Yes, it would, she thought. The Stone family deserved closure.
When True entered the kitchen, Xavier and his brothers were standing by a large kitchen island surrounded by bowls, spoons, and a mixer. The smell of chocolate wafted in the air.
They were all wearing aprons and covered in flour and chocolate. Xavier had a white smudge on his nose that made him look a little bit ridiculous.
“Reinforcements!” Caleb shouted as he spotted her. “I’mtagging out,” he said, ripping off his apron and tossing it on the counter. “Thanks, True,” he said as he left the kitchen.
Landon dipped his finger in the bowl and raised it to his mouth, licking it.
Xavier let out a groan. “Come on! We’re baking here. Keep your fingers out of the batter.”
“I’m out too,” Landon said, smirking. “I’m the worst baker in the family.” He took off his apron and handed it to True. “Have fun!”
“Is it something I said?” True cracked as it became just her and Xavier in the kitchen.
Xavier walked toward her with a grin on his face. He took the apron from her and tied it around her waist, leaning in close as he did so. He tipped his head down and brushed a kiss against her lips.
“Mmm,” she murmured against his lips. “You taste like chocolate.”
“I snuck a taste when Caleb and Landon weren’t looking.”
She reached up and wiped the smudge off his nose. “Let’s go make these cupcakes before your grandmother comes back.”
“That’s what I’m talking about,” he said, clapping once.
True made her way over to the counter and surveyed the cupcake operation. She wouldn’t be exaggerating to describe it as a hot mess. Batter was on the counter, along with a white powder resembling flour. Sticks of butter were melting. And there wasn’t a single baked cupcake in sight.
“I see why you needed help,” she said, chuckling. It felt kind of nice that she was the one he’d reached out to for it.
Xavier held up his hands. “Not my fault. My brothers held me back. They were goofing around and not focusing on the task at hand.”
“Well, let’s get some in the oven before Hattie returns.”
True took the cupcake liners and began placing them in the baking tin. Xavier took the hand mixer and began to work the batter until it was completely smooth. True looked toward the oven as it pinged, indicating the temperature was set for baking.
Together, they spooned the batter into the liners, and then Xavier opened the stove and placed the cupcakes inside. True held out the whisk and asked, “Want to share?”
“I’ll never say no to cake batter,” Xavier said, quickly closing the space between them. He leaned in and licked the whisk, his tongue darting in and out.Have mercy, True thought as she watched him.
She had never considered licking batter a sexy act, but Xavier was changing her mind. Was it getting hot in here? she wondered as her cheeks heated. Xavier was making her feel a little weak in the knees.
“Your turn,” he said, handing it back to her. True, aware of Xavier’s intense gaze, made quick work of licking the whisk clean. Xavier took it from her, their fingers brushing in the process. She felt a jolt at the skin-to-skin contact. Xavier’s eyes widened. Clearly he was feeling it too.
“Can I get you some tea? Lemonade?” Xavier asked.
“I’d love a lemonade,” she said, sitting down on a kitchen stool. Seconds later Xavier was pouring them each a tall glass of lemonade. She took a sip, relishing the tart taste of the drink.
“So now I know you like lemonade,” he said. “That look on your face gave you away,” he said with a laugh. “Just curious: What do you know about me?”
“I know that you were engaged,” True blurted out. She let out a shaky laugh. “Sorry. I Googled you.”
He frowned. “Seriously? Did you go online and check my background?”
She shrugged. “Honestly, I just wanted to know more about the grandsons Hattie was giving the keys to the kingdom to.” Now it all seemed so silly. She was slightly embarrassed about it and wishing she hadn’t gone down that road.
“Yes, I was engaged. We broke up. But I guess you saw that online too,” he said, his tone slightly sharp.
True’s heart sank. “You sound upset.”
