My heart sinks into my toes, reminding me of the other reason Gage is in my life. He plans on taking everything away from me anyway.
Makes me wonder why I’m trying to get in with Archer’s hotels when the bakery might eventually disappear. “I wish they could see how much the bakery means to you, too.”
Gina shrugs as she withdraws from my embrace. “Perhaps we should make a presentation to the family as well. Convince everyone that we need to keep the bakery for the both of us.”
That sounds like an impossible feat. The bakery is right smack in the middle of the block of buildings that my family owns. I really doubt they’d sell all around it and let us have this space. “We can try, right?” I ask weakly.
She cups my cheek, giving my face a little shake. “Don’t sound so defeated, girly. We could turn this around. Don’t think we’re already beat.”
Hard to do, considering I feel like the both of us are working toward an impossible goal. “Yeah, I know.” The bell above the front door jingles, indicating someone’s entered the café. “I should go check who’s here.” It’s probably Gage, and my heart starts racing just thinking about seeing him.
I have got it so bad. And it is so wrong to feel this way.
“Don’t keep your new man waiting,” Gina teases and I stick my tongue out at her.
Someone clears their throat, drawing mine and Gina’s attention. We both turn toward the front of the kitchen to find Gage standing in the doorway, looking downright sinful clad in jeans and a charcoal-gray sweater. He smiles at us, but I see the apprehension in his eyes.
He looks nervous. I think it’s cute. Plus, his discomfort eases mine.
“Well, look who finally decided to show up,” Gina declares in her booming voice as she moves away from me. She strides toward Gage, grabs him by his broad shoulders, and pulls him into an easy hug.
He looks startled, patting her back awkwardly. “Nice to see you again, Aunt Gina.”
“Great to see you, too. You do casual very well.” She pats his chest, her fingers lingering.
Oh, good lord. Talk about embarrassing. And are his cheeks turning pink?
“Look at him, Marina. Your Boy Toy is extra pretty tonight.” Gina takes Gage by the hand and leads him to me.
“Boy Toy?” He raises a brow, stopping just in front of me. His full lips are curved into a secretive smile and a rush of memories floods me. How those lips feel on mine. How excellent he is with his hands. The smell of his skin, the way his soft hair curls around my fingers . . .
“I’ve upgraded your nickname. Thought Rat Boy was a little rude,” Gina explains.
His expression goes solemn, though his lips twitch. “I appreciate that.”
“Well, you two best be moving along. You’ve kept Marina here waiting long enough.” She pushes the both of us, hurrying us out of the kitchen. I grab my purse from where I left it beneath the front counter, slinging it over my shoulder as I watch Gina bustle around the café, checking everything before locking up. “You two have fun tonight, all right?”
“Need any help?” I ask, keeping my voice low when I grab hold of her elbow before she can escape me again.
She flashes me a smile. “I’ve got this, sweetheart. You go have fun.”
I release my hold on her, rolling my eyes as I turn to Gage. He’s watching me; his gaze sweeps over me, slow and easy, and just like that arousal trickles through my blood, heating my skin. My aunt is forgotten, the bakery, everything else, and it’s just me and him, standing in front of the door, the spot where just last night he had me pressed against the cold glass while he kissed me senseless.
“So I’m your Boy Toy?” he asks, his voice a husky murmur that sends chills down my spine.
“If the shoe fits,” I tease, pleased when he opens the door for me like a gentleman should. He has manners. This is a plus.
“I have no problem with it,” he teases back, his eyes twinkling. “I know you weren’t complaining last night.”
Glaring at him, I tilt my head to my thankfully still oblivious aunt. “Keep your voice down.”
His expression switches to serious. “Sorry. Forgot myself.”
I understand. I think we both forget ourselves when we’re in each other’s presence. Easy to do, considering the obvious chemistry sparkling between us.
This is going to be a long night.
Gage
SHE’S SO FUCKING gorgeous I can’t get over it. All that long, tumbling blonde hair caught up in a high ponytail, showing off the pretty, irresistible curve of her neck. The neck I licked and nibbled last night, making her groan with pleasure, her hands clutching me tight . . .
Blowing out a harsh breath, I lead her outside toward where my car is parked at the curb. She stops short when she sees it, her wide-eyed gaze meeting mine. “That’s your car?”
I nod, hitting the keyless remote in my hand so the doors unlock. “Yeah, that’s my baby.” I open the door to my newest purchase—a sleek, pearl-white Maserati Ghibli—and as I guide her into her seat, I can’t help but like the way she looks settled inside my car.
I like the way she looks everywhere, as long as she’s with me, if I’m being truthful.
What the ever-loving f**k?
Yeah. I’ve lost my mind. One night with a woman and I’m addicted. I think I want her even more because she’s so damn indifferent.
“Your baby?” she asks me pointedly when I slide into the driver’s seat, gripping the steering wheel. “This is a Ghibli.”