I try and ignore him but he’s so damn handsome. It doesn’t help that Millie keeps on reminding me of that fact. She is filling my head with her nonsense. Telling me he’s only staying around because he enjoys watching me. That he’s into me. I roll my eyes at that as I step out into the back of the building. It’s only a few steps over before I’m slipping in next door with my stolen key. I am out of time. I overheard Charlie say they were going to paint next.
I flick on the back light, looking around the place. When I Googled Jax I got a look at all of his shops. They are all very similar but with different artistic accents based on where they are located. The simple brown gray and soft yellow branding is very well known. Most of their shops have the same layouts too. This one doesn’t look anything like their others. Maybe it’s because it’s not painted yet. It actually kind of has the same feel as Millie’s place but the kitchen is giant. Which baffles me because Brewed Awakening doesn’t sell any food that isn’t prepackaged. It isn’t fresh baked on site each day like ours.
My shoulders drop. They really are pushing to take our spot. I know the regulars will stay with us but tourists are going to go to what they know. They are a big chunk of Millie’s business. With Brewed Awakening next door and them selling fresh food I don’t think we have a chance at all now. Even if the customers are split between us we will only be able to maintain that for a short time.
I freeze when I think I hear a sound. I reach up, flicking the light back off. Someone is in the building. Why would someone be here at two in the morning? The light turns back on. I let out a scream when I see a man standing there. It takes me a moment to realize it’s Jax. He’s wearing the biggest shit-eating grin that he can as he walks toward me. Neither of us say a word to one another. I stand there like a deer in headlights. I contemplate making a run for it but know that won’t work.
“What are you doing in here at this time? You scared the bejesus out of me.” His eyebrow arches high up onto his forehead. I lift my chin, trying not to show my fear and hope he doesn’t call the sheriff. Mike will not be able to get me out of this one.
“Shouldn’t I be the one asking the questions here? It is my building that you’ve broken into,” he says as he walks closer to where I’m standing. “So why don’t you start giving me some answers or I’ll have to call the cops.”
“I didn’t break in,” I point out. Nothing is broken.
“That’s odd since you’re standing here in my building and no one willingly let you in,” he says with a small smirk. He thinks he’s so smart.
“Like I said, I didn’t break in.” Before he can say another word I reach into my pocket and grab the keys out. I dangle them in his face. “These let me in. It’s not breaking and entering if you have the keys.” I’m so smug about it even though I know I’m the one in the wrong.
“Stolen key?” I think he’s going to snatch the keys from me but he doesn’t. I was baiting him. I need them taken from me or I’ll never stop.
“I ruined the paint too,” I blurt out. Oh God. Something is wrong with me. “I’m the worst at being a criminal,” I mumble. My shoulders drop along with my hand that is holding up the key. If I go to jail at least I can get some sleep. I’ll never hear the end of it from Mike though. Could they get in trouble because of me too?
“Millie doesn’t know about this. Please don’t get them into trouble because of me.” When I look up I see he’s moved. He’s so close we’re almost touching.
“I think we can strike a deal.” He smirks as he says it.
“I’m not having sex with you.” I throw my hand over my mouth. I should stop talking altogether maybe. I obviously have no control over my mouth or actions when he’s around.
“I’m not that much of a bastard.”
“Much.” I repeat the key word there.
“I want dates.”
I start to talk but he stops me. He puts his hand over my mouth. He smells of chocolate and honey and I know he must have just eaten one of my brownies. He eats all of my treats. He’s in and out of Millie’s more than anyone. She should start charging him rent. “Not sex.” I want to peek my tongue out and taste his hand but luckily, before I can embarrass myself by doing that, he drops it away.