Page 50 of Always the Baker

“Look, I know it’s a lot to ask,” I interrupted, words falling out faster than I could control. “But I can’t help thinking about what we could be if we just gave it another shot. No misunderstandings, no assumptions. Just us.”

She bit her lip, considering. “And how would that work exactly? You’re still you and I’m still me. We’re in two different worlds. You got a mic that you take around the world while I’m juggling a paint brush and whisk. I mean, you won’t even let mefinish my sentences. How are we going to communicate if you won’t let me get my words out?”

I couldn’t help but laugh at her stressed expression that was completely my fault. “Yeah, sorry. I just… don’t want you to say you’ve changed your mind about me. As for the rest, we’ll figure it out. Together. If you want to, that is.”

Billie was quiet for a moment, and I swear my heart was about to beat out of my chest. Finally, she looked up at me with a small smile lifting her lips.

“Okay. Let’s start over.”

I grinned, feeling like I could fly. “Yeah?”

She nodded as her smile grew. “Yeah. But this time, no running away when things get tough, alright?”

“Deal,” I said, holding out my hand. “Wassup? I’m Brax Adams. Nice to meet you.”

Billie laughed, and the sound warmed me from the inside out. She took my hand, her grip firm and sure. “Billie Hopkins. The pleasure’s all mine.”

Our connected hands led to connected lips. Connected lips led to connected centers. It was risky becoming one with her against her mural, but I couldn’t resist. I tried to be as gentle with her as I could be since her back was against brick. When I couldn’t take it anymore, I picked her up and bounced her against me.

Quiet moans and whimpers from us both combined as we fought to stay silent. Her eyes rolled and back arched as her body quaked from her orgasm. I came seconds after, spilling my seeds into her.

“I love you, Billie,” I confessed as I panted.

She cupped my cheeks and stared into my eyes with tears in hers. “I love you too, Brax.” A giggle escaped her as she hugged my neck. “I love you too.”

Back at her apartment,I put soft kisses against the welts on her back. Regardless of how many times she told me she was okay, I felt horrible. If anything, I should have been the one with scratches on my back—not her. Still, a smile was on her beautiful face after we freshened up from our impromptu sex session.

I offered to chill at her place until she got off work, but she insisted it was okay for me to go back with her. Hand in hand, we left her apartment, and I resisted the urge to mention how comfortable, confident, and relaxed she was. I hoped my random visit showed her there was no part of her life or lifestyle that she needed to be ashamed of.

15

Brax

As Billie’sbeat-up sedan rumbled down Main Street, I couldn’t help but grin. This place was so different from the big cities I was used to. Quaint storefronts with hand-painted signs, people actually smiling and waving as we drove by because they were friendly, not because I was a celebrity.

“So, this is where the magic happens, huh?” I teased, nudging Billie’s arm.

She rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Oh yeah, real magical. Wait until you see our world-famous grain silo.”

I laughed, feeling more relaxed than I had in months. There was something about this town, about Billie, that made all the pressure of my life melt away.

“Seriously, though, I want to see everything. Show me your stomping grounds.”

Billie’s eyes lit up. “Really? You actually want to see this Podunk town?”

“Hell yeah. It’s a part of you, isn’t it? I want to know every part.”

She blushed, and I felt my heart skip a beat. How did this girl have such an effect on me?

We pulled up to a diner that looked like it hadn’t changed since the 50s.

“First stop on the Billie Hopkins tour… best burgers and milkshakes in Tennessee.”

As we walked in, I noticed a group of people around our age huddled in a booth. They all turned to stare as we approached. I could tell Billie was nervous about introducing me, and it made sense why when she said they were three of her four friends from school. The two guys were laidback and cool. The girl initially gave me a hard time because she thought I was playing with her friend. After I assured her that wasn’t the case, she softened toward me, and we enjoyed our lunch.

The diner did have some bomb burgers and milkshakes. It reminded me ofJasper’sin Rose Valley Hills and Dixie Queen back in Memphis. However, the ones here had more of a grilled taste and they weren’t as greasy.

As the conversation flowed, I felt Billie relax beside me. Her friends were warming up, asking about my music and sharing embarrassing stories about Billie’s childhood. It was cool being around them, and they invited me to meet them at the bar later for pool and darts. If Billie was down, so was I, but my main priority would be spending as much one-on-one time with her as I could.

---