Page 50 of The Prettiest Outlaw

“Don’t play with me, Juli,” she warned.

I held up my hands in surrender as I leaned against the one of the two islands in Jia’s gourmet chef’s kitchen. The three of us were there to bake and decorate cookies and cupcakes. Plus, my sisters threatened to kick my ass if I didn’t make time to hang out with them. Since Jia’s home had the kitchen of my dreams, I asked them to bake with me.

Nico had decided to host an open house of sorts at the body shop for members of Faith in Harvest. It was an opportunity for them to be introduced to his shop and his offerings while he gave them a slight discount for coming through.

It was early June, and the weather had warmed up enough for him to host a really cool event outside in the shop’s parking lot. He was doing bouncy houses, food trucks, a few vendors, and a pop-up shop featuring my cupcakes and cookies. I’d spent the last four or five weeks getting branding done on cellophane bags, paper bags, business cards, cupcake liners, and more.

I’d locked myself away, only making time for Nico and the baking and pastry courses I’d enrolled in. It was the first time I’d ventured out to be social in more than a month. Clearly, my sisters had been awaiting their chance to get in my ass about my disappearing act. I would let them have it because I knew they were only mad because they loved me and missed me.

“Sorry,” I offered. “Yes, it’s me and Nico. Being with him makes me happy.”

“Looks like he makes you more than just happy.” Jia observed, taking a long sip from her coffee mug. “You’re glowing as much as this one,” she said, gesturing toward Jianna. “Do you have some news you need to share with us?”

I had to laugh at the sparkle in my big sister’s eyes. “I’m not pregnant, Jia.”

“But you’re in love,” Jianna commented.

“I might be. I’m definitely very into this man. All I want to do is be around him and his energy.”

“He seems like a good guy. Langston likes him, and you know that Langston doesn’t like anybody.”

We all laughed at Jia’s joke.

“What did Langston say when he found out?” Jianna asked. “Did he try to kick Nico’s ass? Did he put a contract out on him?”

“You’re so dramatic.” Jia shook her head. “I think he was shocked, but he appreciated the fact that Nico brought it to him and put it out there. All he could do was respect it after that.”

“Nico’s a good catch, little sis.”

“He is,” I agreed with Jianna’s words.

“And you two are going to make some pretty babies,” she teased. I used to tell her the same thing about her and Dolton.

“No time soon.”

“Whatever.” She waved me off with a giggle. “Hill men tend to keep their wives pregnant. Just saying, boo. I mean, Dolton and I are on number four in as many years. Dominic and Brittanie have the twins plus two more. Dorien and Kyndall have Bryson plus three more. Once you and Nico get started, it’ll probably be hard to turn him off.”

“Nobody asked you.” I shot her a frown, even though I was fronting. Nothing could make life sweeter for me than spending it with Nico, and our children. I definitely wanted that in the future. “Umm, can we get on to baking? We have a lot of cookies and cupcakes to bake and decorate before tomorrow’s event. Less talking and more working.”

* * *

“Why are you in your bag? I thought you would be in good mood after spending the day with your sisters.”

“I’m in a good mood.” I took a final bite of the slice of pizza I was eating. Baking and decorating went on well into the evening. When I got back to Nico’s house, the last thing I felt like doing was cooking. So, we ordered pizza. “I think I’m just stressed about tomorrow.”

“Let’s talk it through. The shelves and the two display cases were delivered today. They’re under the tent, waiting for you to fill them with your products. We’ll start setting you up at eight. Tell me who’s on the set-up team?”

I took a deep breath. “You, me, Ravyn, Jia, Jianna, and Jianna’s best friends, Ginger and Ambrie.”

“Set up goes until 9:30. The festivities start at ten. I had Donovan come by today and set up your payment device, so you can take electronic payments. Did you stop by the bank to get change for people who pay in cash? Otherwise, we’ll stop in the morning.”

“Jianna and I got the change before we went by Jia’s.”

“Cool. The truck is loaded. What am I forgetting?”

I stood from my chair, moved to the other side of the table, and deposited myself in his lap.

“Nico, I really love the way you take care of me.”

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