Mind. Blown.
He basically said that he wouldn’t be upset with having a baby with me. So now, not only am I smiling from making love for the first time, but I’m warm and fuzzy down to my toes at the thought of a mini-Torin.
“What’s that shit-eating grin for?” Margo asks, scaring the crap out of me.
“Holy shit, girl. You scared me!”
“Sorry. You were so caught up you didn’t even hear the bells. What’s on your mind?”
I look around the bookstore making sure I didn’t miss anyone else coming in while I was lost in thought. “Torin and I… you know…” I say vaguely.
“No way!” Margo shouts.
“Shh, keep it down!” I hiss.
“There’s no one here to hear me dying of shock.”
“Gee, thanks, Mar.”
She laughs. “Gotta keep it real.”
“In that case, how’s it going with Amos? I saw you talking to him in front of the bakery when I was opening up this morning.”
Margo blushes. “He just wanted to make sure his order was placed for the apple festival over in Clearwater, and he’s ordered about five dozen different apple-flavored desserts.”
I give her a confused look. “Why would you sell him so many apple treats when that could take away business from Sprinkled With Sugar?”
She blushes even darker. “He insisted that we would split the profits from whatever he sells at the diner.”
My eyebrows raise to my hairline. And she says the man doesn’t have a thing for her. He’s so smitten he’s willing to not only buy dozens of desserts but to then turn around and give her half the profits from selling them.
Yeah, he’s gone for her.
Like Torin is for me, my heart pipes up with its wishful thinking.
Is it really wishful thinking? Prue is right that he looks at me the same way Amos looks at Margo, and that’s saying something because I swear to God Amos wants to eat her like one of those desserts he buys from her. I try to rein in the giddy thought of us being on the same page in our relationship, but it doesn’t work. Somehow, I’ve allowed myself to go all-in with him despite the warning bells.
I’ll just have to cross whatever bridge comes when it does and stop borrowing trouble.
“You really should talk to Amos, Mar. What if you’re missing out on something amazing because you’re afraid? Think about all the wasted time.”
Margo chews at her fingernail like she does whenever she’s anxious or deep in thought. “I just can’t approach him. Even if you guys are right and he wants me more than my maple bacon cupcakes… I just don’t know how to put myself out there like that. Why can’t he just make the first move?”
I give her a sympathetic look. “Hon, I think it’s because you act like a cornered cat—terrified—or you get snippy and angry anytime you talk to him. Maybe if you tried to… I don’t know, relax a bit?”
Margo laughs sadly. “Easier said than done. I get so nervous and the frustrated around him I’m lucky I don’t faint every time he talks to me.”
“I’m sure it will all work out. I mean, look at Torin and I. I’ve had a crush on him since I was too young to even know what a crush is, and now here I am. Sleeping in his house.”
She snorts. “You mean sleeping in his bed and humping like rabbits.”
I slap her arm. “Shush. Don’t you have a bakery to run or something?”
“Yeah, your boyfriend called to order a muffin and tea to be specially delivered to you.” She points to the bakery bag and cup that I didn’t even notice she sat on the counter. Man, I really need to get myself together. I’m one hundred percent in La-la land—more like Torin land, not that I can really argue with that. It’s a pretty damn good place to be.
My cheeks heat in pleasure at his sweetness. We didn’t have much time for breakfast this morning after our shower… Yeah, we took a shower together—another thing to check off my Torin bucket list. Well, if there were a bucket list. Showers with him would definitely be on it because wow. I will never look at showering the same way again. Also, shower sex is definitely underrated. Just saying.
“Well, enjoy your love muffin and coffee,” Margo jokes.
“You better believe I will. Thanks for bringing it down. Call me later.”
She leaves with a promise to call and a wave over her shoulder.
I send a little prayer out into the universe for her and Amos to find their way. I want her to have what I have right now. Heck, I want the whole world to have the kind of happiness I’m drowning in.
10 Torin
I’ve never once resented the fact that I have to spend so much time at the fire station, but right now, I hate every hour away from Lani. Last night was painful. I wanted nothing more than to hold her in my arms all night, but it’s my turn for a forty-eight. Meaning I live at the station for two days.
It’s only been one day without her, and I’m going crazy. Which is why I’m standing at the counter of Burnt Sugar Diner waiting for two lunch specials so I can surprise my girl. I might not be able to hold her at night, but I can damn sure spend at least an hour with her eating a meal. I send a silent prayer to the heavens that she’s not busy with customers. The last thing I want is to share her attention during the only time I’ll get to see her for the next twenty-four hours.
“Amos, my man, how’s it going?”
Amos grunts. “Can’t complain too much.”
I raise a brow. “Margo still putting up a chase?” I ask. The man is in love with the quiet little baker, and she doesn’t seem to reciprocate those feelings. It’s driving my friend insane. Every time
