Page 21 of Baking With A Rockstar

“I was such a kid, young and impressionable, believing everything people told me. I’ve definitely learned my lesson since then.” He grits his teeth, and I’m torn between wanting to go back in time to take my question back and wanting to find out more about what happened to him.

He lets out a big breath. “Sorry. Let’s talk about something else, okay?”

I feel like someone just dangled a treat in front of my nose, only to snatch it away the last second. I want to ask a million more questions, but instead, I do the right thing and nod. “Of course.”

“Thank you.” He opens and closes his hands a few times, clearly trying to shake off his frustration. “So, Grandma told me you’re going to make the birthday cake and some other delicious treats for my mom’s birthday next week?”

The birthday party for Hannah’s daughter. Hudson’s mom. I feel like a total idiot, but I didn’t even think about the connection between them. Actually, I haven’t even thought about the party and the birthday cake since Hannah asked me a couple weeks ago. Who would’ve thought this turned into such a family affair?

Well, I’m definitely not going to tell him that realization just made me a nervous wreck.

I know most people would say it’s just a cake, but it’s more to me. I try to get every cake perfect for the individual recipient. I want it to match. I want them to think back to whatever big day they celebrated and remember how much they loved my cake. It’s silly, but that’s how it’s always felt to me.

Since I can’t exactly say this kind of stuff to Hudson—who would undoubtedly think I’m as nutty as a fruitcake—I plaster on a big smile for him. “Yeah, I’m excited. This will be the first big cake I’m making here, so it’ll be perfect to test the oven in the bakery for a bigger crowd.”

His eyes crinkle at the sides when he chuckles. “That makes sense. I suck at baking, as you know, so I can’t even imagine creating anything that big. Mom likes to be social, so I’m sure it’s gonna be a good-sized party. The more people are there, the more she can meddle too. I wouldn’t be surprised if she already has a few possible prospects for me invited too.”

I look at him, trying to figure out if he’s serious or not. “She does that?”

He shrugs his shoulders, scratching the back of his neck. “Wouldn’t be the first time. Though, that was a while ago, so maybe she’s given up.”

“Huh.” Thoughts race through my mind at Hudson being set up with different women at the upcoming party.

Why does that thought make my stomach churn? It’s not like it has anything to do with me.

The SUV slows down when Hudson turns into the driveway of his property. “Maybe you could come with me, Charlie?”

“To the party?”

He nods, his voice hopeful. “Yes. The rest of my family has been dying to meet you, and I’d love it if you were there with me.”

I suddenly feel a little lightheaded because that sounds an awful lot like a date.

As if Hudson read my mind, he turns my way and pushes his sunglasses up and into his hair. His beautiful eyes focus on me, his gaze drawing me in. “It can be a date if you want it to be, or not. Your choice. You know what I want.”

My mouth falls slightly open, both his admission—wanting a date with me—and the promise I made Monica to say yes if he ever asked me out again swirling around smack center in my brain. To be honest, I’m not sure I would’ve made this promise to Monica had I known he’d ask again so soon.

But it can just be easy and fun, right? No expectations or anything. Just two friends enjoying each other’s company. No biggie at all.

I lean my head on the headrest and look at him, studying his breathtaking face. He turns his baseball cap around, which is my absolute weakness, and mimics my position.

Gosh, he’s handsome.

A small smirk crosses his lips, making the dimple on his right cheek appear. “So, what do you say, roomie? Want to go on a date with me? I promise I’ll make it worth your while.”

I swear, this man will be the end of me. No one should be this sexy and utterly charming, not to mention adorable, all at the same time. It’s like he’s bulldozing every defense I’ve built up like it’s nothing.

There really is only one right answer. “Yes.”

Chapter Nine

The following week,I turned into a master of pretense—to me, the conversation with Hudson didn’t happen. Of course, I know itdidhappen, but I pretended otherwise so life would be easier for me. If I’d acknowledged the fact that I actually agreed to go to his mom’s birthday partyas his date, I might have ruined the cake purely out of nerves. Hudson was a lifesaver by not mentioning it either. I’m sure my anxiety was easy to spot, even from miles away, most likely waving around a big, fat “Caution” sign.

One thing that definitely changed is the tension between us, which isn’t a surprise considering we work side by side at the bakery and live in the same house. Everything has become more intense. The accidental touches of two people still getting to know each other, the intentional touches of friends who have learned so much about each other. The secret glances, the obvious glimpses.

I’ve also learned a lot about his habits and routines, which makes living together a lot easier. Much to my ovaries’ delight, one of my favorite routines of his is the shirtless run he goes on every morning, right before he has his muse session with me. Since he said he doesn’t mind when Mira is around, the three of us have come to start our mornings together most days.

The day of the party has arrived, though, and my nerves are back in full swing, ready to kick me in the butt.

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