“You know we have to get back, right?” I asked, breathing hard.
“Mhm, let me get you clean, then.”
I glanced over my shoulder to see him mischievously smirking at me. Duke lifted me and ran towards the stairs.
“Dukeeee, we don’t have time for this.” I groaned.
“You got time to get clean, love,” he retorted.
I laughed as he brought me into the bathroom and did everything but clean me up. We didn’t make it to the shop until an hour before opening. I fussed at Duke the whole way. I didn’t want Jessa to think I was taking advantage of her.
When we pulled up to the shop, Aubree was already inside, helping Jessa get everything together. After Duke helped me off his bike, he stored my helmet away, then followed me inside the bakery after I unlocked the door.
Jessa came out from the back while Aubree stood behind the register, grinning as she counted down the cash. It was funny how easily they handled the shop. They’d been with me since the first day, and Aubree had her own, so she was always putting me on to things.
“Now you want to show up. Duke, don’t be slutting my friend out while she is on the phone with me. I don’t like either of y’all enough for that.” Jessa announced.
I covered my face while Duke thought it was hilarious.
“My bad, it’s not my fault your friend—” I covered his mouth before he could finish.
Only for him to kiss the inside of my hand, then bite it.
“I’m sorry, I’m late. I truly appreciate both of y’all. I’m already showered. I just need to change my clothes.”
“I’m sure you are,” Aubree added with a laugh.
Duke shook his head, then leaned in to kiss me.
“I’ll be by to help you close tonight,” he reminded me.
I nodded, then watched him stroll out of my bakery. Damn, that man was fine and now I knew all that arrogance he had was well worth it. I understood why ole’ girl couldn’t let him go. But behind Duke, I was willing to come out of retirement.
“Friend, that man gave you that novocaine dick, huh?” Jessa asked behind me.
I turned to look back at her, brow raised, my jaw practically on the floor. She got on my nerves so bad—sis just said anything that came to mind. I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
“Good girls, don’t kiss and tell.” I responded, while trying to walk past her into the kitchen.
Jessa and Aubree stayed close behind me, not giving me a moment to shake off the new developments in Duke and my relationship.
“No need to tell. When I could hear from said phone call, that man was getting ready to take you for another ride on his handlebars.” Jessa added.
I stopped walking and tried to keep a straight face, but I couldn’t. Aubree and Jessa were standing waiting for me to confirm what they already knew.
“Ugh, okay bitch. Yes, that’s my man and he is damn near insatiable. Happy?” I asked throwing up my arms.
We stood silent for a moment and then all burst into laughter.
“We want every detail of the date night and how we got to him being your man. I need to live through someone. Now, go get dressed. We did what we can do, but you know these folks don’t play when it comes to you and these treats.”
I smiled and nodded, then rushed up the steps to my apartment. The moment I stepped inside, I tossed my phone onto the bed and headed to the bathroom to relieve myself before getting dressed. I planned to throw on a cute dress and lay my edges.
Once I finished, I washed my hands and walked into my closet to pick out something to wear. The pink caught my eye first—soft and romantic, with a daring slit that traced up the thigh. I pulled it from the hanger, letting it fall in front of me before holding it against my frame. My fingers brushed over the embroidered flowers, and I gave a quick nod before slipping it over my head.
I glanced in the mirror once more, then made my way out of my apartment. I’d already used more than enough time messing around with Duke. I didn’t want to hold Jessa and Aubree toomuch longer. But if I knew my friends, they weren’t leaving here until I told them everything they wanted to know about the date.
The moment I stepped into the kitchen, I washed my hands, then iced the cupcakes that either Jessa or Aubree pulled out of the stove. I could tell it had time to cool. I zoned out for a little as I went through, adding the glaze to some, nuts to others, and frosting to a few.
