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“A dark fondant caramel?”

Sally grinned. “Exactly like that. Firm on the outside, but break through and it’s sweet, gooey heaven.”

Holly smiled. Was Avel like her perfect candy? She’d been so locked in memories of her past relationship that she hadn’t seen how hard he was trying with her.

Sally prodded the icing bag as she turned away. “Make a decision about Avel, one way or the other. But please, no more broken hearts on our cupcakes. I don’t want a big pile of unloved cupcakes left over at the end of the day.” She winked at Holly before heading out to the serving area.

Holly nodded, her heart filling with hope. “No more broken hearts for me.” She turned back to the cakes and decorated them with smiley faces and pink sprinkles. It felt right with Avel. She’d been too harsh on him. She’d take him a cupcake with a smiley face on it after work, and they could talk, figure out if they could be together.

Sally hurried back into the kitchen, a worried expression on her face. “Holly, there’s someone asking to see you.”

She placed the icing bag down, her heart racing. “Is it Avel?”

“No, and I don’t think you should go out there.”

Her eyes widened. “Why? Who is it?”

“It’s your idiot ex. It’s Eric. He’s asking for you.”

Holly took a step back. “Did he say what he wanted?”

“No, but he’s looking shamefaced. Even so, don’t go out there. I’ll tell him to get lost if you want me to.”

Although Holly was tempted, she needed to confront Eric. She had to be certain that he had no hold on her and was out of her life for good. “It’s okay. I’ve got this.”

“If you’re sure. I’ll be right here if he causes any problems,” Sally said. “I’ll kick his ass if he upsets you.”

“Thanks, Sally.” Holly pulled back her shoulders and strode into the dining hall. She swallowed her nerves when she saw Eric standing by the counter. “What do you want?”

Eric glanced around the busy dining hall. His shoulders hunched before he dropped to his knees. “Forgiveness.”

“You want what?” Holly’s eyes bugged.

“I was a jerk. A moron. I treated you badly when we were together, and I regret it.” Eric kept his head lowered as he spoke.

Holly glanced around and saw everyone in the dining hall watching their exchange. “You’re right. I didn’t deserve to be treated so cruelly.”

“I know that now. It was all my fault.” Eric shook his head. “Holly, you’re an incredible woman, and you deserve the best. I need to... I mean, I have to... wait a minute.” He activated his wrist comm.

“What are you doing?”

“I made notes.”

“Notes!”

Eric glanced up at her. “I can’t afford to get this wrong. I quite like being alive.”

She tilted her head. What was he talking about?

“Okay.” Eric cleared his throat. “Holly, I don’t deserve to share the same space as you. I took advantage of your kindness, and that was wrong. Don’t let what I did to you ruin your chance of a happy future.”

“I won’t,” she said slowly.

“I want you to be happy. You deserve to be with someone who knows how to treat you right, who will keep you safe, look out for you, and...” he grimaced, “give you the most mind-blowing sex of your life.”

Holly’s cheeks grew warm. “Wait just a second. While I’m glad you apologized, there’s no chance of us getting back together. I’ve moved on. I’m happy here. I don’t need you. And our sex life was never mind-blowing.”

Eric looked up and sighed. “Of course, you don’t need me. I’m not good enough for you, and I realize that now.”