Tough Cookies (New Year New Me 1)

“You want me to teach your daughter, too?” he asks.

“Yes. Clementine wants to meet you and help with the secret cookie.” I sigh.

“That’s adorable.”

“Clem generally is. Which is both a good thing and a bad thing.”

“You know I’d love to have her join us. But I imagine you don’t want her on tape.”

“No,” I say flatly. I won’t mince my words on this.

He hums. “What if we get together after the last taping?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah. Spending time with you is no hardship.”

I swallow. It’s sweet of him to make the offer. “Okay, I’m going to tell her now. She’s about to burst.”

“I’ll see you next week.”

“Yes, you will.” I can’t hide the smile that spreads across my lips. Damn you, Jordan. Now you have me thinking and wanting things I shouldn’t

“ARE YOU READY FOR THIS? It’s our last taping.” He fiddles with the angles on the camera.

I toy with the edge of my shirt. Suddenly, I’m the one not ready for this to end.

“Yeah.” I give a weak smile.

“Good.” He peers at me over the camera. “Because you’re going to fly solo.”

“What?” My stomach drops to my feet.

“I won’t be there with you when you make them for the contest. It’s time for you to fly free on your own, baby bird. You’re ready.”

“I won’t be there.” The words circle around in my head like an airplane ready to land.

“No, it’s your magic that’s preventing me from screwing all this up.”

“Nah. You just needed to build up confidence and get the basics under your belt.”

“Wh-What are we going to make?”

“Royal S’mores.”

“What?” I’m still trying to wrap my head around all the ingredients that have to go into a s’more’s cookie.

“You know, ’cause we’re the king and queen.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

“I thought I was in training,” I say dumbly.

“I’m taking away your training wheels and giving you the crown. We’ll make them with crown cookie cutters. It’ll be great.” He reaches out and cups my face. “Hey, no need to stress. We’ve gotten through the hard part, getting back in the kitchen.” His thumb caresses the side of my c

heek, and I relax, leaning into him. “Better. Take a deep breath. Good girl.”

I’m officially a puddle ready to slide onto the floor.

He moves away. I sway slightly, blinking. How easily he makes me forget everything. Part of me hates him the way he breaks through my defenses. I straighten to stand tall. He’s already got one foot out the door. I’ve served my purpose for him.