Page 87 of Hate Game

The cage fights start tomorrow, but instead of training with Josh and Mac, I am sitting next to Rue in Sweet Creations' back office, answering interview questions from a blind dude named Ben.

“If a customer asks what they should buy, cake or pie, what would you say?” He directs the question to me.

“I would ask who and what it’s for.”

“That’s good. And you, Rue?”

“Same as Malice. Then I would suggest cupcakes or the variety pack of sample-sized pies.” She points at the glass case of baked goods. “I personally would buy the packs of samplers. People can try different flavors and then come back and order the full-size version.”

Ben smiles. “Full-size version. I like that.”

“Do you name the desserts yourself?” Rue asks. “Do you trial different recipes?”

“I do, and yes, I am open to experimenting. Would you and Malice be interested in coming up with some?”

I look at Rue. She has a huge smile on her face. Her latest interest is baking from scratch. We went through so much flour that the next time we went to the store, we had a coupon for free flour waiting for us. That girl of mine.

“I’m in if Malice is. What do you think?” She turns to me with an expectant expression.

“I’m fine with it.” I like the fact that she asks for my take. She’s been doing that a lot more since the night of the Friendsgiving party.

“I look forward to what you two come up with. Currently, I order in but would love to offer desserts from local bakers.”

Rue grabs my hand under the table and squeezes. Ben calling us local bakers excites her. I squeeze back. Anything that makes my girl excited gets me excited too.

Ben reaches down and pulls something from his computer bag. “Fill out the employment papers and bring them in next Saturday. Does the week before Christmas work for the two of you?”

We answer, “Yes.”

“Good. Ever will have a schedule ready for you two. One last question. Do you both have reliable transportation?”

“Yes,” I answer for us.

Ben extends his hand. “Welcome to Sweet Creations. Ever spoke highly of the two of you. She will be your supervisor.”

We shake hands and rise from our seats. I credit Rue for getting us the job. I barely spoke a word to Ever before she abruptly left the party. “We’ll bring the papers by. Thank you, Ben.”

In my pickup truck, Rue is quiet. I reach over, pull the seatbelt over her chest and lap, and buckle her in. “Whatcha thinking hard about?”

“My job for your parents is over. Minus the party, all the conditions are met. I’ll give notice.” She stares out the window.

Grades above a B. Check.

Get a job. Check.

Do two good deeds. Check.

I grasp her stubborn chin in my thick fingers and tilt her face to mine. “That doesn’t mean you and me are finished, Rue. We’re just beginning, baby.”

“Okay.”

There’s uncertainty in her beautiful eyes. I tip forward and press my mouth to hers. “We are not over.” I enunciate every word, making it clear I will not abandon her, ever.

She must see the truth in my eyes. Rue closes hers. I slide my hand under her hair, splay my fingers over her nape, and kiss her until she begs me to give her more. Not here. Not in the parking lot. When I make love to Rue, I want her to come for me only. No one else should glimpse or witness her serene expression as she comes with a soft sigh.

I pull out of the parking lot. There’s a place I would like to take her to, not for making out and making love, but because the place means something to me, and I want to share my piece of heaven with my girl.

It was my place of solitude when I needed to think. It was also a place where my broken heart semi-healed. Making the rest of my heart whole again will depend on what happens with Rue and me.

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