Page 2 of How Sweet It Is

Pretty Boy comes out of the kitchen, a tray in his hand and a huge grin on his face. “Here we go. Our newest cupcakes. Murder in the Frost Degree.”

I look at the cupcakes with the red frosting and a triangle of chocolate stabbing into them, making it look like a knife. “Nice.”

He takes one off the tray and slides it to me. “You can be the first one to try it.”

I’m a bit shaken by him being so nice to me. He’s been snarky and snippy, even downright rude, but never nice to me. Unfortunately, I can’t eat gluten, and Rafe told me to not let that get out, as that’s one of the things everybody knew about me in my old life.

I pick it up, touched that he would want me to try it first. “Thanks. I’ll eat it later. It’s way too early in the morning for sugar.” I set it down by the register.

Pretty Boy steps back from me, a stricken look on his face. “Oh. Got it. You probably have to eat some spreadsheets or something first.”

His comment stings, and I stiffen. “And what do you eat in the morning? Undercooked pickup lines?”

He smiles at me and leans in so close I get a whiff of whatever soap he used this morning. It’s an herbal, earthy smell. That, combined with his dimple, is making my head swim. “Some of us survive on charm and denial,” he says, his voice almost a whisper. “Don’t judge my process.”

He doesn’t step back, and I feel the heat from his skin. It’s making my pulse jump. I try to back away, but I’m pressed up against the counter. “Well, good news. You’re clearly well-stocked on both.”

He lifts one eyebrow, and I must admit, that makes him look even sexier.

“Did you just call me charming?”

My breath catches. “Don’t flatter yourself.” I squirm away from him and enter the kitchen. I stalk over to the office, sure my face is flushed, which is absurd. Levi obviously flirts with every girl he sees. It’s insulting.

At least, it should be insulting. But for some reason, my heart can’t stop racing. Good heavens, I need to get out more. I can’t possibly be attracted to Pretty Boy. He is totallynot my type.

CHAPTER 2

LEVI BARRETT — SUNDAY, AUGUST 30

Iplace the last chocolate-cherry cupcake in the glass case and slide the door closed. I’m extremely pleased with the way they turned out. The knife-shaped piece of chocolate looks so cool, even if Miss Uptight didn’t touch hers. I hold in a scoff as I glance at the one she set beside the register. Exactly what time is it acceptable to eat sugar?

The door dings, and I grin at Kiki as she comes in with Skyler, who is wearing a Bluey shirt, pink leggings, and a rainbow tutu.

“Hey, Uncle Levi!” Skyler says.

“Hey, Little Pup.”

“Sorry we’re late. I wanted to be here for your opening, but Skyler wanted to pick out her own outfit today.”

I chuckle. “You look great,” I say to Skyler. She beams.

“How has your first day been so far?” Kiki eyes the empty place. “Have you had any customers?”

“We had a line outside the door before we opened.” I can’t help the little bit of pride that creeps in.

“That’s fantastic! I got Ellie and Josephine to tell all their friends to come. And they let me put a sign up in the art gallery.”

I should have known Kiki was behind the crowd at opening. “Well, it worked. Although, the rush is over, and I’m hoping we see more customers today.” I peer nervously outside.

“It’s still early in the morning. I’m sure traffic will pick up. You’re in a great location, right on the downtown strip. And people are used to coming here for pastries.”

I nod. “Hopefully, you’re right.”

Kiki crouches beside Skyler and points at the glass. “You can pick any treat you’d like, and we’ll buy enough for everyone to have for tonight’s dessert.”

Amelia comes out from the kitchen. “Oh, hello.”

Skyler looks up at her. “I get to pick anything I want.”

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