"I can't. I have to unpack," I say lamely as my vagina cries out in misery. I swear he has some kind of voodoo magic over my hormones, which is all the more reason for me to get away from him.
His face falls a little, betraying his disappointment for a split second before blinding me with the full force of his devastatingly dimpled grin. "Maybe another time. Let me know if you need anything. I work from home, so I'm usually around."
I'd be lying if I said I didn't watch his ass walk back to the mower. I'm in trouble. So, so much trouble.
***
A few hours later, I’m still feeling tired and grumpy from my rude awakening. I walk into the bakery and hear my sister Olive squeal with excitement. The sound alarms me, but the giant hug she gives me is so full of joy that I can’t help but smile.
"Lilah, you’ll never guess," Olive says, practically bouncing off the ceiling with excitement.
"You’re probably right about that," I reply. "Also is there coffee? My sleep-in was disturbed by this total asshole--"
"Did you tell her yet?" calls a male voice from behind the counter. I look behind the glass countertop, surprised to see my soon-to-be brother-in-law Brooks placing a cookie on a small delicate plate. Brooks is a contractor, and he doesn’t usually work behind the counter at Olive’s bakery. He looks ridiculous in the little blue apron, but the grin he’s giving Olive makes it clear he doesn’t care. He'd probably wear a tutu if he thought it would make her happy.
"Not yet," Olive says with a smile.
"Ok, what is it? You’re both driving me nuts. Also give me a cookie."
Brooks hands me a cookie and I take a big bite as Olive steers me to a small table by the window. "So, I’ve been doing the math, and things are going really well, especially with the classes, and I think I can finally afford to hire you full time!"
I blink at her. "Wait, are you serious?"
"Dead serious!" Olive crows. "Isn’t that exciting? No more Terry for you. No more artisan pickles. Only artisan cookies and cakes from now on!"
"Olive, are you sure? I don’t want you to stretch yourself too thin--"
"I’m sure. I wouldn’t do it unless I thought it would be better for both you and me. You’re too smart. You’d figure it out."
I take another bite of my cookie and shake my head.
"Are you happy?" Olive asks, suddenly concerned. "If you’d rather not be here, that’s ok too, I don’t want to force you--"
"Are you kidding? I’m delirious! I’m just in shock."
Olive squeals again and jumps up to get me a coffee. I sit back in my chair and sigh, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders. Now all I have to do is give Terry my notice. I can’t fucking wait.