Page 19 of Melting the Ice

I glanced out of the window as the car started to slow. The bakery was just up ahead, thank god.

Josie: I have to go. I’m meeting some friends.

Mom: Call me later. We haven’t chatted in a while. And think about the bank.

I pocketed my phone, not in the mood to respond.

I hated that she just didn’t get me. There was nothing wrong with random jobs that I loved, especially when they covered my bills, and I got to live the life I wanted. If I told her that Blaine and I were done, she would be on my ass even harder about moving back, and I had zero plans to do that. I felt freer than I had in a long time, and I wasn’t giving that up to have some stable, boring career and turn into my mother.

I shuddered at the thought.

The car came to a stop, and I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Saying thanks to the driver, I shut the door behind me and headed into Sugar on Top.

“You made it,” Cora said when I stepped inside. She was seated at a small table with Anna, a drink in hand and what looked like a scone in front of her.

“I needed something sugary and warm after being outside.” I shoved aside my conversation with my mother. I wouldn’t let it put a damper on my mood anymore.

“You came to the right place. Nice to see you again, Josie,” Anna said. “Cora will always recommend the cinnamon chip scones and hot chocolate.”

“But everything is amazing,” Cora added.

I perused the bakery case, settling on a loaded hot chocolate that came with a mound of mini marshmallows and caramel and chocolate sauce drizzled over the top and a salted caramel chocolate cupcake. I might go into a sugar coma before I even made it back to Micah’s place, but it would be worth it.

“Excellent choices,” Cora said, breaking off another piece of her scone and popping it into her mouth as I sat down. “I was telling Anna that I ran into you outside with Buster.”

“I want to get a dog, even just a small one, but I’m either at the bakery or at Nick’s, so it doesn’t make sense,” Anna said.

“Yeah, one day I want one, too. Micah totally needs a dog to cuddle and chill him out. But I don’t know if the building allows them,” I said.

“It does. My brother loves animals,” Cora said.

I tilted my head.

“Oh, my brother.” She fiddled with her napkin. “He’s one of the team owners, and his company developed the condo building.”

“What? Hold it. And you’re dating the team captain?” I asked, then took my first sip. “Oh my god, this is amazing.”

Anna smiled. “Thanks. Can’t have too much sugar.”

“Tell that to your boyfriend,” Cora said with a grin.

Anna laughed. “Hey, he’s getting better.”

“Wait. Nick doesn’t like sugar, and he ended up with a baker?” I asked.

“It’s a long story.”

Cora snorted. “Not that long of a story. It started with a charity auction.”

“Come on. You both know about Micah and me. I mean, not that there’s a Micah and me because we’re just friends,” I rushed out, ignoring Cora’s quirked brow. “So, tell me your stories.”

Anna nodded. “Uh-huh, okay.”

“Just friends?” Cora asked.

“If that.” I laughed. “It’s been a few years since I ran into him last, but I knew he’d help me when I was in a bind. Micah’s a great guy like that, but he’s like a brother to me. Always has been.” And maybe if I said that often enough, I would stop having dirty thoughts about him. That freaking fight the other night was still playing a role in my fantasies. “So, charity auction?”

Cora chuckled. “We’ll let it go for now.” She took one more bite of her scone and settled back. “So, it was a team holiday auction,” she started.

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