Total pages in book: 42
Estimated words: 39641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 39641 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 198(@200wpm)___ 159(@250wpm)___ 132(@300wpm)
I hardly hear a word that’s said as they move around, and we help Penny, who’s pregnant and in a state of shock. Goodness, the medium storefront of the bakery fills up with hulking Steele Riders as they come in full force to check on Penny and wait for Jackson. It’s super sweet the way they all look after the women. I would love to be treated so tenderly like they do with her. My eyes flick to Blade’s, and I find them trained on me again—or maybe they never left.
“Jules, we’re going to the clubhouse, and then someone will drive you home,” Roxie says, shaking me back to reality.
I turn my attention to Roxie and shake my head. "I can just drive myself home. It's not like they're after me," I explain, reaching for the towel to wipe down the imaginary dirt on the counter. A big, strong, rough hand comes over mine, stopping my frantic movements, and I know whose it is without looking up. Pleasure burns through me as his calloused hand gently squeezes mine. Who would have thought that he could be so tender?
I look up to meet his gaze, and I’m stunned by the powerful stare that makes my heart flutter in ways that I can’t even describe. "Shut everything down, and get your shit. You're coming with us, Ms. Walker. It's not safe. Understood?" he grits out angrily.
Why does that turn me on? That was anything but nice, and my panties are completely ruined. I suddenly want him to tell me what to do with our clothes off.
"Um, I suppose." I swallow hard and look around, realizing that everyone else has scattered. I whip my hand from under his and turn on my heel in a huff. I don't say a word as I head into the back, partly because I don't know what to say, and also because I want to beg Blade to touch me again.
Ensuring all the ovens are off and there’s nothing inside baking, I toss all the dishes into the large sink for their wash and sanitation time. It takes me longer than normal because my brain is all befuddled as I relive Blade’s touch, but Roxie and Blade help bring in the trays from the display case. They set them on the large counter, and then Roxie prepares them in storage containers. Luckily, it’s not a lot because Penny doesn’t like having day-old treats in the shop, so they go on sale the next day.
Putting away the decorating supplies, I quickly move around the kitchen and bump into the edge of the metal table next to the cooler, dropping a bowl of freshly made frosting. "Oh shit." I bend down and start to pick it up when Blade slides his hand around my waist and lifts me back on my feet.
"I'll take care of this,” Blade growls against my ear in the sexiest whisper.
"I can do this. It's my mess,” I argue, trying to prolong his arms around me.
"Did you hear me? Get ready to go,” he snaps, releasing his hold.
I want to give him a piece of my mind, so I spin around to look at him, but my face only goes to his chest As I lift my gaze to his face, I lose all my anger. "Fine. Whatever, Blade." I spin around, letting my ponytail swing.
Suddenly, I find myself facing him with his hand gripping my ponytail. Tugging it back to bring my attention to his face, he growls, "It's Anthony, Ms. Walker."
"Anthony," I whisper breathily as I stare into his eyes that seemed to have darkened after I said his name. The sound of the toilet flushing reminds us that we're not alone, and then he lets me go. Roxie comes into the room and seems to not notice the tension between us, going back to work in the front of the store. A look of relief sneaks across his expression, catching me by surprise, and I feel an ache deep in my chest that is hard to explain.
I can't keep this up for long. I'm too young for Anthony, and he's bothered by it no matter how hot he thinks I am. Fine. This is the last time I'm going to see him.
Quitting is a must.
I go to the register and empty it for the day, counting it out while he goes to work on the mess. “The cases are good to go,” Roxie says as I stuff the money into the pouch to lock up in Penny’s office.
“Great. Thanks for your help, Roxie,” I add, giving her the slightest smile.
“Girl, it’s no big deal. Let’s go get our things. I’m ready for a beer.” She marches back into the kitchen, and I follow behind to see Anthony on his haunches, swiping up the last of the glop.