Page 53 of Pucking Obsessed

“I can’t wait to try these. You’re an incredible baker.” Cody slices a scone, before passing the knife to me. “I’ll bake my special blackberry cake for you. It’s Mike’s favorite. You know, the one that you were asking about on WhatsApp.”

Surprised, I reflexively take the scone from him.

So, this is how baking chats work. It’s less extortion and more swaps.

Interesting.

“Scone Jedi Master, teach me your wisdom. Your apprentice is ready and listening. Do I put the cream on first or the jam?”

“That’s the big debate in England,” I reply. “Along with when to put milk in tea or how to pronouncescone.”

Cody blinks. “Am I pronouncing it wrong?”

“I don’t know. People can spend hours debating if it rhymes withgoneormoan.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

I firmly spread jam on first and then add the cream. Cody chuckles, before deliberately doing the opposite.

We look at each other and then both stuff the scones in our mouths.

We moan at the same time.

Fuck, that’s good.

Fluffy, buttery, and sweet.

The delicious taste reminds me of weekends with Shay and Mum and being surrounded by their happiness.

I caused that by feeding them.

As kids, I had to watch my own brother cry from hunger pains and collapse from starvation.

I will never allow my family to be hungry again.

“Awesome,” Cody mumbles around his mouthful, doing a thumbs up. “Looks like you’re coming after mytop baker in the familycrown.”

Family?

I look down, licking the cream off my fingers. “I’m not married to Robyn.”

“Hey,” Cody’s expression becomes serious, as he catches my wrist, “you don’t need to be. I see you guys as part of the family now. I’d like it if you saw me in the same way.”

Does he mean that?

I meet his gaze.

He’s studying me closely.

I nod.

“That’s great. I need to give you a heads-up about next week. I’ve been planning a party for my sis with Neve. It’s a surprise though, so don’t tell her. Your brother and D’Angelo are invitedas well. I understand if it’s not your thing. You don’t have to come.” Cody lets go of my wrist and nudges my shoulder with a sticky finger. “But you’d be there as my friend, as much as for Ryn.”

Joy winds through me.

It’s the first time that someone has invited me to a party.

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