Page 6 of Merry Me Bad Boy
I want to know his story. Where did he come from, and why in the world did he choose this town to stay? The man sticks out like a sore thumb and I’m sure I am not the only one to notice him.
I want to ask about the faded white line around his finger.
So many questions cloud my mind, but I am nowhere near ready to ask them. None of those are personal questions a boss should ask.
“How are you liking it so far?” I asked once the sun had started to break past the horizon. “Tell me you aren’t already trying to figure out how to quit.”
He’s only burned himself twice and has mastered cupcakes after the fifth batch. So far, call me impressed.
“I am not going anywhere.” If it weren’t for the lift of his lips, he would sound dreadfully serious. Like it’s a promise he intends to keep.
Doesn’t help that his voice makes my stomach flip-flop every time he speaks. I have to prepare myself every time he opens his mouth. The heat against my skin isn’t from the ovens either.
Not trusting myself to speak, I work hard to keep my attention in front of me. If this is going to become a regular interaction, I have to learn how to push down such terrible thoughts and keep my head straight on my shoulders.
When the time comes for Jen to stroll in, we have a nice line formed leading up to the front door. Like the customers, she’s bundled up in her winter gear and looking like she’s ready to throw herself into one of the ovens.
She looks my way with a smile but pauses when she sees Jason. The next look she gives me is confusion.
Who is this giant and why is he here?Her searching eyes make her thoughts obvious.
“Meet Jason,” I introduce, “he is going to be my helping hand from now on.”
Jen gives him a nod as she shrugs off her coat. As someone who is a couple of years younger with sharp cheekbones and gorgeous blonde hair that I am secretly jealous of, my stomach knots up a bit as the two look at each other.
There is an odd relief I feel when he simply mutters a hello before going back to dumping out cupcakes from the cooled pan in his hand. One attempts to roll away, but he’s quick to capture it.
When I accidentally laugh, he gives off a bit of a chuckle himself and looks at me for much longer than he had Jen.
Definitely shouldn’t enjoy that. It means nothing, I am sure.
Once Jen is ready to unlock the doors, she disappears to the front to manage the display case.
“You will meet Aubrey in a few days, she typically works the days Jen doesn’t.” Giving him the layout of the only worker he has yet to meet, I continue decorating.
What I’m working on now are some extra reindeer cupcakes. After swirling the six cupcakes with chocolate frosting, Jason clears his throat.
“My brother’s fiancée really loved those. When I told her I got the job, she demanded I bring one back today.” He watches me work, pausing with his own stuff. “Might’ve gotten you another customer.”
My hands pause as I register his words. Is this him confessing that there isn’t a second person at his side like I had assumed?
The way my heart picks up, it’s like the new information changes everything.
No. It can’t change anything. I can’t allow it.
“Well, if we have any extras left, you can have one. Though, I can’t make any promises. On days like these, they sell like hotcakes.”
I won’t set one or two on the side, that would simply be bad business. Still, feeling like he’ll be thankful if I do so, the urge to please him remains.
“We’ll see how lucky I am then. So far, I’m feeling like I stand a chance.” Another chuckle rumbles from him and my stomach tightens.
My heart is pounding, and my hands are shaking more than usual. Oh no…
This is not good. Not good at all.
Hiring Jason wasn’t just a poor decision for my business, but for my heart too.
Jason