Page 29 of All Mine

“Okay… it’s just a natural nickname.”

“I don’t do nicknames.”

She laughed.

“What?”

“I knew you were a type A personality. But, I didn’t realize you were such a stick in the mud.”

“Says the woman who’s afraid of change.”

“I’m not afraid of change. You think the world revolves around you, and one minor inconvenience gives you the right to degrade—”

“Yeah, you are. You don’t know anything about me, sweetheart.”

“Oh, I know plenty about your type.”

“I do not have to take this. There’s no reason for me to be here.” I tore off the hair net and grabbed for the apron.

“Fine. I’ll call Bethany and tell her you couldn’t hack it. And I’ll win the bet.”

“What bet?” I stopped cold, hairnet in hand.

“I bet her fifty dollars that you’d quit before the bakery even opened.”

“You are so not winning that bet.” I stuffed the hairnet back on and retied the apron, pretty sure the cupcake princess played me. Even though she’d bet against me, the urge rose to push her against the wall and find out what else those lips could do besides yell at me. But, she was bossy and set in her ways. She wanted to stop the sale, and I’d lose my commission. She’s the enemy.

“Fine, then take these muffins and put them in the front case on the far right.”

“You don’t have to tell me.” I'd paid attention to how she arranged the items in the case.

We worked in silence, which seemed to be the only way we wouldn’t fight. She gave me the tray to go out, and I filled the case with her baked goods. Even the egg soufflés that I’d carelessly poured somehow looked and smelled delicious.

“We open in five minutes,” she announced, stepping back and taking in the display cases full of her food. It was a miracle that we pulled it off. “Grab yourself a coffee and prepare for the release of the Kraken.”

A laugh escaped. “Are you comparing your customers to a mythical, destructive sea monster?”

“You’ll see,” she sang as she bounced into the kitchen.

Surely she’s yanking my chain. A weight settled on my chest and a lump lodged in my throat. But I pushed it aside, taking in the coffee machine.

“Hey, show me how to work this thing,” I called. “I might need to make a latte or cappuccino.”

Lauren returned and ran through the instructions on making the drinks, her arm brushing against mine sent a spark through me. The touch didn’t last long enough, and I craved more. With supervision, I made myself a latte and held it up.

“Success.”

She laughed, and I loved the sound and wanted to make her do it again.

When she turned to leave, I snatched her by the wrist, and an electric current ran up my arm. “Why did you end our date so abruptly?”

Twelve

Lauren

With Camden’s large fingers wrapped around my wrist, my brain refused to deliver words. I’d frozen in place. He had me in a firm hold, but it didn’t hurt, which was the only reason I didn’t kick him in the nuts. But, he’d asked me a question, one I’d hoped he wouldn’t.

“You know why,” I whispered.

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