by Katie Simms
She never had any intention of falling for Dean, as she had made it very clear that she wasn’t ready for that, but spending time with him clearly made her decide otherwise. Seeing him with his daughter, the way he spoke of and to her, made Henley see a whole other side of him. Sure he was a tattooed hottie who was kind and sweet and funny, but with Cora, he was a lovable teddy bear.
A smile formed on her lips, but it did not make her feel any less jealous.
What was Claire’s deal, touching him the way she did? Was it intentional, as she was under the impression that Henley and Dean were dating? Was she that much of a bitch? Did she only do it to get a rise out of Henley?
“You’re being ridiculous,” she muttered to herself.
Dean would never take her back, even if she begged him to. That part of his life was over.
Right?
Dean approached the car, waving at Cora for one last time and climbed in the car. He fastened his seatbelt, started the car, and back it out of the driveway.
They didn’t say much to one another, but it made Henley a bit uncomfortable. She didn't want to say anything about Claire, because it may only lead to a fight, and she didn't want to fight with Dean. She wasn't even sure whether she was allowed to mention it to him. They weren't really dating, so she just kept quiet.
Dean parked the car in front of Henley’s apartment building and he helped her carry the cakes stands to her apartment.
Once inside, he closed the door behind him and looked at her.
“You have no idea how grateful I am to you,” he said.
She turned to him with a frown and tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
“The cake. It was amazing, and everyone loved it, Cora, especially.”
“I’m glad she liked it.”
“Are you okay?” he asked and slowly approached her.
“Yes, why wouldn't I be?”
“You were quiet in the car.”
She bit her bottom lip and frowned again.
“You can tell me if there is something wrong.”
“There is something, but I don’t even know if it’s a valid thing to be upset about.”
“Tell me.”
“I saw you and Claire talking and she touched your arm in a way that made me feel...” She paused mid-sentence and sighed. “I don’t know, I guess I was feeling-”
“Jealous?”
She ran her fingers through her hair and nodded. “Is that wrong?”
“You were jealous that Claire touched my arm?” he asked with a hint of a grin on his face.
“It wasn't that she touched your arm. It was the way she did it, and...”
“And what?”
“And the way she looked at you.”
A smile ran across his lips and he crossed his arms.
“Don’t smile at me like that,” she muttered.
“Like what?” he asked.
“Like you think it’s cute, or something.”
“It is cute.”
“Cute was not the look I was going for.”
“Then what were you going for?”
“Dean, please.”
“What? You’re the one who’s jealous that a girl touched my arm,” he chuckled.
She pouted slightly and ran her fingers through her hair.
“You like me,” he sang with amusement.
“Are we in junior high?” she asked and rolled her eyes, making him laugh. “It’s not funny, okay.”
“I disagree.”
She turned away from him and he felt obligated to call her back.
“Henley, wait.”
“What?” she asked.
“Can we be serious for a second?”
“I am serious. You’re the one who’s laughing.”
“I’m sorry. I was just surprised that you got jealous.”
“Trust me, so was I.”
“Claire and I have a history, but it’s over between us. It’s been over for a long time,” he said and walked up to her.
“I know that, but seeing her touch you like that...”
Dean reached out and touched her chin, tipping it upwards and their eyes met. “Tell me the truth, right now. Do you like me?”
She looked into his brown eyes and said a bit breathlessly, “Much more than I think I am supposed to.”
“Why do you think you’re not supposed to like me?” he asked with a frown.
“Because I was the one who wanted to just be friends with you.”
“You’re allowed to change your mind,” he said to her.
“I know.”
“So you like me?”
“Yes, I do,” she admitted, feeling like a teenager again. “I really like you and I don't want to be just friends with you anymore.”
“That’s a relief because I can’t just be friends with you anymore.”
“So last night wasn't a mistake to you?” she asked.
“It was a lot of things, but a mistake wasn't one of them.”
“Really?” she asked with raised eyebrows. “What were some of those things?”
“Spontaneous, spur of the moment, hot, sweaty, sexy,” he answered with a slight smirk.
“Wow,” she whispered. “That’s exactly how I would have described it.”
He chuckled and brushed a lock of hair from her face.
“Why did you tell Claire that I was your girlfriend?”
“It was the first thing that came to mind,” he answered. “I think I also said it because I wanted it to be true, plus it just seemed natural to say it.”
“Why is that?”
“I have no idea. It just felt right.”
She smiled and looked at him, not saying a word. Honestly, there was nothing that she could say that could make that particular moment better.
“If I had to explain it, I think it was because when I saw you the first time, I was attracted to you in a way I never thought I could be, or ever could be again. You were so beautiful.”
Her cheeks flushed slightly and she tilted her head at him.
“Then I got to know you and you turned out to be the complete package. You’re not just beautiful, you’re selfless and you have a much bigger heart than you care to admit. You’re smart and sexy, and the way you bake...” His voice trailed and he sighed dreamily.
She playfully slapped his chest and said, “Be serious.”
“I am serious. The way you look when you do something you love was the most amazing thing.”
“You were watching me?”
“At the risk of sounding creepy, yes I did.”
She chuckled and shook her head.
“But I like you, Henley, I really like you, and I would love to officially call you my girlfriend.”
“You would?”
“Of course,” he answered and took her hand. “Henley, will you be my girlfriend?”
A small, yet happy smile ran across her lips and she nodded. “Of course I will.”
The corners of Dean’s mouth curled upwards seductively and he pulled her close to him. He tilted her chin upwards and kissed her on the lips.
***
A few days later, Henley and Dean wear cuddled up on her couch. Dean definitely enjoyed the privacy, as she didn't have two loud roommates. He closed his eyes as he savored the moment and her closeness.
His euphoric and peaceful moment was cut short by the sound of Henley’s phone vibrating on the coffee table in front of them.
“Don’t you dare answer it,” he whispered against her hair.
“It may be important,” she whispered back.
“Then they’ll call again.”
“I have to answer.”
“But I’m so comfortable.”
“You’ll be comfortable again, I promise.” She pulled herself out of his arms and sat upright, grabbing her phone. Dean sighed and she felt him move behind her.
“Hello?” she answered and took a deep breath as she felt Dean’s breath on her neck.
“Hey, Henley.”
“Oh, hey, Jess,” she said with a hoarse voice.
“Are you okay?” Jess asked her.
Henley cleared her throat and blushed, feeling Dean’s lips on her shoulder, his hands around her waist, his smell. She also suddenly felt relieved that Jess couldn't see her bright red cheeks or the look on her face. She gently nudged Dean away and shifted forward, sitting on the edge of the couch. “Yes, I’m fine. You?”
“A bit overwhelmed, but okay.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“I’ve been getting requests and calls from a lot of people.”
“What do you mean?”
“They’re wanting to order cakes and cupcakes. Yours.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. People love them.”
“Wow, okay,” she said in disbelief and looked at Dean.
“What?” Dean mouthed.
“People love my cupcakes,” Henley whispered to Dean.
“Obviously. They’re amazing,” Dean said and rolled his eyes.
“Okay,” she said, rolling her eyes at him.
“Hello?” Jess asked, slightly annoyed. “Are you still there?”
“Yes, sorry. Jess, I'm putting you on speaker.”
“Sure.”
Henley touched a button on her screen and lowered the phone.
“I have so many people loving those purple cupcakes you made. They want more, Henley. Not only cupcakes but cakes brownies, anything really. For parties and functions.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“That’s great, but I can’t bake full time. I...”
“Wait, before you say anything else, it got me thinking. Would you be interested in becoming my partner and full-time baker for Latte’s Away?”
“Your partner?” Henley shrieked.
“Yes. I’ve been wanting to expand the coffee shop for a while now, and this seems like the ideal time to do it.”
“I think that's a great idea, Henley,” Dean said and she looked at him.
“I agree, Dean,” Jess said. “How does Latte’s and Cakes Away sound?”
“It sounds great, but...” Henley glanced at Dean with a frown and shook her head.
“No buts, Henley. You love baking, and you’re amazing at it. You would be stupid if you said no to this.”
“He’s right, Henley,” Jess said. “Listen to your boyfriend. He knows what he’s talking about.”
She took a deep breath and nodded. “Okay, I’ll do it.”
Dean smiled excitedly and put his arm around her shoulders.
“Great! I will work out the details and talk to my financial advisor and we can get everything set up for you.”
“That sounds great,” Henley said. “Thank you, Jess.”
“I’ll speak to you tomorrow,” Jess said.
“Okay.”
“Bye, Henley. Bye Dean.”
“Bye, Jess.”
The line went dead and there were a few seconds of silence in her apartment. Dean pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. “Congratulations.”
She looked at him and smiled. “Thank you. This is because of you.”
“What did I do?”
“You forgot to order a cake and asked me to do it.”
He chuckled and looked at her. “We should celebrate.”
She pursed her lips, thinking for a few seconds and said, “How does a nap on the couch sound?
“That sounds great actually,” he answered with a grin, then pulled her close again and kissed her.
Her entire body tingled with joy and excitement, and she knew that she would never tire from the rush of being kissed by the man with the chocolate mousse colored eyes.
Note from Katie
Thank you so much for downloading this book! If you liked it please take a minute to let others know by giving it a review on Amazon.
Also you might be interested in some of my other books and stories. There will be another Love and Baking book coming soon but in the mean time you might try this short story!
Winning Bid
Tate, a self-made billionaire, has just about everything he could have ever dreamed of wanting. Just about. The only regret he really has is that one beautiful girl from high school, his first and only real love. But he wasn't as confident then as he is now and he never told her how he felt about her. Then suddenly out of the blue, there she is right in front of him after all those years. He finally has his second chance!
He can win a date with her but will he be able to win her heart?
