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“Is that Chad?”

“Oh. No. Just nonsense. Bakery stuff.”

I tuck my phone into my back pocket.

I hate myself for thinking what I am right now. But I have to get rid of Mary Beth. I have to get my best friend out of here.Out of my life right now.

My phone vibrates. Not just once either.

Fuck.

I’m ignoring Corbin. That’s not good.

“So what are we working on?” Mary Beth asks.

She has to know, logically, I cannot let her touch anything. This is a real business with real customers.

She rubs her hands together. “Relax, Kate. I’m only kidding. Wow. You’re stiff right now. You look scared of me.”

“I hate to sound like a bitch, but this is my job. This is what I do. I can’t have anyone touching things. I sound so mean right now.”

“Not at all,” Mary Beth says. “Good to see you passionate about something.”

I sigh an exhale of relief.

Mary Beth doesn’t leave though.

She just takes a seat.

I take my phone out of my pocket and place it on the counter and grab the order book and pretend I’m working.

I read Corbin’s texts.

Are you fucking ignoring me?

Do not fuck with me right now darling.

You. Will. Be. Punished. For. This.

See you soon, Katie.

My heart sinks yet it races. Butterflies float around in my stomach once more.

Texting him back won’t do me any good. He doesn’t care aboutexcuses.

Fuck.

It’s okay though.

I’m going to finish my work here. I’m going to go home and find a dress that matches what Corbin wants. Then I’m going to go out with him.

Or maybe he’ll just lock me in a dog crate again after fucking me.

My body is on fire.

I need to splash some water on my face.

“I’ll be right back,” I tell Mary Beth.