Page 39 of All Signs Point to Malibu

“Good. Great, actually,” the man says with sincere gratitude. “I still don’t know how you knew this location would be so perfect back when there wasn’t much around, but with that dog park opening up across the street last year and the co-working artist space a block away, I can barely keep up with the business.”

Hailey looks slightly embarrassed by the praise, which is unexpected.

Humble? Hailey?

She’s actually cute when her cheeks go bright red like that. I have to stop finding things about her cute if I’m going to continue our feud.

“I know a lot of people in this city,” she explains with a shrug. “And it’s more than the location. People would drive to the middle of nowhere to get your desserts.”

Giving credit where it’s due. Is it possible I’ve misjudged her slightly?

Across the counter, the couple glance our way and flag Yates. Obviously, the bride-to-be has won the argument over the cake design. The groom looks physically ill.

“I’ll let you two taste and let me know when you’re ready to place your order,” Yates says to us. He taps the counter, then moves back to the couple.

I chuckle as I see the poor dude pull out his credit card.

“What’s funny?” Hailey asks.

“The debt people are willing to go into for some elaborate party.”

“Be sure to add that to your best man speech,” she says.

I grin despite myself.

“Shall we?”

Don’t have to tell me twice. I scan the options then pick up a piece of carrot cake and take a bite.

Hailey reaches for a piece of chocolate cake and pops the whole thing into her mouth.

I nearly choke on mine as I laugh.

Okay then.

I pop the rest of mine into my mouth and have to admit—she’s right. This thing has to be the best carrot cake I’ve ever had. Moist, decadent, with hints of pineapple that I would normally consider gross. Flavors blend on my tongue and I don’t even want to swallow.

“So...you’re really okay with this?” I ask Hailey when I finally do allow the cake to go down my throat.

“Okay with what? Oh my God, this one is so good.” The words come out almost like a groan as she closes her eyes and savors the chocolate.

I’m momentarily distracted by her near orgasmic reaction. My eyes land on her lips, where there’s chocolate frosting, and the temptation to lick Yates’s frosting alright comes out of nowhere. Okay, maybe not nowhere. I’ve admired her lips before, but I’ve never wanted to taste them. I still don’t. I just want the chocolate.

Keep telling yourself that, man.

“What were you asking?” she asks in my trance.

I snap out of it and look away from her mouth. “Liam marrying someone else. You’re cool with that?”

Hailey scoffs as though it should be obvious. “Liam and I broke up years ago. I’m totally over him.” She pops a piece of the carrot cake into her mouth. “This one’s delicious too.”

“Except you’re not,” I say, not done with my questioning.

“If I was still in love with him, why would I have offered to throw the engagement party?”

“I’m still trying to figure that out.”

“Don’t hurt yourself.” Hailey reaches for the other piece of chocolate cake and extends it toward my mouth. “Try this one.”

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