Page 45

As the customer waited for his drink, it was my turn to step up to order.

“You must be Hayden,” the woman at the counter said.

I was momentarily taken aback, and then I nodded. “I’m sorry, have we met?”

The woman shook her head. “Nope. But Bones said when a well-dressed, gorgeous woman with your physical attributes ordered I was supposed to put it on his tab. I’m obsessed with your boots, by the way.”

I grinned. “Thank you.”

“My name is Jazz.”

“Jazz,” I repeated in confusion and then understanding dawned. “You’re best friends with Brielle.”

“You know Brielle?”

“I met her at Three Kings a few days ago. Roman tattooed my best friend.”

“It’s a small world after all,” Jazz quipped.

“It is.”

“So, you and Bones?” Jazz pressed.

“Oh gee, can I get a cup of your strawberry hibiscus tea and a plain croissant?”

“Plain? Are you sure you don’t want chocolate? It’s one of our best sellers,” Jazz said.

“No thanks. The plain one is fine.”

“The tea needs a few minutes to steep. I’ll bring it over to you.”

“Thanks.”

I opened my wallet and pulled out a few bills and stuck them in the tip jar before heading to Bones.

He folded his legs back and rose slowly. “Duchess,” he greeted, placing a hand on my hip and leaning in to kiss my cheek. His mouth was warm and his breath smelled faintly of coffee mixed heavily with cream.

I suddenly wished his mouth would move a few inches over and graze my lips, but I was too chicken to turn my head so our mouths could meet. Plus, I could feel Jazz’s eyes boring holes into my back.

Bones dropped his hand from my waist, and we sat.

“You been here long?” I asked.

“About an hour.”

“An hour! But we said 1 PM.”

“I came early.”

“But why?” I asked.

“Because Brooklyn wanted to stop by and Slash wouldn’t let her come alone, and I needed to speak to Slash. Made sense for me just to come early and wait for you.”

I frowned. “Am I supposed to know who these people are?”

“Brooklyn owns the bakery,” he explained. “Brooklyn is Slash’s Old Lady.”

“Oh, right, Brooklyn. Brielle mentioned Brooklyn just had a baby so the wedding cake part of the business is on hiatus for now.”