“Nope, only forward.” He wrapped his arms around Brooke, pulling her into a tight all-embracing hug. His breath tickled her neck as he whispered into her hair, “I can’t get enough of my Brookie.”
Brooke loosened their embrace enough for her to gaze up at him. “What have I told you? No nicknames,” she teased.
“Come on, not even for me?” He gave her a puppy dog look.
“Fine, I’ll take it into consideration.”
He kissed her on the temple. “Sounds like a win to me.”
Brooke laughed. “You keep telling yourself that.”
“I will, Brookie.” Logan stole a quick peck. “I will.”
CHAPTER 11
In a daze, Brooke slipped into her apartment building. Behind the lobby desk, George let out a long embarrassing whistle. Heat splashed her cheeks, and she fidgeted with her hair.
“Stop.” She waved him off then fully planned on walking as quickly as possible to the elevator bay. “You’re embarrassing me.”
He held his arms out wide. “Did I call it or did I call it?” George leaned back in his chair and cupped the back of his head with both hands.
“Fine.” Brooke whipped back around and stomped over to the lobby desk. Her heels clacked against the marble floors. “You called it. There, are you happy?”
George grinned. “Of course I’m happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you. Just wait until I tell my wife about this. This has been the most entertainment either of us has had in years.”
“How pathetic,” Brooke leaned a hip against the lobby desk, “for me.”
“I like this one better than the other one.” George leaned forward and cupped his hands together on top of the desk. “I have a good feeling about him.”
“Hold your horses.” She straightened herself. “I think it’s far too early to predict if this will work out or completely blow up in my face.”
“Nah.” George shook his head. “He likes you. I can tell. Justin never looked at you the way this one does.”
Brooke ignored his comment about Justin. “I’m going out to dinner with his family again on Sunday. Any advice?”
“Yes, please don’t order a pasta dish with red sauce.” He wagged a finger. “You don’t need a big splatter on your shirt to ruin your evening.”
“Okay.” Brooke laughed. “I’ll keep that in mind. Anything else?”
“Nah, a dirty shirt will be your only obstacle to avoid. I’m sure they already love you.”
Logan’s mom might, but Danielle was probably a different story.
“I appreciate your confidence in me. Have a nice evening.” Brooke waved goodbye.
She rode the elevator up to her apartment, and her bone-dead tiredness resurfaced. Her eyelids flickered open and closed. Being with Logan had distracted her from reality, she was going on very little sleep and had another full day tomorrow.
After her shift tomorrow, she and Aubrey had an appointment to taste a new wedding cake. The original cake maker had left suddenly for a family emergency and wouldn’t be able to bake it. Luckily, Aubrey’s wedding planner arranged for her to meet with someone who could follow the chosen design last minute. They only needed to decide on the cake flavor.
Brooke shot Aubrey a text before going to sleep and confirmed the location of the shop. Promptly, she drifted off to a dreamy sleep thinking about one guy and one guy only.
After work, Brooke caught the L train to the bakery on the other side of the city. At her stop, she climbed down the stairs from the station, the delicious and tantalizing aroma of the bakery guided her the rest of the way. By the time she arrived at the place, her stomach growled, and mouth watered. She entered and the bell on the door announced her arrival.
The tiny bakery had a beautiful display of cakes and cookies in glass display cases. She found Aubrey in the little two-top nook, facing the street. Slowly, she slid into the empty seat across from her and unwrapped the scarf from her neck.
“This place looks amazing.” Brooke gripped a glove between her teeth and removed it. “If it tastes as good as it smells, then your cake is going to be perfect.”
“Really?” Aubrey wrung her hands together. “I almost lost it when the wedding planner told me the cake was up in the air, but she assured me she sent them the photo of what I wanted. They have a quick turn around and promised to match what I selected.”
