Friends to Lovers (Heart of Hope 6)

I got her cupcake and poured her a complimentary cup of coffee in a to-go cup.

“I haven’t forgotten that I want details about you and Cy,” she said as I handed her the cupcake and coffee.

“There’s nothing to tell,” I said. I glanced back to see where Maya was. She was in the kitchen pulling out all sprinkles. “April, I know I can’t tell you not to tell Jude, but Cy is concerned about hurting his friendship with you both.”

She frowned. “Why? I kind of like the idea of you and him.”

“If it goes south…you did say you’d kill him.”

She rolled her eyes, but then thought for a moment. “If he hurt you, it could cause issues. It might be hard to work with him.”

“Right. I don’t want to put him in that situation,” I said.

“But I know and if—”

“We’re not a thing. We’re friends first.” I tried to make my voice stern so she’d understand how important this was.

She gave me a dubious expression. “Is that even possible? Friends with benefits? Or maybe I should ask if it is possible for you? You’re not a woman to keep the emotion out of sex.”

“I care for him, but it’s not serious.” My brain called me a liar. “Besides, it’s possible he’ll be returning to Chicago as you said. So, there’s nothing to tell.”

She let out a breath. “If Jude ever asks, I’m telling him the truth. But I won’t say anything unless he does.”

“Thank you. Cyrus has enough on his plate, he doesn’t need to worry about his friendship with Jude.” I felt some relief that she’d keep my secret.

“I think you’re underestimating Jude’s ability to support his friends. He’s not like August. He wouldn’t get selfish.”

“I know but it’s what Cy wants.”

She narrowed her eyes. “If he didn’t want complications, he shouldn’t have gotten involved. But I know you Petal, even a badass SEAL like him can’t resist you.”

I smirked. “Really, April, you’re making too much of this. In fact, I’m looking at getting into the dating game. I even have a profile online.”

Her eyes widened although I wasn’t sure if she was excited or worried about it. “Really? Have you met anyone yet?”

“No. But I have talked to a few through online messaging. So you see, it’s not a big deal between me and Cy.” I hoped she bought that.

“Petal, can we make confetti cupcakes?” Maya said coming into the main shop.

“Yep.”

“That’s my cue to take off. I’ll be back in two hours, kiddo,” April said.

“’kay mom. Come on Petal. Can we make the cupcake orange color?” Maya asked.

“Orange with sprinkles? Why not?” I laughed and followed her into the kitchen.

Later that night, I lay in bed reading, but not really taking in the content as I kept checking my phone to see if Cyrus would call. As the time ticked later and later without a call from him, disappointment grew. Finally, at midnight, I put my book down and turned out the light.

I closed my eyes, and let myself drift. I don’t know how long I was hovering between wake and sleep when my phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Ah hell…you were sleeping.”

“Cy.” My smile was probably goofy.

“I’m sorry. I’ll let you go.”