Scanning the room, there are at least six different kinds of baked goods on platters on the gleaming counters. Did he buy all this stuff and bring it here? The house wouldn’t smell so good if he had done that, though.
“Wait, did you bake all this stuff?” I ask, scrunching my nose as I look up at him.
He winks at me, causing a tiny flutter in my stomach.
“My brother is a coffee snob and loves to buy expensive beans as a hobby, and I like to bake shit. So, what’s your flavor, bombshell? Chocolate?”
It takes a second before my jaw works and I’m able to speak because, seriously, what the hell? “You baked all of this? From scratch?”
He slides a steaming hot mug toward me, then sets a small glass plate next to it. A second later, a cupcake that looks too good to eat is placed on it.
“Are they poisoned?” I ask as I study it.
Might be worth it if they are. At least I’d die eating something delicious.
“What the fuck? What kind of person do you think I am, bombshell?”
I narrow my gaze at him. “Seriously? You and your asshole brothers kidnapped me and are holding me hostage. Forgive me if I don’t put poisoning my cupcake past you.”
Beckett glares at me, and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen him look scary. Really scary. “They’re not poisoned, Jordyn. Jesus Christ. We’re not total monsters.”
I think that’s the first time Beckett’s ever used my first name, and as much as I hate to admit it, I preferbombshell.
“Take a bite then,” I say with raised brows.
He shoots daggers at me, then sighs and, while keeping eye contact, picks up the cupcake and slowly removes the wrapper. Then, like an untrained animal, he shoves the entire thing into his mouth and grins at me as crumbs drop onto the counter.
I gag slightly and shake my head. “I said take a bite, not inhale the entire thing. Don’t you have manners?”
“No,” Cash snaps, making me startle and spin around to face him. “He doesn’t. My mom was tired of having babies in a hospital, so she decided to have Beckett at the county fair. He won first prize in the prettiest pig competition.”
Laughter bubbles out of me, and I half expect Beckett to get pissed, but instead, he chuckles and flips off his brother. Cash walks up to him and grabs him in a partial headlock, partial hug.My chest warms as I watch them. It’s clear these four men love each other, and from how hard Cash is trying to find his father’s murderer, I think they were close with their dad, too.
The smooth taste of coffee on my tongue suddenly turns bitter. Here I am, acting like I’m on some exotic vacation with a hot guy, and they’re hurting. Still searching and wondering. And I’ve done nothing to try to help. The only thing I’ve been is a distraction. One that I’m sure Cash is going to get tired of quickly.
When I realize the kitchen has gone quiet, I glance up to find Cash and Beckett watching me, and I swallow heavily. I need to help them. They deserve justice. Even if it means this will end sooner rather than later.
Besides, Cash and I still hate each other. Right?
“Cupcake?” Cash asks, holding a bite out to me on a fork.
My heart twists, and I lower my lashes and accept his offer, moaning as the rich chocolate hits my tongue.
“Oh, that’s really fucking good,” I mumble around it.
Beckett grins. “I call those the panty-dropper cupcakes.”
I choke, and Cash smacks his brother as Beckett bursts out laughing.
Yeah, it’s pretty hard to hate these men.
Our eyes meet for a second, and like every time, a spark ignites, only this time, there’s a weight in the pit of my stomach that I don’t like.
Averting my gaze, I stare at the pile of delicious chocolate cupcakes in front of me. “Do you think you guys can share some information with me about your dad and your business?”
All laughter dies, and I lift my chin, watching as sadness creeps over both of their intense features.
“I don’t know anything.” My fingers wrap around the hem of my tank top. “But I want to try to help if I can.”