Page 21 of The Spy Who Ghosted Me

We entered the private room filled with several people, including Lexi’s bridal party, and Sabrina and I immediately locked eyes. She was adorable in her white apron with flour on her cheek. It looked as if she’d been baking all day. As lovely as she was, her glare told me she’d rather have been stabbing me with the cake knife she was holding.

I waved, and she curled her pouty lip. Dang, I’d love to kiss her again.

Callie directed me toward a table near the station where Sabrina and Mia were cutting and plating several types of cake. Mercer and a woman I had never met, but recognized immediately, were sitting there. The woman was Genevieve, Sabrina’s mentor.

“Cash, you met Mercer yesterday.” She pointed to her husband and then at Genevieve. “This is Genevieve, our head chef. She’s the reason for the packed house tonight.”

Genevieve stood, eyeing me carefully with her wise gray eyes. She stood barely over five feet with her long silvery-white hair in a braid.

I held out my hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you. Sabrina spoke fondly of you often while we were in Bordeaux.”

Genevieve took my hand, studying me intensely. “So, this is the man who is driving my Sabrina crazy,” she said with a hint of a French accent. According to Sabrina, Genevieve had lived in the States for many years now.

“Guilty,” I admitted.

“Hmm. I can see why. You are quite handsome, but a cad too. Yes?”

“Guilty once again,” I said uncomfortably, especially considering the company I was in.

Genevieve dropped my hand. “I like your honesty. Perhaps this leopard can change his spots.”

I feared it was impossible.

“Please, have a seat,” Mercer directed me. He studied me carefully as well, no doubt wondering if I was a good man and what my intentions with Sabrina were.

I wished I could tell him I was worthy of his daughter. “Thank you.” I took a seat between Callie and Genevieve. It gave me the best vantage point to observe Izan and Lexi, who sat at the table next to us with a few of Lexi’s bridesmaids. She had ten in total. Izan grimaced at my presence. I smiled pleasantly at him, which made him turn away and kiss Lexi’s cheek. It made me wonder if he had any genuine feelings for his bride-to-be or if he was just an excellent actor.

“I think we’re ready,” Sabrina announced. She sounded exhausted. “I know this was last minute, but I wanted to give my baby sister the full wedding cake experience. Wedding cake tastings are some of Mia’s and my favorite things to do for our clients.”

“Very nice,” Callie complimented her oldest daughter. If only she knew why Sabrina was doing this. Sabrina was quite clever.

“The apprentice has now become the master,” Genevieve commented to our table. “Her creations today have far exceeded anything I have ever done.”

Sabrina certainly could make magic in the kitchen. I’d do anything for another baking lesson with her.

“Today we are presenting five cakes.” Mia beamed at the Black gentleman dressed in cowboy garb at a table in the back all by himself. Drew Charleston only had eyes for Mia.

“Sultry chocolate, blueberry burst, strawberry champagne, spiked red velvet, and salted caramel.” Sabrina smiled at the bride and groom. “I know you requested sultry chocolate already for the top layer you’ll cut into, but I wanted to give you options for the other layers, just in case you want some variety.”

“Okay,” Lexi whined, as if this put her out. “But I have to fit into my wedding dress in a week, so bite-size pieces.”

In my estimation, Lexi was a spoiled brat, but I kept that to myself. However, judging by how Mercer’s jaw tightened, he agreed with my assessment.

“Of course, Lexi,” an overly gracious Sabrina said.

I had a feeling she was laying it on thick, trying to figure out why Izan didn’t sit well with her. She had no idea how dangerous this game was that she was playing, which was why I would make sure she never found out on her own who the man really was. Hopefully Izan would be in custody before the Belle family found out what a bullet they had dodged.

“Everyone has a card in front of them to rate the flavor of cakes. Of course, the bride and groom have final say,” Mia added. “So, let’s eat cake.”

Everyone in the room clapped, including me.

I watched as Sabrina and Mia passed out the first flavor, spiked red velvet.

While Sabrina served Lexi and Izan, she laid on the charm. “This cake has layers of rich red velvet and cream cheese frosting that we laced with a decadent amaretto. Not enough to get anyone tipsy, but just enough to give it a little kick.”

Oohs and aahs were heard from several in the room.

I observed the way Izan responded to Sabrina. He appeared less suspicious than the day before, yet based on his pinched brow, he still had questions.

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