Page 114 of Bake You Mine
“The plans hadn’t gotten much farther than a couple of Internet searches and drawing your name over and over in my sketchbook, surrounded by little hearts. I also finished that sketch I drew of you. I’ll have to hang it in Petit Chou when it reopens.”
“Sounds like things were back to where they were before the competition, huh?”
“Yeah, except I know how annoying you are now.”
He hooked his foot around her chair and dragged her closer. “I think this space was good for both of us.”
“I think so. I know my anxiety can be a lot—and I’m sure you’ve caught on by now that I overcompensate with humor—but I’ve had an appointment with my therapist, and I’ll be meeting with her regularly again. I’ve also added a new anxiety medicine to my regimen.”
He dropped his forehead against hers. “You’re not running into battle solo anymore, Aubs. You’ve got me. But you can’t lock me out. Not if we’re doing this. We’re a team.”
“I know that now, I promise.”
He cupped her cheek. “I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand another minute away from you.”
She looped an arm around his shoulder. “So, what does this mean?”
“I’m staying now, Aubs. Not just for you, but you played a huge part in this decision. I want us to stay, working side by side, growing our careers right here. I know you and Daphne come as a package deal. I’m happy to be in her life to whatever level you and Chris allow me to be.”
“She’s got her shit together more than I do. She’ll be fine.” She paused. “But I appreciate your consideration for her feelings.”
“We both know why you got scared, Aubs. This thingbetween us…it’s real.” He reached forward and grabbed her hand. He gave it a tight squeeze.
“I know that now,” she said softly. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise.”
Aubrey’s breath returned to her for the first time since the competition had ended. She closed her eyes and slid her head onto his shoulder.
“I do have one condition if we’re going to do this, though.”
She exhaled. Whatever he wanted, she’d comply. She could hardly believe this was happening.
“You need to change your emoji for me on your phone. I think I’ve been promoted from poop emoji to at least the little chef.”
Laughter burst out of her. “Is that all? Of course. You can pick your emoji.” She pushed her phone across the table toward him.
He held a hand to his chest. “Thank you. It was wearing on my mind.”
God, he was such a smart ass. But he was hers. And she’d never let him go. “I’m glad I could bring you peace.”
They stayed in a little bubble of just the two of them until Liam cupped her face in his hand.
“So, what do you say, Aubs? Me, you, world domination?” He murmured the words against her head.
“Maybe not world domination. Let’s start with Port Fortune, then the DMV.” She tightened her grip.
“If we’re starting something big, we must stand up for it.” He stood, and she followed him to her feet.
“And shake hands, maybe? Like we did when this all started?” She extended her hand.
He reached for it, not for a handshake, but to pull her into his arms. Aubrey let out a yelp as she braced herself against his broad chest.
“Looks like we’re both victors here, huh, Aubs?”
“So, how about those spoils?” Aubrey fisted his sweater as she leaned up to give him a tiptoe kiss. She sighed against him as he deepened the kiss, his arms looping around her to hold her tight. He tasted like chocolate, for probably the first and last time ever.
Someone passed outside, letting out a yell. They found a group of people pointing. “Get it, hot chef!”
Liam snorted. “I guess it’s gonna take more than a few days for people to stop calling me that, huh?”
