“Dang, girl. All it took was Jerry coming over and talking to you. I need a kiss like that to remind me not all men are assholes.” I sigh.
Jean-Louis wasn’t a complete asshole, but he only married me for my money and because he was my friend and he saved me. He kissed me several times, but none of them were earth-shattering. My knees didn’t go weak or anything like that. We only had sex a few times, and that’s all it took for me to get pregnant. But I swear, if a man kissed me the way Aftershock just kissed her, I’d be pregnant with multiples. I giggle at that thought.
“I’ve never been kissed like that before,” she confesses.
I look at her in shock. She seems so worldly, and she’s surrounded by bikers. I guess I shouldn’t have assumed.
“What? Girl,” I say, dragging out the last word. “I’ve gotta admit, I’ve never been kissed like that either.”
We both laugh as Oly comes from the back with a cupcake in her hand.
“I hungry, Momma.”
She’s about to take a huge bite when I swipe it from her and lift her up.
“Nope. You need a real lunch. Come on.”
I carry her to the kitchen. I need to make my kiddo something a bit more nutritious if she’s not feeling her best. Harley follows and asks if I can make her a grilled cheese too. The bell over the door will alert us if someone comes in.
I decide to splurge and make them both croque monsieur. It’s a sandwich I love to make, and I know Oly loves them too. It’s layered with two types of cheese, ham, and creamy béchamel sauce.
As Harley eats, she starts peppering me with questions I can’t answer. I really like her, but I can’t have the men from my past coming after her when the time comes for me to leave.
Together we wipe down tables while we wait for the just-before-closing rush. She has a class on campus she needs to go to, but she always returns after.
“I’ll be back at five to help you close,” she offers just before stepping out the door.
“You know you don’t have to do that,” I tell her as I distract Oly with her play baking set so I can put macarons together and a few madeleines for the case later.
“I do. You’re my friend. I want to help you.” She leaves before I can say anything else.
Tears sting the corners of my eyes. When the bell chimes, I head to the front, Oly trailing along behind me.
I’m startled when I see Jim standing there. His eyes dart to Oly.
“I thought she had camp today, so we could have a private conversation.”
I’m thrown by the fact that he shouldn’t know that. How does he know? The hair on the back of my neck rises. Did I mention it this morning? I don’t think I did.
“Um.” I pause, not sure what to say, then decide to ignore it. “How can I help you, Jim?” I ask instead. “Are you interested in a loaf of bread or some sweets?”
“I’m interested in something sweet, alright.” He advances on me.
The bell chimes over the door, and I’ve never been so glad for a customer. I look up and see Kodiak walking into the shop. Just like earlier when Aftershock came in for Harley, Kodiak’s eyes are focused on me and not on Jim.
“Hello, Kodiak, Harley is at class right now.”
He doesn’t respond, but he finally looks at Jim.
“Hello.” His deep, gruff voice is intimidating, but it’s sexy as hell, as far as I’m concerned.
The bell chimes again, and this time a tall blond man in a leather cut like Kodiak’s walks through the door. He glances around, taking in the place. He’s followed by another man in a cut, almost as tall as Kodiak but not as built. He has short dark hair and a scruffy beard, like he skipped a day of shaving. Both men look around but keep their distance from Kodiak and Jim.
Oly rounds the corner and goes straight to Kodiak, who immediately bends down and scoops her up in his arms. My heart is thumping so hard I’m sure everyone can hear it.
“Hello,” Jim finally says, backing away from Kodiak while keeping the other guys in view.
All three men are large and intimidating. They have an air of danger, but for some reason, I’m not afraid of any of them.
