Page 95 of High Stakes

I roll my eyes, “That’s the problem, I don’t.” But I scribble my name on the dotted line and slide the papers back to him. Our hands touch and I snatch mine away like he’s burned me. “Is that it, is the agreement done?”

He nods. “We’re officially partners.”

“Good, because I’m hiring a manager to run the shop.”

Aiden

I stare wide eyed. “What?”

She nods, as if to confirm her words. “I’m holding interviews at the end of the week.”

“Why would you do that? It makes sense for you to run things, you know the business.”

“You’re a silent partner, remember?” I almost whisper.

“That doesn’t mean you can pull shit like this,” I snap, angry she’s tricked me.

“You might be able to swan around here like you never felt a thing, but I can’t. I tried to ask nicely for you to set me free, and you refused, so I have no choice.”

“But you love this shop.”

She smiles sadly and tears balance on her lower lash as she looks around, “Yeah, I do, but lately it just reminds me of everything bad in my life.”

Her words hurt but I keep my expression stone. “What do you plan to do if a manager is running this place? Will you still bake the wedding cakes?”

She shakes her head. “No. I’m giving up on that dream too.”

“Bella,” I whisper. This isn’t what I wanted. Without baking, what does she have?

“Anyway,” she says, wiping her cheeks and forcing a laugh. “I’ll let you know who I choose. And I’ll be keeping a close eye on everything. Plus, Aria will be around to keepthings running smoothly. It won’t affect your half of the profits.”

“It’s not that . . .”

“The decision is made, Aiden. Do you want me to call you, or should I call Drake with the details?” She laughs again, “I don’t know how all this stuff works.”

“Call me,” I say, turning to leave. I pause at the door. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“For once, I think I do.”

I glance up at the sight of JP in a smart shirt. “Are you meeting Aria’s parents?” I joke.

He scoffs, “No. We have dinner with Cal, his new girlfriend and . . . Bella.”

I frown. “A couple’s dinner, but with Bella?”

“I’m running late, I should make a move.” I stand and he hesitates. “Is she seeing someone?” He shakes his head. “So why do you look like you’re hiding something?”

It’s been a month since Aria hired some guy to work the shop. She landed on her feet with him being a baker as well as having managerial experience. And JP assures me he’s gay, but now as he edges towards the door, I’m wondering if that was a lie too.

“I can always turn up and see for myself,” I warn.

“You don’t know where we’ll be,” he says, smirking like a child.

“Bella Italia?” I guess and his smirk fades. She always goes there because she loves it.

“Fuck sake,” he mutters. “Aria will have my balls if she finds out.”

“Since when do your loyalties lie with Aria over me?” I demand.

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