Page 54 of Sugar Rush

“All right.”

He stepped back, let out a long breath.“Lettin’ you go now is probably one of the harder things I’ve done.”

“Rick, please.My control is perilously thin right now.Good night.”

“G’night, honey.”

He waited until I turned my key in the door to step back off the porch.The light caught on the gold in his hair and picked out the barely-there shades of green in his brown eyes.He wasgorgeous.I bit my lip and let myself have one final look at him before I shut the door behind me, slid down it and suppressed a squeal of utter joy at the feeling of wanting and being wanted in return.

I felt alive; butterflies swarmed in my stomach.I felt I could do anything.

ChapterFifteen

After I recovered from Rick’s kiss, and allowed myself a full half hour to relieve every detail, I messaged Jenny.

Me: Jen, are you still up?

Jenny: Yeah.Unfortunately.

Me: Are you ok?

Jenny: Toby’s teething.He’s gone back to sleep now, but I’m wide awake.I just heard Rick get in.How’s Laurie?

Me: News travels fast.

Jenny: Welcome to small town, USA.

We texted for a while.I updated Jenny on the past few hours—my aunt was okay, but would undoubtedly be a bear with a sore head once her meds wore off.As I hoped, Jenny bit my hand off when I asked her to assist in the bakery.She thought she’d be able to ask her parents to watch Toby, considering the sky-high cost of daycare.

When she asked about Rick, I pressed my lips together, remembering theepicdoorstep kiss.I wasveryeager for him to rock my world again.

Jenny: Did you have fun with Rick?Up until the hospital, that is.

Me: We had a nice time, yes.I had a hot brown at the diner.

Jenny: Is that what they’re calling it these days??

Jenny: Jk.

Jenny: Unless….

Me : Good night.

Jenny: Party pooper.

* * *

I rummaged in the top drawer of Jess’ coffee table for what felt like anagebefore I found the tiny envelope with the key to my aunt’s house.No wonder Jess affectionately called it her “hell drawer.”It was stuffed with random chargers, loose change, unused plasters, single earrings, and the assorted detritus of modern life.

I had the morning free before I went to the baseball game with Rick - if I was going.I needed to prepare for opening the bakery tomorrow, with Aunt Laurie out of action.

My phone beeped, and I snatched it up eagerly to see a text from Jenny letting me know she was available.

Jenny: I’m all yours, all day if you need me!

Me: Fantastic.If I give you the bakery key, would you find the order sheet and message me a picture of it?

Jenny: No problem.

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