Fake It Till You Bake It(20)

“Be kind, everyone,” Nicholas said, wringing his hands. “I’m close to perfecting the recipe. I’m almost there, but not quite yet. They’re gluten-free, so we can offer them to a wider clientele.” The flirt had turned into a nervous, yet serious baker. “Jada, as our newest employee, you get first taste.” Maybe not completely serious. A flirt was gonna flirt.

To her untrained eye, the cupcakes looked perfect. They smelled delicious. He handed her one, and she took a big bite. The perfect combination of milk chocolate, graham crackers, and fluffy, sweet marshmallows burst onto her tongue. She couldn’t stop a moan from slipping past her lips. She was officially in love.

“Better than decent, I take it?” Donovan drawled in her ear. Jada froze as a treacherous yet delicious shiver raced down her spine, then turned to face him. He’d come around the counter and was standing right next to her, the heat from his body seeping into hers.

She lifted her head to meet his challenging gaze. She took another delightful bite and swallowed. “Yep. They’re terrific. You didn’t make them, did you?”

There went his spine again. She should stop baiting him. He was her boss, after all. But he made it so easy, and it was so much fun. And she hadn’t had much fun lately. She deserved some fun. And he’d started it. This time, anyway.

Behind him, his co-owners snickered. He glared at them over his shoulder, then returned his attention to her. “Let me give you a tour of the place.”

“Done with the something in your office?” She really was going to stop. Probably. She would try.

“Let’s go.” He turned on his heel, undoubtedly expecting her to follow him. She did the only thing she could. She followed him.

And stuck her tongue out at his ramrod-straight, retreating back. While trying not to notice how his tucked-in shirt drew attention to the way his wide shoulders tapered into an eye-catching vee. And to how his pants cupped a world-class butt.

Jada bit her lip.

Yep. Totally not noticing.



* * *



Donovan headed to the kitchen. Even without Jada’s reminder, he felt guilty for abandoning her earlier. He knew, without looking, that she followed him. He just knew. He felt her presence. His skin tingled whenever she was near. He was almost getting used to it.

He pushed the door open and held his breath as she slipped past him. Despite his action, an intoxicating hint of the light, floral scent she wore slipped through his defenses. It was delicate but alluring all the same. It was doing its damn job, making him want to lean in and find out if it smelled the same that way all over her body.

“So you were talking to your boys about me?”

Her voice jarred him out of his dangerous musings. He focused on the cause of his distraction. She was leaning against the refrigerator, her red-painted lips twisted into a taunting smile.

His feet, clearly working on their own accord, moved closer to her. “What makes you say that?”

She held up her index finger. “Well, you didn’t deny it, first of all.” Another finger went up. “Second clue was the way Nicholas came around the corner, saw me, immediately turned around, and disappeared.” One more finger joined the party. “Third, the way August walked in, saw me, and kept walking.”

Donovan crossed his arms over his chest. “Oh, you noticed all that?”

“Kind of hard not to see.” Her nose wrinkled, and though he would never tell another soul, it was kind of cute. Adorable even.

“Sorry about that,” Nicholas said from behind him. Donovan whirled. Where had he come from?

Shrugging his apology, Nicholas held up an empty tray. August and Ella had obviously cleaned him out of the remaining test kitchen s’mores cupcakes. “I’ll be out of your hair in second.” He turned the smile women never resisted on Jada. “Unless you want me to stick around. I’m a better tour guide than he is.”

She laughed, the soft lilt filling the air. “I appreciate the offer, but don’t let me hold you up. I’m going to gird my loins and take my chances with your teammate here.”

Nicholas laughed. “I can’t believe you’re Mrs. T’s granddaughter. She’s the best.”

“She is. I’m lucky to have her.” She smiled at Nicholas. Again. She had yet to smile at Donovan like that, not that it mattered. It was just something he noticed. Nicholas smiled back.

Donovan growled. He couldn’t stop himself.

“You okay?” she asked.

Nicholas slapped him on the back. “He’s fine. Just missing some fiber in his diet. And I’m going to leave before he decides protein is more important and throws me in the oven to roast. I’ve got to get a nap in before my big date tonight anyway. I’ll see you tomorrow, Jada.” He pointed at Donovan. “Don’t destroy my kitchen.”

Donovan rolled his eyes, but finally, his teammate was gone. He didn’t expect any more interruptions. Ella had to watch the front counter, and August avoided people as much as possible.

Leaving Donovan all alone with Jada. Which was nothing to get excited about, his pounding heart notwithstanding. Everything was fine. They could get through the next hour without killing each other.

“Nap?” she asked, her brow wrinkling. “It’s barely noon.”

“He gets here at 6 A.M. to prep for the day, and I’m not sure of the last day he had that didn’t end with a date. He definitely needs a midday nap.” He held his breath. How would she react to that news?