I know you aren’t interested in anything, but can we be friends?
Friends? You want to be friends with me?
I want to be in your life any way I can. And if it’s only friends, then get prepared to call me your bestie.
One, you typing bestie feels very odd. Second, Shelby and Hannah might not take too well when they find out you’re invading their turf.
Tell them to bring it on. Because I’m about to be the best fucking friend you’ve ever had.
CHAPTER 11
MADDOX
Itake pleasure in the small things in life.
A beautiful woman. These days, ones named Gabi.
A juicy steak served medium rare.
Your music app always playing the right song when set to shuffle.
An opposing quarterback throwing the ball thinking he has his target, only for me to jump in front out of nowhere, picking it off and running it to my end zone.
But more than any of those things, what to me is the simplest and most perfect thing in this life, is a sweet treat.
Specifically a bear claw. But I’m not picky.
And if that treat happens to come from my new favorite bakery that I haven’t tried yet, but am standing outside of, then so be it.
It took all I had to not be her first customer of the day. I could’ve. I was awake. My body always has a hard time adjusting from the in-season schedule to my offseason one. During the football season, my days are so regimented—which for me includes when I wake up—that when it’s suddenly over, I usually need a few weeks to adjust.
Today wasn’t a case of me waking up at my normal six in the morning. No, this came from me not being able to sleep a wink last night.
I couldn’t stop thinking about her or our conversation. Even though it was all over text, I swear I could hear her voice. The playfulness in some parts. The vulnerability in others. Her sass and wit. The seriousness when she told me that we couldn’t ever be more than friends.
Which is when my inner voice chimed in trying to come up with a plan to be what she needs, while also holding out hope that one day she’ll change her mind.
I was up two hours earlier than normal—and that was after me talking myself out of going to the bakery and bringing her coffee. However, that meant that my morning routine of working out, eating breakfast, answering emails, and a meeting with my agent, were all done well before noon.
After realizing being there when her doors opened was a bit much, I decided that maybe I’d go around lunch and bring her something to eat. That felt more nonchalant. Except I don’t know what she likes to eat, and I wanted it to be a surprise, so I retreated from that thought.
I was scrambling. I cleaned my condo to keep busy, hoping that the movement would spark an idea. I tried to play a video game, but got bored with that in three seconds.
Then it hit me: I need a hobby. And not just any hobby. Baking.
I mean, it’s perfect. I’ve wanted something to do to keep my hands and mind busy this off season. What if I learn to bake? And not fumble around on YouTube or study every second of a baking television show, but I get my favorite baker to teach me the ways. If she happens to fall in love with me during this process? So be it.
I’m a fucking genius.
I look up to the baby blue and white sign that reads “Sugar and Sweets” before looking through the huge front window. It’s not a big building, but I can tell from the outside it’s the perfect size to have a quaint bakery that seats plenty. I can see there are a few college students packing up their things to leave, and two elderly women sitting at a table. It’s not long before Gabi approaches the two women, setting down two plates, before taking a step back. I don't know what they said to Gabi, but she’s holding her stomach as she laughs.
I’m glad I didn’t go in right away. I needed a second to get my wits about me. If I hadn’t, there was a very good chance I was going to walk in, see her, forget our conversation last night, and kiss the hell out of her. Which I know I can't do. I won't do. So I'm going to stand out here for another minute and figure out how the hell I’m going to be friends with a woman I’m fucking crazy about.
“You can do this Gallagher,” I whisper to myself. “Don't come on too strong. Be her friend. Ask her to be your baking teacher. Get a bear claw. That's all you're here to do.”
With those parting words and one more breath I crack my neck for good luck and slowly make my way inside the bakery.
“My oh my, who do we have here?”
