a choice I’ve already made versus thinking about the future and Caleb,” I admit.

“Ah, procrastination. I’m well-acquainted with it.” Shannon sinks into the chair next to mine and snags her teal water bottle for a drink. “But you’re gonna have to face those pesky feelings eventually. Especially now that the two of you will be working together on a more permanent basis.”

“Ugh, I know… But life was easier back when he was just my archnemesis.” Shannon laughs at the title like she’s done a million times in the past. “Things were black and white. Caleb stole my customers. I returned the favor. He frustrated me, and I flustered him. Sympatico. Sym-pat-i-co.” Each syllable bursts from my mouth like a series of word bubbles waiting for someone to pop them.

“And now you two are k-i-s-s-i-n-g. Kiss-ing,” Shannon teases with a lift of her eyebrows.

“Yep…” And we have a date tonight.

I don’t know if it counts as our second after the picnic or our first because it’s official—like Caleb asked me out and everything. The number doesn’t really matter, except for the part where my hormonal body wonders if it’ll finally get a chance to experience the thick ridge I’ve caught bulging from Caleb’s jeans lately.

Sex may not be the smartest action, considering how mired I am in the emotional swamp of my confusing feelings, but then again, maybe it’ll clear my head. I could use some stress relief, and it’s only fair that Caleb provides it since he’s the man responsible for fucking with my head.

Here’s to hoping he fucks with my pussy soon, instead.

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