Page 5 of Baking with Bryan

“Did I stutter?” his voice deepens. The hairs on the back of my neck raise, and something low in my belly tightens.

“You’re like me. We’re meant to play things loose and free. Don’t let the holidays trick you into believing otherwise.”

“I appreciate your concern, Allison, but I’m good. We’ve never made each other promises, and our arrangement no longer serves me.”

Unable to resist, I turn my head slightly to watch the scene play out. Allison laughs airily. “I love it when a man plays hard to get. It keeps things fresh.” She smiles suggestively. “You know where to find me when you come to your senses. People like us don’t get white picket fences and two kids.” Allison kisses his cheek and slinks away. Her words are a slow poison settling over the home and turning the warm vibes cold.

Back straight, Bryan watches her leave the porch in silence. I push away from the table and walk over to him. He closes the door, and I rest my body against his. Placing my head on his shoulder.

“She’s wrong.” The words are out before I can think to feign obliviousness to the exchange.

“Is she?” He gives a quick shake of his head.

Anger boils up inside me. “Yes. You have an enormous heart, Bryan. Any woman would be lucky to have your full attention. While you’re funny and lighthearted, it’s never beenallyou were.”

“You might be the only one who thinks that.” He breathes.

“No. I’m the one who knows it. You purposely keep yourself one-dimensional. This change isn’t about becoming who you want to be. It’s opening up and showing others who you’ve always been.”

Turning, he captures my gaze. “Do you really believe that? Because I’m not so sure. We get so used to playing roles in our life, it’s easy to lose ourselves.”

“I’ll never let you be truly lost, B. You know that.”

He smiles down at me. “And do I anchor you, Nora? You’re a hurricane trapped in a petite body.” He runs his fingers through my hair, skimming my scalp with his nails. I moan, leaning into the caress.

“I’m in awe of your accomplishments and the care you give so freely. It makes me wonder what I have to give you.” The quiet words hold weight.

“You’re my best friend. You listen without judgment, push me when I let fear get in the way, and force me to rest when you know I’d keep going until I ran myself into the ground. Yes, we’re opposites, but those differences have always strengthened us. Come on, I’m peanut butter, and you’re…”

“Jelly.” He presses his forehead to mine. “But you’re the sweet one. Wouldn’t it make more sense for you to be jelly?”

“Didn’t you just tell me earlier I was mean?” I whisper, praying he can’t hear my nervousness. This close, his body heat and cinnamon, clove, and bergamot scent are overwhelming. I want to close the millimeters between us and capture his lips.

He leans back, and I ball my fists, digging my nails into my soft palms to stay grounded.

“Thank you, Nor. You always know what to say.” He brushes a kiss on my forehead. “My brilliant, beautiful bestie, who has no idea how damned appealing she truly is.”

“Bryan?”

He cups the back of my neck, massaging my stiff muscles. “If you only knew how I longed to be worthy of you.”

“Worthy? What are you talking about?”

“You’re the sun, baby girl. The brightest star in the sky. And when you shine, you’re blinding. You deserve the best of everything.” The words have a direct line to my core.

“I’m supposed to be giving you the pep talk.”

His dark eyes bore into mine.

“I thought we were sharing truths the other might be blind to.” His thumb strokes the skin of my neck. “You’re always there for everyone and so focused on keeping things running smoothly. I wanted to make sure you’re taken care of and praised.”

I press my thighs together as the word praised echoes in my head.

“Okay,” I whisper, trying to hide my arousal at the p-word.

He tips my chin up. “I want to make sure you’re hearing me, Nor.”

“I am.” My voice cracks.

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