Would she change her mind about this? Is it possible that she’ll try to give me the slip? I should call my brother Ethan. He knows all about that. His wife had given him a run for his money.
My brother had gone a little mad until he found her again. I bet he could give me some sound advice. He’s never steered me wrong before. I’ve never gone to him for advice about a woman because I never had the need to. But he has always been there for all of the other important decisions in my life.
Ethan has already been on my case about finding a girl and settling down. He wants to make sure that I have more in my life than only working constantly. I shook off his words and told him to mind his own fucking business. But he was right. The ache that has been driving me insane is now gone and it’s been replaced with an entirely different feeling.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I reach in, grabbing it to see it’s my brother. He must have sensed that I needed him. He’s the only person that would ever call me this early. Working in the clubs late at night means I don't typically get out of bed until noon.
“What’s up?” I ask, bringing the phone to my ear. My eyes stay on the bakery. My girl must be in the back still baking. I’ve seen a few other girls show up who look to be setting up the front of the shop.
“Who is the chick in the pic?” My sister-in-law Amelia sing-songs into my ear.
“Morning to you, too.”
“Stop avoiding. You’re in the paper sucking face with some girl in one of your clubs. Spill it.”
“Shit,” I mumble. I should have known that was coming. I made out with her in the middle of the club. Anyone could have snapped a picture of us. Fuck.
“So who is she? She’s adorable. Nothing like the other women I saw you with before.” Alyssa is adorable and sexy at the same time. She is the whole fucking package.
“What other women?” I scoff. Amelia has never seen me with anyone else.
“When I stalked your brother, I saw Google pics of you, too. You were always partying in your clubs. Each night you seemed to be with a different woman.”
“Different women because I was at a different event each night. But let me make it clear that I was alone at each of them.” The pictures had been taken with whoever happened to be standing near me at the time. I didn’t bring or date any of those women, but I can see how Amelia would think that.
“True. This is the first time that I have seen you sucking face with someone.” Lovely. I’m not sure I want to see this picture. Normally I could give a shit if someone takes my picture and puts it in the paper. It is free publicity for my clubs. This time, however, it turns my stomach. Alyssa is shy. Her cheeks are always tinged that pretty pink. I don’t think she’ll like the idea of being in the paper.
“What does it say? Do they name her?”
“Nope. That’s why I’m calling. Who is she? Are you going to make a pregnant woman beg for the details?” I smile. Amelia is good for my brother. Actually, they are good for each other. I like her. Although she and Ethan have only been together for a short time, I’ve come to think of her as my sister.
“She owns a bakery. Love Bites.”
“Love Bites!” Amelia bursts into laughter. “That is a wonderful name. I love her already.” I hear my brother in the background telling Amelia that if she doesn't stop laughing so hard that she’s going to go into early labor. She pulls it together.
“Have you given her any love bites yet?” Her controlling her laughter is short-lived as she bursts into another fit. I can’t help but chuckle with her. I’ve done more than a few love bites; I’ve eaten my entire cupcake. It was the most delicious thing I’ve ever had in my whole life. I can guarantee that it won’t be for sale at her bakery either. I’d burn the place down before that ever happened.
“They sell desserts,” I half-growl, not wanting anyone to think they can have any part of her. The name is cute but what's even more adorable is I’m almost positive that my innocent cupcake doesn’t realize the innuendo.
Amelia abruptly stops laughing. “What kind of desserts?”
I smile to myself, knowing that her pregnancy has her craving all things sweet. My brother is constantly running around to get her something she is craving. She doesn't even have to ask him. She only mentions it and the next thing you know, my brother is either getting it or having it delivered. I needle him about it sometimes but really, I enjoy seeing him this way. Happy.