Page 33 of Always the Baker

Four hourslater we stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby. I really didn’t want to do anything. She’d made both a strawberry and chocolate cake, and as if her looks, personality, and pussy didn’t already have me in love… her baking skills were the icing on the cake. I had two huge chunks of both cakes. She used fresh strawberries and I had to physically stop myself from going in for more.

Billie’s hand was warm in mine. Touching her reminded me that this was real. That she was real. That I hadn’t just imagined her. The doorman nodded as we approached the exit, and I felt Billie’s fingers tighten around mine.

I squeezed Billie’s hand, bracing myself for the onslaught. Sure enough, the paparazzi were still camped outside. Their cameras flashed like strobe lights. While the tenants and citizensof Rose Valley Hills gave me grace and space, the paparazzi damn sure didn’t.

“Mr. Adams! Who’s the girl?”

“Miss, right this way!”

“Are you two an item?”

I felt Billie’s fingers tighten around mine as we pushed through the crowd. Her brows were lifted, eyes wide with panic. I tried to project calm, smiling and nodding at the reporters without engaging.

“No comment, y’all. We’re just heading out,” I said, steering Billie toward the waiting town car.

Billie stumbled slightly. I could practically feel her desire to bolt, to hide from all the attention. It made me feel like shit. Normally I was lowkey with a woman until things got serious, but with her, I wanted to do everything, experience everything. She had no training to deal with any of this. I felt like I was just tossing her into the wild.

“Brax,” she whispered urgently. “I can’t…”

“You got this, sweetheart.” I gave her hand another reassuring squeeze. “Just a few more steps.”

We finally reached the car, and I quickly ushered Billie inside before sliding in after her. As we pulled away from the curb, I saw her slump against the seat, eyes closed.

“Well,” I said, trying to lighten the mood, “that was quite the morning workout, huh?”

Billie cracked open one eye. “Isthatwhat you call it? Because I’d call it a circus that almost gave me a small heart attack.”

I chuckled. “Sorry about that. I should’ve warned you it might be intense.”

She shook her head. “It’s not your fault. I just… I’m not used to being the center of attention like that. In my world, the most excitement I get is when a neighbor brings a new dish toour neighborhood block party or putting glitter on Joe’s—” Her mouth snapped shut. “It doesn’t even matter.”

“Well that… sounds exciting,” I teased.

Billie managed a weak smile. “Hey, don’t knock it till you’ve tried Mrs. Johnson’s seven-layer overnight dip. It’s out of this world.” She laughed genuinely that time, loosening us both up.

As we drove through the city, I watched Billie stare out the window. Her fingers fidgeted in her lap. I couldn’t help but wonder if I was asking too much of her, bringing her into my world so suddenly.

I reached over and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Hey, you okay?”

She turned to me. “Yeah, I’m… I’m fine. Just a little overwhelmed, I guess.”

“It’s okay to be shy. Not everyone’s comfortable with that kind of attention. If it’s ever too much, don’t hesitate to tell me. We can just chill inside.”

Billie nodded, but I could see the tension in her shoulders. I wanted to make her feel better, to show her that my world wasn’t always so crazy.

“Listen, I’ve got this party tonight. It’s on a rooftop, which I’m sure you know means it’s very exclusive. Might help you relax a bit and see the fun side of all this.”

“A party?” Billie’s voice hitched slightly. “I don’t know, Brax. I’m not sure I’d fit in.”

I laughed. “Don’t worry about that. We’ll find you something perfect.”

I took her shopping and to a spa so she could relax, then we went to the hotel she said she was staying at for the weekend so she could grab her things. We went back to my penthouse to freshen up.

A few hours later,we stepped onto the rooftop. In The Hills, most fall rooftop events were invite-only, which was another reason why I loved taking breaks here. Even though I got invitations for several events, I always knew I could come and not have to worry about bringing security or people hassling me. The air hummed with conversation and laughter. I felt Billie stiffen beside me.

“Wow. This is a lot.”

I squeezed her hand. “Just stick with me. You’ll be fine.”

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