Page 44 of Don't Leave Me

I don’t say a word as I swallow and place the other half of the baklava back in the box. I grab the cupcake and carefully peel off the wrapper. Lifting it to my mouth, I lick the icing like it’s an ice cream cone and my eyes widen, yet I still don’t say a word. Taking a large bite, I let the flavors wash over my tastebuds. There are so many ingredients working together to create the most amazing carrot cake I’ve ever had, but that cream cheese icing takes it to a whole other level.

“Oh my gosh! Can you just tell me what you think? I’m over here sweating bullets, wondering if my boyfriend likes my baking.”

“Is it a deal breaker if I don’t?” I arch a brow, watching her carefully. Her face falls and all of the excitement leaves her body. Her shoulders hunch as she wraps her arms around her waist and I instantly feel terrible for screwing with her.

“No,” she whispers softly.

“Well, it should be. Because that’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever eaten. I wanted to moan, but I figured since I yelled at Sydney for doing that, I’d get scolded if I do. I don’t know who taught you to bake like that, but you’re amazing, baby.” I sweep her into my arms and spin her in a circle.

“You don’t hate it?” She peers up at me with a smile wanting to break across her lips, but she isn't letting it.

“Soph, I love it. I'm wondering exactly how much I'll have to add to my workout schedule so I don’t gain fifty pounds from eating your desserts.” I slowly let her slide down my body until her feet are on the ground.

“You already eat a ton of desserts.” She rolls her eyes.

“Yeah, but yours are better than Sydney’s, so I’ll want to eat even more.”

“Pecker! That’s so mean!” She swats at my chest, a frown marring her perfect features.

“Um, no it’s not. I'm Sydney and even I say you’re a better baker than me. You need to open your own bakery, Soph.”

“You’ve only tried two things.”

“Peck, grab a couple glasses of milk. We need to try everything she made.” Sydney claps her hands like a queen handing out orders to a bunch of her servants, but I couldn’t care less. I want to see what else my girl made.

“It’s official. I should quit my job because I’ve never baked anything better than Sophia.” Sydney pushes her empty plate away and shakes her head in disappointment.

“Oh, they are not that good.” Sophia rolls her eyes and stops next to me.

I don’t waste a second, I tug her onto my lap and wrap my arms around her waist. Resting my chin on her shoulder, I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Even when she’s not in a bakery, she still always smells and tastes like sugar cookies.

“They are, baby. You can work here for a little bit, but you have to open your own bakery.” I press a sloppy kiss to her cheek, making her squeal.

“I'm sorry, but the two of you are adorable together.” Sydney places her hand over her heart and smiles at us. “You guys seem really happy together too.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever been happier,” I whisper.

“Me neither. I really want you to come home with me and meet my family,” Sophia says softly.

“As long as you bring him back to me.” Sydney points a finger in our direction, making us chuckle.

“Ok, let me box up all my things, then we can go.” Sophia climbs off my lap no matter how many times I try to tug her back down. She smiles at me over her shoulder, and sways her hips a little bit more when she walks away.

“Peck, can I show you something in the fridge? I think it needs to be fixed.” Sydney stares at Sophia for a moment before turning her attention back to me.

“Yeah, what’s going on?” I follow her into the fridge and frown when she lets the door shut. Sydney has an irrational fear of the door getting stuck and she won't be able to get out. She always leaves something in the way of blocking it from shutting all the way.

“Do you love her?” Sydney spins to face me with her hands on her hips. I feel like I'm about to get yelled at for something, but I'm not sure what I did.

“Yes,” I drag out the word, wondering if this is an issue.

“She loves her family, Peck. You can tell by the way she talks about them.”

“I know she does. Why do you seem so upset by that?” I run my fingers through my hair and try to understand her.

“If she moves home, and you really love her, I want you to move with her,” she says sternly.

“Syd, I'm not moving anywhere. I came here to help you and I'm going to stay here and continue helping you.” I roll my eyes.

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