“Abby helps. It was her idea to make it official. After I broke up with Tad...” I cringed. Nothing like putting a damper on things by bringing up my asshole of an ex.
“It’s okay.” Shane stepped behind me and put his hands on my shoulders. “I want to know about your past.”
Goosebumps pebbled my skin as his breath landed on my neck. He moved my hair out of the way to kiss the spot where my neck met my shoulder.
“I don’t want to talk about it. Let’s just say we had different goals, and I finally found the courage to cut him out of my life for good.” I turned around to face him.
“Does that mean you’re not seeing anyone?” His arms slipped behind me.
“We really are doing this backwards, aren’t we?”
“There’s something I need to tell you, though. Something big.”
A sense of dread sent ice flowing through my veins. “What is it?”
“Something that could change everything.”
“Oh my God, are you married?”
He let out a chuckle. “No. I’ve never been married, but I do have a son.”
My lungs seized. Like someone just flipped the off button, and I forgot how to breathe.
“He’s an amazing kid. Nine years old and is already smarter than I am. Have you ever thought about having kids?”
The blood drained from my face. “Kids? Sure. In time.”
“It’s a lot to take, I get it. But I wanted to tell you because I’d like to see you again, Britt.” He nudged his nose against my ear. “A lot.”
“I think that would be okay,” I whispered.
His hands cupped my ass, and he lifted me up to sit on the edge of the worktable.
Eager for him, I spread my legs and pulled him close. Our lips touched, our tongues swirled together, and I let myself fall into the kiss.
9
SHANE
Ihadn’t slept in over twenty-four hours, but I’d never felt more awake, more alive. Watching Britt in her environment, mixing up pastries, icing danishes, and prepping for a busy day at the bakery made her infinitely more attractive. She was a woman with a mission. Strong, capable, totally taking charge of her own future. My kind of kryptonite.
By the time Abby rolled in a few minutes before seven to help open up for the day, I’d downed at least a gallon of coffee. Being around Britt had inspired a few lines that might turn into a song, and I’d scrawled several notes on a napkin while she filled the case with fresh-baked sweets.
“You want to hide out in the back while we work through the morning rush?” Britt offered. “I’m not sure you want your fans to see you hanging out in a pink apron at the Corner Bakery.”
“Yeah, wouldn’t that be bad for your image?” Abby asked.
“What image?” I brushed a hand over the evidence of my attempts at helping as Britt ducked back into the kitchen. “I told Britt earlier that I think pink might just be my color.”
Abby laughed. “Spike said you’d be a pushover for my bestie.”
“He did, huh?” I wasn’t surprised to hear that my bandmate had me pegged.
“Look”—Abby motioned me closer while Britt was finishing things up in the back— “I know you’re heading out this morning. Maybe it’s better if you say bye now? I can tell you and Britt had a good time last night, but since you won’t be sticking around, it’s probably best not to give her any false hopes, right?”
“Actually, I was thinking about staying in touch. I’ve got some time off before we have to head back into the studio, and—”
“And what?” Abby’s smile faded. “Britt’s life is here. You’re not exactly long-term boyfriend material. She needs someone stable right now. Her asshole ex did a real number on her and she’s just started to come out of her shell.”