Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 50
Estimated words: 46837 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46837 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 234(@200wpm)___ 187(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
“I’m glad you’re here,” she admitted.
Within minutes, he rolled a rubber guard over her bandaged finger. “Keep a protector on your finger when you’re working. Otherwise, give it some air. That will help it heal faster. Hold it above your heart if it starts to swell. I’ll come check it tomorrow night at Blaze to make sure it’s doing okay.”
“You don’t have to do that,” she protested.
“I do.”
“Take these, Riley,” Tom ordered, opening a small package of painkillers.
Ellie quickly retrieved a small glass of water and handed it to her. With three people watching her, Riley didn’t have the option to refuse. She swallowed the pills and chased them with cool liquid. Her finger did throb slightly. Automatically, she raised her hand to rest on her opposite shoulder.
A giggle made her look back at her boss. “What?”
“It looks like you’re wearing a condom,” Ellie said, pausing in the middle of tossing out the last half-chunked chocolate bar to point at the protective shield rolled over Riley’s finger.
“Really, Ellie?” Riley protested, feeling her face heat again as everyone considered her injury.
Laughing, Milo and Tom gathered their supplies and prepared to leave. Milo tucked a few bandages and protectors into a small envelope and handed it to Riley. She stuffed it in her back pocket with a muffled, “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome, baby.”
“I’m like the total opposite of a baby,” she protested as she followed him through the swinging door toward the counter.
“You just keep telling yourself that. Remember, elevate your hand, give it some air, and I’ll look at it tomorrow night. If it bothers you, call me.” Milo pulled his phone out. “What’s your number? I’ll send you a text so you’ll have mine.”
When Riley hesitated, Ellie helpfully recited her employee’s number. Milo entered it into his phone before leaving with a meaningful glance at Riley.
“That injury really knocked you for a loop. Maybe you should go home,” the Little Cakes owner sweetly suggested as the door closed behind them.
“No way. The after-work rush starts in a half hour. You’ll be swamped without me,” Riley refused with a shake of her head. “I’ll just go finish the chocolate.”
“No more chopping for you. Besides, I have enough chocolate for a half dozen batches now,” Ellie assured her.
“You can take that bar out of my pay.”
“No way! Did you see me drop the entire tray of red velvet cupcakes this morning?” When Riley nodded, Ellie continued, “Accidents happen. You’re much more important than chocolate. I’m glad you’re okay.”
“Me, too.” Riley’s gaze flashed to the window as the ambulance drove passed on the way from the parking lot. She’d have to deal with Milo now. He knew she was interested. How would she explain her reluctance to play with him? Pushing that quandary from her mind as the bells on the door announced new customers, Riley moved into position behind the counter. She’d worry about that later.
Chapter Two
“Hi, Riley,” Milo greeted her as he slid onto a counter stool at the bar. “How’s the hand?”
“Hi, Milo. It’s doing well. Almost like an expert fixed it up,” she teased, trying to distract him.
“Oh, I’m an expert in many things,” he answered, holding her gaze.
Suddenly, the atmosphere between them thickened, making it feel like she and Milo were the only ones in the crowded room. Staring at his handsome face, Riley felt the distance she’d put between them evaporate completely. His powerful hand covered hers on the bar top, sending a shiver of desire through her.
A Blaze member’s voice penetrated the intimate space encircling Riley and Milo, drawing everyone’s attention. “Hey, Riley. How’d you hurt your hand anyway?”
Tugging her hand away, Riley looked around the bar as she filled a glass with ice and club soda. “Never try to pet the sharks at the aquarium.” Laughter filled the area before the hubbub of conversation rekindled in the bar.
“You’re good at deflecting attention away from yourself,” Milo commented, taking a drink of his nonalcoholic drink.
“These tattoos are good camouflage,” she observed wryly. Riley hadn’t ever been accused of being a wallflower.
“Hi, Knot Master.” A breathy blonde climbed onto the stool next to Milo.
Riley drifted away as Milo turned to greet the woman politely. Inside, Riley’s heart rejoiced at the change in his tone. The Shibari expert was in great demand at the club by members eager to experience the sensation of being bound. Milo always varied his work on different volunteers. She’d wondered if he just wanted to let everyone try or if he hadn’t found the perfect partner. Riley tried to tell herself she didn’t hope it was the latter.
When she drifted back toward him a few minutes later, he glowered at her. “You threw me to the wolves. Well, wolf.”
“What? You looked totally in your element. Besides, I’m working.”
“When’s your break? I want to see your hand.”