I snorted. “Of course it’s good. It’s chocolate.”
He took another bite, then held up what was left of the flower to my lips. “Have the rest.”
The way he held it out to me felt intimate in a way I wasn’t expecting, making my breath catch in my chest. I leaned in and took the bite from his fingers. His gaze dropped to my mouth for a beat too long, and I didn’t pull away when he stepped closer.
He brushed his thumb lightly along my cheek, “I like when you let me see you like this. A little messy and vulnerable.”
“Wow.” I gave a shaky laugh. “You’re very charming tonight.”
“Is it working?” he asked, leaning in.
He closed the distance between us to give me a soft kiss. He tasted like chocolate and coffee, and the way he cupped the back of my neck was familiar and comfortable.
But something was missing. A spark I couldn’t force. A part of myself that I’d never given to him.
No matter how unfair it was to both of us, my heart still remembered the all-consuming passion I’d felt for Gage.
Jace pulled back slightly, searching my face. “I know we said we’re keeping things easy, but there are times I wonder if you’d ever want something more.”
It killed me that my thoughts had just been on another man. “You deserve someone who isn’t still figuring their life out.”
“I’m not asking for a label, Tessa. Just wanting to understand where your head’s at.”
Even before Gage showed up at my bakery last week, I couldn’t give him the answer he wanted. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t.”
We both knew that wasn’t true.
He stepped back, giving me the space I needed, but the distance didn’t make me feel better. Jace was everything I should want, but my heart just didn’t see him that way.
“Sorry, I have to get this done so I have time to do the normal baking in the morning.” I turned back to the cake, pretending to be focused as I steadied the piping tip, but my hands were just the tiniest bit unsteady.
“You do what you need to, Tessa. I understand.”
If only his words didn’t feel like they were about more than cake.
By the timethe clock crept toward noon the next day, the cake was boxed and waiting in the walk-in fridge, ready for Serena to pick up.
I’d double-checked every detail twice. The stencil work was perfect. The hand-painted accents matched my sketches exactly. The chocolate roses and sugar pearls on the top were gorgeous.
I found myself pacing behind the counter even though everything was ready. Finally, the front door chimed, and Serena Watts stepped inside. Even in oversized sunglasses, jeans, and a sweater, she had the kind of effortless glam that made it easy to understand why the world adored her.
Removing her sunglasses, she gave me a smile that made her seem more approachable. “Tessa? Oh my gosh, it’s so nice to meet you.”
I blinked, stunned by her warm greeting. “Hi.”
She glanced around the shop, her smile widening. “This place is gorgeous. Seriously. I saw photos online, but this is next level.”
“Thanks.” Heat crept up my neck as I came around the counter, reminding myself not to completely fangirl over her. “I’m so glad you think so.”
“Any chance I can see the cake?” She rubbed her hands together, an excited gleam in her eyes. “Or is it too risky to open the box?”
“Of course.” I waved my hand toward the kitchen. “Follow me.”
I led her into the kitchen and rolled the cart out of the walk-in fridge. Then I carefully undid the top of the box so she could see inside.
“Oh wow,” she gasped. “This is stunning. Exactly what Avery wanted. She’s going to lose her mind.”
