Page 56 of Bake You Mine
“Yeah.”
Damon gave him another shove while Lameka did a happy dance, both hands on the swell of her belly. “Why am I just hearing about this now?”
Liam sent an annoyed glare at Damon. Obviously, he’d gossiped with his wife.
“Because we’re trying to keep it on the down-low while the competition continues. Hence, the empty restaurant. I didn’t want any kitchen guys seeing her; they live for gossip.”
“I’ll stay mum. I’m glad you’re starting to listen, bro. You need to be with someone like her. Just be mindful she has a kid, so you know Daphne comes as a package deal, right?”
“I know. But she is in middle school, so it’s not like raising a toddler. Anyhow, I’m glad you think we’re a good match. You’ve been an authority on what love looks like since you met your forever in high school.” Liam lightly jabbed his friend in the ribs.
Damon snorted. “I guess I’m lucky.” He and Lameka shared a smile.
Liam’s phone buzzed with a text from Aubrey.
See you in five.
He shoved his phone into his pocket and turned to Damon. “She’ll be here soon, so could you make yourselves scarce?”
Thank God, they listened to him for once and scrammed. Liam tidied up the kitchen and went to the bathroom to check his reflection. As he cleaned up, he found himself with a case of first-date jitters.
He stepped into the kitchen as Aubrey walked in. He sucked in his breath as he took a good look at her. She wore leggings that clung to her lower half like a glove (holy fuckinghell)and a lightweight sweater.
“You look fucking fantastic.” He crossed the kitchen toward her, pausing to flick off the lights. The exit sign cast them both in a soft red glow.
“Is it better to kiss me in the dark?” Her laugh was short.
“Nah, I’m all about setting the mood.” He leaned in closer. She smelled like a clear fall night, mixed with a hint of sugar, which he never would have cared for on anyone but Aubrey. “God, you smell amazing.”
“Oh, thanks. I got the perfume from this little shop in Baltimore?—”
Before she could get another word in, his lips brushed against hers. Her hand settled into the crook of his elbow as she returned his kiss.
He broke away from her. “Come on. Neither of us wants to violate health and safety by letting things get heated in the kitchen, am I right?” He kissed her again, against his better judgment.
“To be fair, wedidalmost take things too far in a different kitchen, but I understand it’s different when it’s yours.”
They both fell silent. He was replaying that kiss in his mind—judging by the expression on her face, so was she.
He grabbed his stuff and held open the door for her. “After you.”
“Where are you taking me?” Aubrey was fifty-fifty on surprises, but she was trying to be open-minded.
She trailed behind Liam onto Tulip Turn. At this time of night, a few restaurants and shops were still open, although not many people lingered.
He stopped short, sending her careening into his back. He turned and cradled an arm around her shoulder. “Shit, I’m sorry, Aubs. Here I am, marching forward, dragging you behind me.”
“It’s okay, but will you tell me where we’re marching to?”
His smile shone brightly under the streetlight. “We’re almost there.”
After a few more steps, he halted in front of a batteredwooden sign, swinging idly in the wind. Directly below was a staircase leading to a basement level entrance.
“The Far End? What is this place, and how come I’ve never heard of it?”
“It’s a speakeasy owned by my friend Steve. They’re having a soft opening tonight. They’ve kept it quiet to amp up the suspense. You game?”
“Of course, I am. I mean, if you don’t mind being more public with this.”
