Page 3 of Rebel Heart
That did it.
I hadn’t wanted to go there, but the reality was that no amount of convincing would ever get me to change my mind.
“Fair enough.”
With that discussion over, Vic took the opportunity to shift it to work. The four of us spent the rest of our time at lunch discussing upcoming work tasks, all thoughts of relationships fading far into the background.
“You guys want to head back out?” Jamie asked after we’d finished eating.
“I think I’m going to head over there and grab some dessert first,” I said, getting up from my seat and jerking my chin in the opposite direction. “Want anything?”
The guys looked over to where I’d indicated, but none of them were interested in having anything sweet. Sadly, I could admit it was one of my vices. I was a sucker for treats of any kind, but anything that was freshly baked would always be at the top of my list.
“I’ll be right back.”
Without waiting for a response from my friends, I took off and crossed the space, winding my way through the tables and past several options for desserts to the one spot that was most appealing to me.
Not only had there been a long line the entire time I’d been inside the building having lunch, but there was the perfect opportunity to prove to my friends—especially Talon and Jamie—just how fun it was to be in my position when it came to dating and relationships.
No commitments, no responsibilities. Just good times all the time.
With two people in line ahead of me, I took some time to peruse the options in the display cases. My mouth watered at the sight of everything available, and if I didn’t have several hours of fun in the park with my friends ahead of me—plus the fact that I’d already nearly stuffed myself during lunch—I might not have forced myself to try to decide on just one item.
“Can I help you, sir?”
Tearing my focus away from the desserts on display, I blinked at the woman behind the counter.
Sir?
Well, if that didn’t make me feel my age, I didn’t know what else would.
When I’d been eating lunch, I’d glanced over here several times. Aside from my love of all things sweet, it was the young woman working behind the counter who had captured my attention. Physically speaking, she was just my type, with her short stature and long, dark hair.From the distance, I’d seen her smile, and it was captivating. Up close, the deep blue hue of her eyes had the same effect.
“Sir?”
At what felt like the biggest insult, I shook off the thoughts distracting me and apologized, “I’m sorry. I was just… Well, I’m not sure how to say this without sounding like a total jerk.”
Surprise washed over her as her eyes rounded and she jerked her chin back. “You have something to say that would make me think you’re a jerk?”
I shrugged. “Perhaps. But I promise I’m not one.”
An awkward laugh escaped. “Okay. Well, what is it?”
A smile slowly spread across my face as I pointed to the table where my friends were still seated. “I was having lunch with a couple of my buddies, and I couldn’t help but notice the line over here. I figured that had to mean there was something over here worth making the visit for.”
“And now that you’re here, do you regret coming over?”
“No. Well, maybe.” Her brows shot up, silently questioning me. Laughing, I explained, “I only regret that I don’t have enough room to try all the desserts that look good in that display case.”
As quickly as I could snap my fingers, the woman smiled at me. It lit up her whole face, her eyes sparkling as her bright white teeth gleamed against those pretty pink lips. “I can assure you that it’s all very good. You’re unlikely to be disappointed.”
“What would you suggest?”
“It’s a bunch of freshly baked goods, so I love it all. You really can’t go wrong with any of it.” She moved from behind the register to the side, so she was standing behind one of the display cases. “Is this your first time?”
First time?
“Pardon?”
