I pulled back with a low growl, resting my forehead against hers.
“When are you finally going to let me take you on a date?” I asked, brushing my thumb over her lower lip.
She blushed hard and spun around, pushing through the door without a word.
Grinning, I followed. “That wasn’t a no.”
We stood just off to the side, watching everyone devour her desserts like they hadn’t eaten in days. Raiden hoarded the last Sideline Bar like a dragon with a piece of treasure. Prentice had chocolate frosting on his tie. One of the rookies was trying to talk to Coach O’Hara with a mouthful of cookie and failing.
And as predicted, Huck shoved Sylas away from the last blueberry blondie, then snatched it and held the baked treat against his chest like it was the one ring.
“You did this,” I murmured. “You’re amazing.”
She swallowed hard. “You know, I almost went to culinary school.”
I turned to look at her, my brows rising.Almost?
“I had a scholarship,” she explained, shrugging. “But then the fund dried up, and I couldn’t cover the tuition.”
After chewing on that for a beat, I chose my next words very carefully. “Have you ever thought about trying again?”
She bit her lip and seemed to really consider my question before answering. “Sometimes, yeah. But it’s so expensive. And I suppose I don’t need it to keep The Tight Line supplied with desserts.”
I held up one finger. “Okay, first, at some point, we’re gonna talk about why you refuse to see yourself the way I do. But not today.” I held up another finger. “Second…”
I stared at her. She knew exactly where I was going with this.
Rylin turned to me slowly, her hazel gaze holding a warning I had no intention of heeding. “Don’t say it.”
Bending my knees, I stopped when my face was level with hers. “I’m going to say it.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“If you want to go to culinary school, I’d love to help.”
She didn’t say anything, but her lips were pressed tight, and she was practically radiating with stubborn energy.
“I know, I know,” I added before she could scold me. “You don’t want a handout. And you think letting me pay would make you feel like you didn’t earn it. Still, it was worth a shot.”
With a sweeping gesture, I indicated the crowd, laughter, and empty plates. “I also believe you don’t need school to make this your future. You just need a shot.” Turning, I gently took her by the shoulders and shifted her so she was also facing me. Then I pushed my fingers through the hair on both sides of her head, framing her beautiful face. “And I’m giving you one.”
She swallowed hard, and I could see her fighting herself, trying to believe that something good was happening to her. Without strings or ulterior motives.
Wanting to drive that home, I added in a rough voice, “Whether you date me or not, baby.”
Her mouth opened slightly, and her eyes widened. Smiling, I locked our gazes and continued, “This isn’t about charity, nor is it a quid pro quo. This is about belief. I see how brilliant you are.And I think the rest of the fucking world deserves to taste what you can do.”
She blinked fast as moisture glistened in her hazel orbs.
I let a crooked smile tug at my mouth. “Doesn’t mean I haven’t thought about keeping it all to myself.”
Her laugh sent warmth streaking through my whole body, and for a second, I was distracted by thoughts about the feel of her mouth on mine, the taste of sugar on her skin, the way her hips swayed seductively when she walked away, and how hard it was not to drag her to the nearest closet and fuck her. No pun intended
“Yo, Micah!” Saxon yelled. My head swiveled to look at him, and he grinned. “We’ve got to hit the road. Stop hogging the chef and let us say goodbye.”
There was a smattering of laughter as I sighed and stepped back from Rylin. Then I clasped one of her hands in mine and led her around the counter to face her admirers.
Little by little, my friends filtered out, each of them stopping to compliment Rylin and tell her that they looked forward to seeing her again. The women all tossed me a look when they said this, and I nodded, making them grin.
