Page 30 of A Little Twist

Piper doesn’t seem to notice.

“Maybe they’ll do the ‘Cotton Eyed Joe’ next,” Alex taunts.

“Don’t even say it. That song makes me stabby.”

“It reminds me of a video game,” I laugh, and Piper’s green-hazel eyes zoom in on my hand gripping Alex’s arm.

“You never told me where you two were just now.”

She’s a bloodhound, but Alex is prepared. “Cass has officially agreed to be Penelope’s new nanny. We were working out the details.”

“Oh, that’s fun.” Piper loops her arm in mine, leaning forward to meet Alex’s eyes. “She isgreatwith kids.”

“So I’ve heard. I’m looking forward to having her at our house.” He’s so easy and complimentary, and it’s doing funny things to my insides.

It’s like he’s staked a claim on me with that kiss, and I’m strangely drawn to his side.

Which is ridiculous, because I’m not engaged to him. I’m working for him. It’s a completely normal arrangement—not the harebrained scheme I dragged him into for tonight.

“Good work, bro.” Adam nods at him over our heads. “Does that mean I’m off the hook for Monday?”

“Yeah… I think?” Alex looks at me.

“Yes! Definitely. I can move my stuff in tomorrow, and you can show me the ropes.”

“I’m so glad.” Piper gives me a squeeze. “Now I don’t have to save space on the front page for when you murder your aunt.”

Alex gives me a nudge. “You can use it to write up this reception at Stone Cold distillery’s newest event space. Executed by the brilliant Cassidy Dixon.”

Another stomach flip at him calling me brilliant. My fingers tighten on his sleeve, and I want to kiss his scruffy cheek.

Britt waves frantically as we enter the venue, and we make our way to where she’s standing with Aiden by the cake. “Where have you guys been? I thought we were going to have to play ‘The Hustle’ next!”

Piper tilts her head to the side. “Now, that one, I actually like.”

The music fades out quickly, since it’s time to cut the cake. A long, ribboned knife is on the table, and we all gather behind the newlyweds as they hold it in both their hands for the first slice. Phone flashes and camera shutters go off all around us, and Aiden holds up the piece for Britt to bite. She does the same for him, letting out a squeal when it hits her tongue.

“Do we have to share it?” she asks me, covering her mouth with her hand.

I shrug. “It’s your wedding reception.”

Waving me away, she passes the knife to her mother, who starts slicing, and I grab two plates, catching Alex’s arm and pulling him to where Pinky is bouncing on her toes at the edge of the dance floor.

I motion for her to join us, and her bright blue eyes light when she sees cake.

“Miss Cass!” She runs, sliding to a stop in front of me. “Can I have a piece of cake, too?”

“You can have this piece of cake. I got it just for you.”

Alex pulls out two chairs, and we sit beside a small, white table. Pinky puts her hands on my knees, watching as I cut a bite for her to eat. Her strawberry-blonde curls are in perfect ringlets around her ears, and they’re held back with small, ribbon barrettes.

She has little rosebud lips and a dimple in her chin, and she reminds me of a baby Disney princess in her floor-length tulle dress. A tan, satin ribbon is tied in a bow around her waist, and she’s the cutest thing.

I hold out the fork with the cake on it, and she rises onto her tiptoes to take a bite. At the same time, she and her dad burst into noises of approval.

Pinky waves her hands over her head and bounces around in a circle in front of me singing, “I love this cake! I love this cake!”

I start to laugh, and Alex slides his hand over my forearm. The affectionate gesture warms my insides.

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