Page 14 of Always the Baker

My curiosity piqued more. I tried to casually crane my neck to get a better look. The crowd parted slightly, and my heart nearly stopped.

No way.

It couldn’t be.

But it was.

Brax Adams, in the flesh, looking like he’d just stepped right out of my wettest dreams.

His head craned back, rich brown eyes resting low as he attentively listened to what the woman in front of him was saying. The low cropped cut of his hair made him almost look bald, but hair was there, connecting with his black and dirty brown beard. It was thick and coarse, and I always wondered if it would tickle against my skin.

A large diamond stud was in his ear along with a thick gold chain around his tattooed neck. His body looked taller and larger than it did when I went to his concerts or saw him on TV. Its wide frame was wrapped in smooth, peanut butter brown skin that made my mouth water.

“Holy shit,” I mumbled under my breath, quickly turning back to my drink. I took a big gulp, wincing as it burned my throat.

Jake chuckled. “Fan of his, huh?”

“What? No, I mean… Yeah, I guess,” I stammered, feeling my pits sweat. And my nipples harden. And my heart race. Even if we didn’t get close to one another, just seeing him this close made my day. Hell, it made my whole life! “I just didn’t expect to see him here.”

“He drops in when he’s in town,” Jake said with a shrug. “Keeps to himself mostly. He’s a cool, laidback guy. Always showing love to his fans but he really likes his space.”

I nodded, trying to look unaffected while my mind raced. Brax Adams, here? In the same bar as me? It felt surreal. I’d listen to his music countless times a day, every day, daydreaming about a life beyond the one I was living. And now here he was, just a few feet away.

We didn’t grow up in the same space, but he grew up a few hours away from me in Memphis. He made me believe it was possible to get out the city, find success, and make a name foryourself. More than that, I loved the music he created and the image he portrayed. His music reminded me of the classics from the 70s and 80s. Brax made classics that healed you, made your soul smile, and gave you the courage to believe in love. He may have been three years older than me at twenty-eight, but he seemed to have an old soul and kind spirit. I was truly in love with him.

“You okay?” Jake asked, looking amused. “You’re shaking, and I’ve never seen such a pretty shade of brown turn red.” He pointed at my face. I cupped my cheek absently and swallowed hard.

“I’m fine,” I squeaked, then cleared my throat. “Just… surprised, that’s all.”

As I sat there, desperately trying to act normal, I couldn’t help but sneak another glance at Brax. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and I quickly looked away as my heart pounded. My body quaked in my seat.

Brax Adams looked at me.

What was I supposed to do now?

My heart was doing somersaults in my chest. Brax Adams,theBrax Adams, was in the same bar as me. I couldn’t believe my luck. Ember was going to lose her shit when I told her about this.

I felt around for my phone in the bottom of my purse. My fingers shook as I tried to type out a quick text.

Me: OMG Em, you’ll never guess who’s here!

Before I could hit send, I heard the barstool next to me scrape against the floor. I glanced up, and there he was. Brax fucking Adams, sliding onto the seat right beside me.Me!

“Double shot of whiskey neat, please,” he said to Jake. His voice was even deeper and smoother in person. It sent a shock straight to my pussy.

I froze, willing myself not to gawk like a complete idiot.Play it cool, Billie.He’s just a regular guy. A super famous, stinking rich, incredibly talented, devastatingly handsome, regular guy.

“You aight, sweetheart?” Brax asked, turning those intense brown eyes toward me.

“Me? I’m totally fine.” I cringed at how high-pitched my voice sounded. “Just, uh, enjoying my drink.”

He smiled, and I swear I felt my knees twitch. Thank God I was sitting down.

“You’re shaking.” His hand went to my thigh, and no lie, a soft moan escaped me. “You sure you’re okay?”

His touch was calming. The longer he stared into my eyes, the less I felt like a bubbling ball of excitement about to explode. My body stopped shaking. My heart stopped racing. When he felt the calm wash over me, Brax removed his hand.

“I’m fine. Thank you.”

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