“I don’t know how you deal with customers like that,” Hilary said, moving her oversize designer sunglasses to the top of her head. “That lady seriously needs to take it down a few notches.”
Annabelle shrugged. “She’s not that bad. She’s been great business for me.”
“Winning Cutthroat Cupcake was great for your business,” Hilary corrected. “That lady is a bitch.” She’d always had a no-nonsense attitude, which was probably part of the reason she was made partner in her accounting firm at only twenty-six.
“Would you like your usual?”
“No, today I’ll take a large coffee, and Michael will have a sesame bagel with light cream cheese.”
Annabelle froze. “Is he here?”
“He’s sitting at the back table by the window on the left. The guy with the black suit and purple tie. And yes, he’s a big Ravens fan.”
Annabelle took a few steps toward the pastry slicer and slid a bagel inside, all the while trying not to look obvious as she slowly scanned the area. In the back corner, she found Michael. He was tall and lean, his short brown hair combed down in front. He wasn’t over-the-top handsome, but he was certainly cute as he smiled at Annabelle. Her cheeks burned, and she quickly grabbed the bagel and dropped it into the toaster.
Then she turned her attention back to Hilary. “You don’t give up, do you?”
Hilary smirked. “That’s one of the many reasons you adore me.”
Apprehension consumed her. Being set up both excited and terrified her. She hadn’t been on a date in over a year. Not since Kaden first walked into her bakery. Their eyes met, and a warm sizzle ran down her spine. He smiled, and those dimples appeared, and yeah, she was in trouble. The toaster chimed, bringing her back to reality. She smeared light cream cheese across Michael’s bagel and said, “I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”
“Of course you are! You’re just nervous because it’s been like a hundred years since you had an actual date.”
Annabelle crossed her arms. “I’ve been on plenty of dates.”
Hilary raised an eyebrow. “Plenty…really?”
“Several.”
“Several?” Hilary questioned, enunciating every syllable.
Annabelle wrapped the bagel in parchment paper. “Okay, fine, I’m a spinster in the making, but I don’t need you setting me up.” She lowered her tone to a whisper. “It makes me seem desperate.”
Hilary put her hand on her chest, pretending to be offended. “No, it doesn’t. You’re lucky to have a bestie who happens to know a few decent available guys, so stop overthinking it and go talk to Michael.”
Annabelle wasn’t capable of not overthinking. As much as she weighed her decisions, it was amazing she accomplished anything at all. “If he’s such a great guy, then why aren’t you dating him?” she asked, trying to take the attention off herself. “Last time I checked, you’re single, too.”
Hilary pushed her perfectly straight long blond hair over her shoulders. “Michael is a relationship type guy, and you know that’s definitely not my thing.”
No, it certainly wasn’t. Hilary was a classic beauty, but her career has been her only priority since graduating from Frostburg State University. Most dates, Hilary headed out the door before he’d taken off the condom.
Annabelle poured freshly brewed coffee into a large to-go cup and fastened the plastic lid. “One-night stands aren’t going to fulfill you forever,” she said, heading back to the front counter. “I know deep down you want something more.”
“I’ll tell you what.” Hilary took the coffee and bagel out of her hand. “When I get sick of the no-strings-attached hot sex and multiple orgasms, I promise you’ll be the first to know.” She winked playfully and headed back to the table where Michael sat.
Annabelle shook her head and laughed. Hilary certainly had a way of putting things into perspective. And who was she to judge, anyway? She was twenty-six years old and had only had two previous lovers. Neither was anything to get excited about. Her only orgasms came from an overworked vibrator—Orgasmo—and a stack of romance novels. The image of Kaden’s warm body pressed against hers popped into her head and made her tingle.
She quickly brushed those thoughts aside. Annabelle had waited for a year, and he’d never hinted he wanted more than the friendship they had. It was time to accept he didn’t want her and move on.
Annabelle rushed into the kitchen, stopping in front of a mirror. She ran a paper towel under the faucet and then dabbed the back of her neck. Why had Hilary surprised her by bringing Michael here? What kind of impression would she make wearing little more than a Hooters uniform?
Stop trying to talk yourself out of meeting him.
Closing her eyes, she took several slow breaths.
I can do this!
She pulled her hair band out, letting her stick-straight caramel-colored hair fall over her shoulders. After she removed her dirty apron, she pushed the door open and headed toward their table. Michael’s eyes made their way up her body the closer she got. Once she reached the table, she noticed his bagel was completely gone. He was obviously a fan of her baking, which earned him one point.
His hand reached out to shake hers. “It’s great to finally meet. Hilary has been telling me about you for weeks.” He smiled, and Annabelle pretended not to notice the sesame seeds in his teeth.
“It’s nice to finally meet you, too.” She took a step backward after he released her hand. His nauseating cologne clogged her nostrils. “Thanks for coming by.”
He glanced around the room. “You’ve got a booming business here, but I’m honestly not surprised. The food is fantastic.”
Two additional points for the compliment. “Thank you, I—”
“Yes, the food is heavenly,” Hilary said, turning their attention to her. Her eyes met with Michael’s eyes and then turned to her Rolex watch. “Listen, I’ve got a ten o’clock meeting, can we fast-forward to the asking-out part? We don’t want to be late.”
Michael opened his mouth but didn’t say a word. His red cheeks spoke volumes.
Annabelle gave Hilary the I’m-going-to-kill-you-slowly look. “Wow, that wasn’t awkward at all.”
Hilary was wide-eyed, as if she truly didn’t know what the big deal was. Her phone beeped, and within seconds she was texting a message. “Fine, I’m going outside.”
A cold breeze brushed across her face as Hilary opened the front door and headed outside. Annabelle rubbed the tops of her arms, turning her attention back to Michael. “I’m so sorry. Hilary is just—”
“Hilary.”
She smiled. “Exactly, no explanation needed.”
He glanced at the door and then returned his focus to her. “Would you like to have dinner with me this Saturday?”
On Saturday she’d be closed by three, giving her plenty of time to get ready. “We’re closed on Sunday, so Saturday night sounds perfect. You can pick me up here at eight o’clock.” Annabelle’s apartment was right on top of the bakery. A great convenience since she had to get up so early most days to have the sweets freshly prepared.
“Great,” he said, reaching into his pocket and handing her a business card. “I’ll see you then.”
Annabelle slid his card into the pocket of her shorts and watched him walk out of the store. Besides the bad cologne, he seemed fine, with all the suitable Cosmopolitan qualifications: nice guy, pretty cute, good job, liked her food. But there was something missing. She didn’t feel anything when he asked her out. No tingling warm sensations, no nerves building in her stomach, no rapid heart pounding—no spark. Why wasn’t she attracted to him?
Then it hit her like a ton of bricks―because he wasn’t Kaden.
What is wrong with me? She picked up the trash they had left on the table and tossed it in a nearby garbage container. What was it going to take for her to get over Kaden? She didn’t want to continue being one of those pathetic girls who waited forever for a man who didn’t want her.
Michael was i
nterested and a decent guy, even if there wasn’t an instant spark. Maybe there didn’t need to be? Arranged marriages happen all the time when the people barely knew one another. Maybe sparks happened later? For once, she was going to take Hilary’s advice―stop overthinking and give him a chance.
Now all she had to do was get Kaden out of her head by Saturday.
Chapter Three
Kaden was about to reach for the handle when the bakery front door whipped open, nearly smacking him in the face. Hilary, Annabelle’s best friend, hurried outside while texting on her phone. He didn’t know her very well—she always seemed to be preoccupied with her job. Annabelle said she was extremely focused, but she’d always been there for her.
Hilary turned around at the sound of his laugher. She put her phone in her purse, heading back in his direction. “You’re too late,” she proudly announced.
For breakfast? “Excuse me?”
“I introduced Annabelle to an accountant in my firm.” She glanced at the window, then back at him with a satisfied grin across her face. “If I’m correct, and I usually am, their first date is being scheduled as we speak.”
Through the tinted bakery window, he saw Annabelle speaking to a human dressed in a business suit. Tension radiated in his chest. An insatiable urge to storm inside and throw Annabelle over his shoulder caused him to take a step toward the door. But all the emotions he felt paused when his non-beating heart pulsed. He was frozen and taken completely off guard—it was the first time that had ever happened. On his planet, the heart started beating when a mate was identified. His marriage had been arranged, and he’d never felt his heart beat.
Until now.
Hilary cleared her throat. He had no idea how long she’d been waiting for him to respond. “That’s great for her. I’m happy to see she’s putting herself out there.” Liar.
Hilary rolled her eyes. “Give it up, Kaden. You might be able to fool Annabelle, but you can’t fool me. I see the way you look at her. It’s so obvious that you’re into her.”
Of course he was into her. He couldn’t go an hour without thinking of her in some way. “We’re just friends.”
Hilary shook her head, chuckling. “Live in denial all you want, but know your time is running out.” She glanced at her watch and then let out an aggravated sigh. “Annabelle is my best friend, and if you’re not going to make your move, then I’ll continue to set her up with people until she finds someone. She deserves to be with someone great.”
He opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted when the unknown human in the suit walked up to Hilary. His smile made Kaden’s stomach churn. “Ready to go?” he asked her.
“It’s about time,” Hilary said. “I’m so rude. Kaden, this is Michael. He’s the accountant I was telling you about.”
Michael held out his hand, and Kaden squeezed tighter than a typical handshake. The other man wiggled his hand free and then shot him an irritated glare.
So, this was the human trying to steal his Annabelle? He didn’t look like much—a bit too skinny. She needed a man who could put his arms around her and make her feel safe.
Annabelle’s my friend. I have no right to think of her as mine.
His heart pulsed a second time, and he startled. This wasn’t happening. Annabelle couldn’t be his. A human mate? He didn’t understand. Two heartbeats. It had to mean something. He’d talk to Hayden when he got home from work. Perhaps he could run some tests on him. At the moment, there were too many questions.
He had to focus on the other unexpected issue of the morning: Michael.
Hilary waved at Kaden from the driver’s seat of her black Audi convertible. She pulled out of the parking spot so fast Michael’s head jerked back. Her tires screeched, and a second later, they were gone.
A bouquet of appetizing aromas assaulted his senses as soon as he opened the door to Yummy. The perfect mixture of cinnamon and freshly brewed coffee. Inside, the walls were navy with a border featuring mixed baskets of pastries and other assorted bakery items. He headed straight for his regular booth, which sat closest to the counter where Annabelle could usually be found. To his delight, most of the breakfast crowd had emptied out. Kaden always preferred to have Annabelle all to himself.
The wooden seat creaked when he sat down. He reached for the menu, skimming through the daily specials, which seemed silly, because he always ordered the same meal. When her signature vanilla-sugar scent drifted toward him, he put the paper aside. As he expected, Annabelle was just about to sit down in his booth—already biting her bottom lip. The simple gesture made his groin ache. “Hey, Bells. Did you get a good crowd this morning?”
She smiled. “It was very busy. Actually, I’m thinking I need to hire one or two people to help out around here.”
“That’s great. Now you’ll have more time for yourself. Maybe even take a vacation.” His body warmed when he imagined what she’d look like lying on a beach in a tiny bikini. Dammit, he couldn’t go five minutes without having a sexual fantasy about her.
She shrugged. “How was your morning workout?”
“The usual.” Leaning forward, she unknowingly gave him a nice view of her cleavage. His mouth was dry as sandpaper. He needed to refocus on the problem of the day. “I ran into Hilary a couple of minutes ago. She seemed to be in a hurry.”
“You know Hilary. When is she not in a hurry?”
He followed her eyes as they traveled toward the door with a dreamy-eyed expression. Wait. Was she thinking about that human? No way. He didn’t look like her type at all. An uneasy feeling settled in the pit of his stomach. “She did stop long enough to introduce me to Michael.”
“Oh,” she said, her eyes widening as if she hadn’t been expecting him to know about the date. She started fidgeting with her hair, twisting it between her fingers. “Yeah, he asked me out on a date. He really likes my food.”
Kaden told her all the time how much he liked her food. Why did it matter that Michael liked it? He leaned against the back of the chair, folding his arms in front of him. “I’m not sure I like the guy.”
Annabelle looked dumbfounded. “Why would you say that? Did you even talk to him?”
He didn’t need to spend a lot of time with the human. His instincts told him all he needed to know. Even if she couldn’t see it now, Michael wouldn’t be able to make her happy. She should be glad to have a friend like him who had her best interests at heart. “Long enough to know you should cancel the date.”
She laughed. “Since when did you start caring about my love life?”
He raised an eyebrow. “When you started accepting dates from guys like Michael.”
“News flash, Kaden. You don’t get a say in my private life. I’m a big girl, and I can make those decisions for myself.”
Of course she could make her own decisions, but she’d want him to tell her when she was wrong. “I don’t think this Michael guy is going to make the cut.”
She was still smiling when she narrowed her gaze. “I appreciate you playing big brother and all, but the date is happening this Saturday.”
Whoa, this Saturday? Kaden opened his mouth to say something else, but she leaned forward, putting her hand over his mouth. He made a muffled sound. “I’m going to get your usual bran muffin and black coffee. When I get back, I don’t want to hear another word about my date. Got it? Otherwise I’ll make it to go.” She winked and then headed toward the trays of muffins.
As soon as she was gone, he rubbed his hand over the back of his neck. What the hell am I doing? These human emotions affected his ability to think clearly. She should be dating, and as her friend, he should be supporting her. Why couldn’t he, when logic told him it was the right thing to do? He had to find a better way to deal with these feelings he had for her, but how? She’d been on a nonstop loop in his head since the day they met.
On his home planet, unions were often based on social rankings. His wife came from royal blood and had been chosen for him when he was still an infant
. Although they’d grown to care for and respect one another, their relationship was not romantic like the human marriages. But when she died, it hurt him deeply. After he left the planet with his brothers, he’d imagined he’d live out his life alone.
That was until he met Annabelle.
His memory lingered back to the day he stepped into her bakery. His brothers were still unpacking when he decided to take a walk into town. The first time he saw her, she was placing muffins into a customer’s bag. Even with her messy hair bun and stained pink apron, she was pure perfection. His entire body warmed when he got a backside peek at her pink tank top and itty-bitty jean shorts. Before he knew what was happening, he’d gone inside and sat down in the same booth he sat in now. And when she came to the table to take his order, she’d bit down on her bottom lip. He’d known then those lips would complicate his life, but he had no idea just how much.
Annabelle went into the back of the bakery, where she’d just pulled a fresh batch of bran muffins out of the oven―for Kaden’s breakfast order. As she set one on a small ceramic plate, she replayed the conversation with Kaden in her head. Something was different. He’d never been interested in whom she dated, and now he was acting like an overprotective sibling.
She shook her head, wondering what had sparked the change. Did he really get a bad feeling when he met Michael? She couldn’t imagine how it was possible. He’d seemed nice, and Hilary would never set her up with a jerk. That was totally against girl code.
Was Kaden jealous? No, she quickly dismissed the possibility. She’d done everything—minus lighting herself on fire—to try to get his attention, but nothing made a dent with him, though he hadn’t shown an interest in anyone since he moved to Germantown. His brothers were another story. Those two had been more than willing to date the majority of the local female population, especially Camden.
Under His Skin Page 2
