Page 125 of Frosting and Flames

I want to make sure everything is resolved between us, hating this lingering unsettled feeling. Yes, Nick told me he loves me, but… To be honest, there’s still a lot of guilt weighing me down. I didn’t believe Nick when he was telling the truth. Didn’t givehim the benefit of the doubt when he’s always been there for me. How could he let that slide so easily?

Not that I’m looking to be punished, but I need to make sure there’s no resentment on his part. And if there is, what I can do to make it right. I never meant to hurt Nick.

His text just after seven is a balm to my soul, and he agrees for me to meet him at his place in twenty minutes.

“Go get you some,” Sydney calls out when I grab my purse from the office to leave.

“We’re not…” I blush. Okay, maybe we are. Hopefully.

She gives me a knowing smirk but doesn’t say more.

Up front, Hailey waves to me as she rings up someone at the register, and then I’m off.

I’m not sure exactly what I’ll say to Nick when I get there, but my heart’s already racing remembering what it was like to be in his bed last time. How in tune we were. How amazing he was.

I just hope I haven’t messed everything up.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

RACHEL

As I pull up to Nick’s house, Tanner is walking down the driveway toward his car, dressed professionally in a button-down shirt and tie, with a laptop bag looped over his shoulder.

He stops when he sees me, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Hey.”

“Hi.” I’m a bit taken aback by the edge of hostility surrounding him.

“Are you and Nick good?” he asks bluntly. “He asked me about a pair of—”

“Oh, yes, we’re fine.” I look around, praying Mrs. Montour won’t pop out of the bushes and overhear us. I don’t need the underwear escapade all over town. “It was, um… Have you talked to him since then?”

He shakes his head. “He was working yesterday. Only passed him just now when he got home before he headed in the shower.”

“I’m sure he’ll fill you in.”

He nods, still seeming wary. “Because you know he’d never cheat on you, right?”

My throat is suddenly thick with emotion. Tanner’s not chastising me exactly, but the effect is there. “I know.”

“He’s…” He blows out a breath. “He’s really gone for you. He’s never been like this about anyone else.”

I nod, glad Nick has someone in his life that has his back. “I feel the same way about him.”

“Oh.” That clears away his doubt. “Well, good. Hey, are you making dinner here again soon?”

I nearly laugh. That’s all it took to win him over? “Just tell Nick what you want and I’ll make it.”

He tells me he’s not picky and leaves for work with a giddy smile. It makes me wonder how badly the two of them eat on a regular basis.

When Nick answers the door, he immediately pulls me into a kiss. I sigh into him, loving his steady strength.

“What’s this?” he asks after a moment, discovering the box I’m holding when he tries to take my hand.

“A sampler for you. Things you haven’t tried yet from the bakery.” I open it, showing him the pastries. “A cherry turnover, a chocolate croissant, a cranberry orange scone, and a lemon poppyseed muffin. Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite.”

I love the lopsided grin he gives me. “Thank you. I can’t wait to try them.” He takes the box from me and sets it on the table. “But I don’t think anything can top my favorite dessert.”

“Which one is that?” He said he loved the danishes, but maybe the cinnamon rolls topped them.

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