Page 54 of Cupcake

Page List

Font Size:

“No, she doesn’t,” I said, stepping to the side, so we looked like a team rather than him as my protector. “She has sour grapes because her frosting looked like bird crap, and ours was quite delightful.”

If steam really could pour from someone’s ears, Darla’s could be powering a locomotive.

“It isn’t even fair that you’re in this competition,” she growled. “Professionals shouldn’t be allowed to compete!”

“I’ll make sure to tell the judges to change the bylaws,” I drawled dryly.

“Is there anything else we can do for you, Darla? I think you better run along to the makeup and hair tent. You are a bit of a mess, and that crown is waiting. Better use your extra time to perfect your beauty queen look,” Brady said cheerily.

“I plan on it. I also plan to win. It’s a shame you decided to date this fat bitch instead of me. You deserve so much better than her. You could be fucking a beauty queen every night. Instead, you’re fucking the town’s orphan no one wanted. How does it feel to be the pity fuck, fluffy?” she asked before she spun on her heel and flounced away.

Refusing to react and let her see how much that hurt, I kept a smile glued to my face until she left the building, her tight ass swaying as she pranced away on those heels like the true bitch that she is.

“Haylee,” he said, but I held up my hand, taking a deep breath, so my actual reaction to her words didn’t run down my cheeks.

“Just—it’s fine. We need to pack this stuff in the van and get over to the tent before Amber is overrun by cupcake eaters.”

“Not until I make myself clear,” he growled. “You are not, nor will you ever be, unwanted or a pity fuck,” he said, pointing to where Darla had stood. “Do you understand me?”

“She’s not wrong in her assessment, though, Brady. Maybe not about the pity fuck, but about being the town’s orphan. I’m almost thirty, and if I count the people who care about me, I can use one hand and have fingers left over.” I waved my hand. “Forget it. We need to go,” I said, grabbing the handle of the cart and pushing it out into the air.

It had cooled off, and clouds were building in the sky, leaving a hazy cast to the afternoon that meant storms were coming. With any luck, we’d get the cupcake tasting done and the booth packed up before the rain hit.

“I’m going to move the van over by the tent,” I said to him over my shoulder. “If it starts to rain, we can’t be transporting product that far. Why don’t you head to the food tent and help Amber until I get there?”

He grasped the cart and pulled it to a stop. “I’ll load this and move the van. You’re the cupcake baker and should be there first. Let me do the heavy lifting for the rest of the day.”

“Sure. Okay,” I said, releasing the cart. “Just don’t be too long. Storms are coming, and it’s not safe to be in a tent.”

“You’ll see me in ten,” he promised. “And Haylee,” he said, his brow down to his nose, “I love you, more than anything. More than the love of one thousand friends. Okay?”

I nodded, trying for a smile but barely getting a trembling lip tilt. “I love you, too.”

He leaned over for a gentle kiss to seal his words and then pushed the cart toward the parking lot while I diverted to the tent.

I did love him, but unfortunately, Darla was right. He deserved better.