Page 8 of Bake You Mine
“Those are enough details to whet your appetite; the particulars will come tomorrow. Just clear your schedule of extracurriculars. This contest will stretch over the next few weeks. Once this first challenge is concluded, you’ll learn what the second is.”
“We both have businesses to run,” Liam said. “So please keep that in mind when you’re in your evil laboratory coming up with the challenges.”
Gary laughed. “I shall do no such thing, young man! This is a unique opportunity. It’s not supposed to be easy. I have faith you’ll figure it out.”
Aubrey gnawed on her lower lip as she took in the news. God, why did he have to develop an interest in this irritating little pastry chefnow?
Gary’s phone began to ring. “Ben fromThe Pinnaclewill be by tomorrow for a photo shoot, so make yourselves presentable!” He took two steps toward the door. “Oh, and bythe way, your presence will be expected at a little impromptu cocktail party at my manseon Thursday night. A little mingling will excite everyone for the contest campaign, don’t you think?”
They followed him out.
“I do work at night, you know!” Liam said.
“And I work early!” Aubrey countered.
Gary returned to his phone call, ignoring them both.
She whirled around and tugged her sweatshirt over her backside.
Again.
He huffed out a breath. This contest bullshit was already out of hand.
“I hate to beat a dead horse, but it would be easier if you just let me have it. I mean, how much space could you need to make those fancy little cakes?” He draped himself across the doorframe and put on his best smile.
She rounded on him, mighty at little over five feet tall. “You already asked me once, and I told you to fuck off. Don’t ask again if you want to keep your appendages in their original locations.”
She meant his arms and legs, of course, but he couldn’t help but think of another, ahem, appendage.
“Okay, you’ve made yourself clear.” He took a step back. That fire in her blue eyes was a little intimidating.
“Now that we know where we stand, should we shake on a fair fight?”
Liam snorted. “What makes you think it’ll be a fight?”
Her smile dropped, and she narrowed her eyes. “Here’s a pro tip, Linley: there’s confidence, and then there’s cockiness. You land on the cocky side, and maybe some people find that a winning quality, but I don’t.” She paused. “Especially for a dude begging for an out less than a minute ago.”
She was right, but he wasn’t gonna cop to it.
“You telling that to me or you, darling?” He flicked his hair from his face.
Her wide-eyed gaze shot up to meet his. She sputtered briefly before she managed, “You, obviously.”
God, she was annoyingly adorable. This was one hell of a predicament, especially since they’d have to be spending time together for this first challenge.
With a grin, he extended his hand. “You’re right. It doesn’t matter if neither of us wants to do this; you know Gary, once his mind’s made up. May the best man”—he paused for dramatic effect—“or woman win.”
She slapped her palm against his. His large hand covered hers and squeezed tightly.
“Trying to break my fingers, you cheater?”
“Cheating’s not really my style.” He released her.
“With a face like that, you’re kind of cheating at life, right?” She let out a strangled noise and covered her rapidly reddening cheeks.
He sputtered out a laugh. “What the fuck does that mean?”
Aubrey hurried toward the door. She tugged the bun free, and her dark curls cascaded down her back.
