Page 16 of A Little Twist

“Britt said working with kids is something you love.”

“Oh…” I exhale a laugh. “It’s that little hit of dopamine. Kids are the one job that hugs you back.”

The last bowl is washed, and I turn my back to the sink as I watch him dry it. His hands are large and strong with nice, long fingers and neat, clean nails. His sleeves are pushed up to reveal muscular forearms with a few veins, and a heavy, stainless-steel watch is on his wrist along with a dark leather bracelet. My eyes flicker to his waist, and I have to suppress the memory of what’s hiding in his pants.

“If they like you.” He tosses the towel over his broad shoulder, smiling and looking too good.

These feelings are all fresh and unexpected—and motivated by seeing him naked, of course. Brilliantly, unbelievably naked.

And I’ve got work to do.

Grabbing the large metal bowl off the standing mixer, I start on the cinnamon buttercream frosting. “That’s why I made the distinction.Littlekids. Once they hit puberty, it all gets tricky.”

Brown sugar, butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt all gradually make their way into the mixer. Alex continues hanging out at the counter beside me, being far too distracting and not leaving.

I arch an eyebrow at him. “Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

That makes him laugh. “Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“I’m worried about my frosting. You’re watching it like a hungry predator about to pounce.”

“What makes you think I’m watching your frosting?”

My jaw drops, and I swear, this man. “Are you sexually harassing me, Mr. Stone?”

“I’m not your boss, and it’s Alex to you.” The tease in his tone is fucking hot, but he takes a little turn. “Actually, I was thinking about how I’ve gotten used to you being here this past month. After tomorrow, it all comes to an end.”

It’s the same feeling I had this morning, and I’m surprised to hear him say it out loud.

“Are you going to miss me?” Giving him a little wink, I wonder if he might ask me on a date.

“I haven’t seen you enough to miss you.” That flat response, pops that bubble. “But I like what you’ve done with the event space. You’re really good at this job you say you don’t want. Maybe you could train someone to do what you’ve done here?”

Placing my hand on my hip, I face him. “You are the most unpredictable man. One minute it feels like you’re encouraging me, then the next you’re not, then you spin it again.”

“I don’t understand.” His dark brow furrows over those gorgeous hazel eyes. “Is that a yes?”

“I’m doing all this for Britt. I’m doing my very best work because she’s my very best friend. It doesn’t change the fact that I’m almost thirty with no job, no money, and back to living with my super judgy aunt who drives me completely bat-shit crazy.”

“Isthata yes?”

“Yes, it’s a yes. Of course I’ll train someone.”

Alex nods. “Okay, then.”

His jaw is set, and he seems to have made a decision. Only, I’m not sure it’s the decision I’d hoped he’d make, and I’m cringing at my oversharing gaffe.TMI, Cass, jeez.

When he gets to the door he pauses. “I think you have to do things you’re not passionate about until you’re able to do the thing you are. It’s how we learn to appreciate our accomplishments.”

“Is that your experience?” Frustration mingles with my embarrassment.

I’m sure it’s easy to say when you’re Alex fucking Stone, Mr. I’m Sure All the Time. He’s never been in my shoes, and his job isn’t a chore. He seems to really like it.

“Yeah.” He gives me one last look, up and down. “I’ll be in touch.”

* * *

“Love can be fun!”Britt sings at the top of her lungs, dancing around the tiny living room of her old loft apartment.

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