“It’s better to do it sooner since I have a feeling everyone around me should be on alert. So how about you see when everyone can come to the condo?”
“I’m on it,” she said. “Let me touch base with everyone and see what I can work out.”
I nodded my head.
“What can I help you with here first?”
“How about coffee and treats for the guys before they start crying like big babies?”
Brinley laughed. “I’m surprised they haven’t already. Let’s do it.”
“I heard that. Payback tonight,” Rowan yelled to Brinley.
“Yay, spankings,” she hollered back at her husband, causing everyone to laugh.
My eyes met Paxton’s and desire slammed into me when I saw his heated gaze. Was he thinking of spanking me? When he smiled and gave a small nod, I could tell he was confirming my thoughts.
Lord, he was trouble, but the good kind.
I reluctantly pulled my stare from his and got busy getting them something to snack on.
But for the rest of the day I couldn’t seem to nix the idea of Paxton’s hand on my ass.
* * *
I was finally home.
It had been a long day, but I also had a lot of help.
I felt awful that my bakery was closed for the day. When customers came by, many of my usuals, and saw the sign saying we were not open, yet I was right there inside, it killed me. So, after the first few walked away empty handed, I couldn’t handle it and baked up some treats.
Convincing Paxton and Rowan to move one of my tables outside in front of my window, I put a load of goodies on trays, covered them, and made a sign that told people we’d be back open the next day but to please take a treat for the road.
After that was all set up and I’d wandered into the back to clean up, Paxton followed me. “You’re as sweet as all these pastries you make, taking time to care for your customers, you know that?”
“It’s nothing,” I told him, turning to rinse some dishes.
Strong arms wrapped around my waist and spun me around. Moving into my space, Paxton backed me against the counter. “It’s not nothing, darlin’, it’s amazing, and so are you.”
Then his talented mouth captured mine in a mind-blowing kiss.
After he broke free from my lips, he winked and said he had to get back to the meeting with the guys. He left me standing there reeling from his addictive taste.
After that I’d been shocked to find out that he had hired someone to come in and clean everything upstairs. It looked and smelled great after it was done even if it was empty and would stay that way for who knew how long.
Brinley had called me to let me know that the ladies could all meet at the condo the following evening after work. My stomach did a nervous flip flop when she told me, but as I told her, better sooner than later.
The meeting with the guys had gone as well as to be expected. I was thrown off guard when Lyric approached me afterward.
“I want to say from a retired cop to you, that I am so damn sorry you couldn’t trust the police back in Chicago to keep you safe.” Anger dripped from each of his words but not at me. “We got you covered now, sweetheart, don’t you worry.”
Before I could thank him, I heard a deep growl from behind Lyric. “Who are you calling sweetheart, dickhead?” Paxton said it playfully but he was eyeing his friend.
Lyric turned toward Paxton, threw his hands up in aI surrendermove, then tossed his head back and laughed.
“You got it bad, dude,” Lyric murmured as he brushed past Paxton and walked toward the guys, who were still seated at one of the tables.
Paxton didn’t say anything, just looked at me and winked, causing me to go all gooey inside like one of my cinnamon rolls.
