Page 21 of Screwing With The Scrooge

I get to work, washing up and preheating the ovens. I get the first batch in and start to set up the display case when there’s a knock on the door. I frown, looking up and my eyes widen when I see Xavier standing there, a pair of my sneakers dangling from his fingers.

“How did you get those?” I ask him as he pushes past me inside.

“Your spare key is under the mat.”

“It is,” I confirm, and he passes me the shoes.

“You couldn’t work in those all day. I grabbed you this stuff too. Figured that you would be more comfortable in your own clothes.”

He passes me a bag, and I smile when I see a pair of jeans and a clean t-shirt.

“So you broke into my house?”

“Yep.”

“And they say chivalry is dead.”

His cheeks and the tips of his ears turn red and I think that I fall a little more in love with Xavier right then and there.

“Thanks for doing this.”

“It’s no big deal.”

I want to argue with him, to tell him that it is, that it’s been a long time since anyone has looked out for me. As the oldest, I’m usually the one making sure that everyone is okay and has what they need.

Instead of telling Xavier any of that, I wrap my arms around his neck and press my lips against his. His hands land on my hips and he pulls me tighter against him until I can feel every hard line of his body.

“Have dinner with me tonight. I’ll cook,” I whisper against his lips, and he nods.

“Alright.”

The timer starts to beep at me and I reluctantly pull away from him and head back to the kitchen. By the time that I’ve pulled the croissants out of the oven, he’s gone.

I change and get lost in work. Soon, customers start to pop in and I smile as I take orders and get started on prepping for tomorrow.

Ginger comes in as I’m about to flip the sign to closed, and I smile as she heads into the back to see what baked goods are left.

“How was today?” She asks as she hops up onto the counter.

“Good. Busy.”

“Yeah? Any special guests?” She asks me with a wicked glint in her eyes.

“So, you know about Xavier then,” I guess, and she grins.

“Yep. Maple called me this morning to tell me all about how he dropped you off and then came back for seconds.”

I laugh at her wording, and she leans forward.

“So, your date went well then?”

“It did. I’m making him dinner tonight.”

“Good. I’m happy for you, Olive.”

“Thanks.”

“Should I start looking for bridesmaid dresses?”

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