Page 53 of Crushes and Confections

Or maybe we should just move in together since we were courting and should get a real picture of what pack life would be like together?

“I don’t want you to move back to the orchard once renovations are done.”

Riley laughed, pulling me back so that he could see my face. “Honey, you aren’t ever getting rid of me. You sank those pretty little teeth in my neck and that tight little pussy down my cock. Where you go, I go. If that’s here or someplace new, that’s fine. Wherever, whenever.”

“You’re singing Shakira in your head right now, aren’t you?” I asked.

“These hips don’t lie,” he said, giving a little shimmy. “Now, come on, and let’s have some coffee before we have to go.”

My mind stayed pretty occupied for the rest of the day. I made it to the cafe around eight, which for me, seemed late.

Claire’s Coffee and Confections was running like a well oiled machine. For all the time I’d poured into it, making it the sole focus of my life, I was proud of how far I’d come. Even having certain goods sold across the state was something monumental that I had expanded into this past year.

As much as I loved being in the cafe every day, I knew I couldn’t keep both sides of the business to myself. I thought about my different options as I scooped the cherry limeade cupcake batter into the awaiting liners.

I couldn’t resist crafting a new recipe. It was the first time I’d been back in the kitchen, and I couldn’t help but be inspired by Vance’s scent.

Our moment together was burned into my mind and skin, and I couldn’t wait to be back in his arms. His glasses and freckles drove me crazy. He looked like such a sweet alpha, but the things the man had done to my body were anything but, and I couldn’t help but want him again.

I started on the whipped Italian buttercream, adding fresh lime zest and the right amount of dark cherries, tasting as I went to try and capture the exact level of tart and brightness I wanted. By the time the cupcakes cooled I was in the zone, creating the perfect icing swirls, and adding a touch of sprinkles and candied lime wedges. I even remembered the red and white striped paper straws that I had left over and took to cutting those down, and adding them so that each cupcake looked like a drink.

Joy radiated through me as they came together, and I was so focused that I didn’t even notice the door open.

“I could watch you work all day,” a familiar accented voice said.

He was leaning against the wall, with one foot crossed over the other, his black chef coat rolled up to his elbows.

“I didn’t realize you were there,” I said apologetically. “I just got so excited.”

“Show me.”

He walked closer, and I picked up one of the cupcakes and offered it to him.

“I came up with the recipe this afternoon.”

Meticulously he looked over the decorations before peeling back the wrapper and taking a huge bite. A little groan left his lips that had me doing an internal happy dance.

“It’s him,” he said, with a shake of his head, a smile curling his lips. “I’m glad I’m not the only one who derives inspiration from those around them.”

“What did you make?” I asked curiously.

“A chocolate-covered cherry cordial,” Adrien said. “I infused the simple syrup with lime.”

“I’m pretty sure I’m going to need a box of those,” I said, imagining how freaking good they must be.

“I can do that,” Adrien promised. “I actually came over here to see if you’ve had lunch. I remembered you saying at dinner the other night that you sometimes get caught up and forget…”

“Which basically sets all your provide and protect instincts off?”

“Be glad I didn’t lecture you on security in this place, mon chou,” Adrien said drolly.

“What’s the catch?” I asked.

“I figured you would tell me that this is Holiday Hollow and I didn’t have to worry about it,” he said, raising his brow. “But I planned on asking Boone about it when I dropped off the first item to him this afternoon.”

“Okay,” I said with a shrug, knowing his logic was sound.

“Just how much leeway are you giving me here, omega?” He asked, his voice sounding deeper.

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