Page 13 of Caramel Apple Cupcake

It was too ingrained in her to do what her parents expected, even at twenty-eight years old. Every time she tried to branch out and do something on her own, they tightened the tether that kept her connected to them.

But being with Anders was her choice. He wasn’t someone they would have chosen for her. Not the right background and pedigree. His job was not something they could brag about to their friends at the country club. No, he wouldn’t be someone who could elevate them in the eyes of their elitist friends.

Not that Harper cared about any of that. She wanted to be with Anders because of the man he was, not what he could do for her career. He made her happy. And he fucked her into the mattress and made her come five times in one night. Fuck yeah, she was keeping him. Her parents would either get on board with her choice, or there would be consequences and repercussions. Namely, she would simply not be in their lives. It would be their choice.

Confident in her decisions, she stood from the table and emptied the last of her coffee. It was time to take her shower and get something to eat. And she knew just the place.

An hour later, she walked into Callahan’s and greeted the staff while they raced around, taking care of customers. Her normal spot at the bar was open, but she paused before going to sit down.

“Morning, Harper,” she heard a server call out.

“Morning, Rob. Is the boss around?”

He motioned behind him. “Yeah, he’s just helping out in the kitchen for a bit. We have a busy crowd today. Um, are you going to your usual spot? Want me to bring you anything?”

She looked around and noticed there were no tables open. “Yeah, I’ll go ahead and sit down. A mimosa and two eggs platter, over easy. With bacon,” she finished, smiling at him.

“You got it. I’ll let Anders know you’re here.”

“Thanks.” She made her way to her seat, waving at people she normally saw during the week. This time, they had their families with them—parents, wives, husbands, and children. She never realized just how important this place was to so many people, including herself.

She had been sitting for only a minute or two before Anders came over to her, holding her mimosa and a glass of water. Her head had been down, looking at her e-reader, when he came up behind her. He rested the glasses down in front of her and hugged her from behind. Then he kissed her softly on the neck.

“Hey, beautiful. I thought you were going to rest today.”

A sheepish smile came over her face. “I wanted to see you. Well, that and I was hungry. You serve the best bacon in town.”

He laughed. “Okay, not sure if I should be insulted that my bacon is what made you come see me.”

She shifted in her seat so that she was facing him. Harper looked up into his gorgeous blue eyes and felt herself falling for him even more. “Don’t be insulted. You know exactly what I need that not only feeds my stomach, but other parts of me.”

“So, I’m the total package, huh?”

“That you are, Callahan.”

They were so lost in each other that everyone else around them faded away. Only the low hum of chatter kept him grounded in the here and now. “I gotta get back in there. Johnson is not having a good morning. A couple deliveries were delayed, and to him, that threw his entire rhythm. I’m just giving him some help to get everything in order. I can’t have him scaring away the staff.”

She nodded in response. “Do your thing. I’ll be out here reading.”

Anders leaned down to capture her lips in a gentle kiss. Although he couldn’t resist a little taste, he also knew they had a room full of people watching them. Those who came to Callahan’s probably had a good idea about the two of them, but their relationship hadn’t been officially made public until this moment.

“You’re too good to me. Thank you for coming today.”

“You never have to thank me. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

As Anders headed back into the kitchen to help his staff, Harper settled into her seat with a contented sigh. She was used to being on her own. Independent. Strong. But being with Anders made her realize how much more fulfilling life could be when shared with someone who truly cared for her. Her food was delivered, and she ate while waiting for him. She buried herself in the newest book on her e-reader, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Anders.

Their relationship had been a whirlwind from the start. Most people who knew her would never have expected her to jump so fast. What began as casual banter and friendly gestures had quickly evolved into something deeper and more meaningful. Harper never imagined she would fall for someone like Anders—sexy as hell, rough around the edges, charming, and utterly devoted to his business. But here she was, completely enamored by the man who served her bacon with a side of sweetness.

Lost in her thoughts, Harper barely noticed the passage of time until Anders appeared from the back once again. His eyes immediately sought her out, walking in her direction.

Their gazes met, and a smile spread across Anders’ face as he approached her. He reached out his hand to help her up from the chair, and his touch sent a spark through her. She tried to hide with a casual grin, but knew she had failed.

“Ready for a break?” Anders asked, his voice warm and inviting.

Harper nodded, unable to resist the magnetic pull she felt whenever she was near him. As they stepped outside for some fresh air, Anders took her hand in his, intertwining their fingers in a silent promise of companionship and connection.

The streets bustled with life around them, but in that moment, Harper only had eyes for Anders. She fell deeper into his gaze. It was the feeling of being on the precipice of something extraordinary and life-changing.

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