“You’re not serious.”
She jerked when he nipped her fingertips, frown deepening. “I’m dead serious, Viv. No arguments. I’m going to have my store, but I’m not going to give you up to accomplish that.”
“So, you aren’t breaking up with me?”
He threw his head back and laughed, a deep, raucous noise that went on for so long she was left unsure of whether to slap him for making fun of her or joining him in his relief.
“God, no, Viv.” His blue eyes flashed and he pressed his forehead to hers. “No.”
“Even with all the craziness in my life?”
He shook his head. “You’re mine, Vivian Bennett. Craziness be damned. Got it?”
She didn’t bother to speak. Kissing him was answer enough.
Chapter 10
The rest of the day flew by in a blur. Work around the bakery kept Vivian busy until Yvette arrived. Zeke picked her up and they went to visit his realtor, getting information about the different properties she and her extended network had discovered. They were busy eating takeout on his floor, folders of various properties spread around them when Vivian’s cell phone rang.
“Hello?”
“Vivian?” Yvette sounded strange. Upset, nervous. “I’m sorry I’m calling so late.”
“It’s fine. Is something wrong?”
“I’m trying to close up, but there’s a problem with one of the ovens. I turned off the gas to it, but wasn’t sure if there was something else I should do.”
“That’s weird,” Vivian muttered, getting to her feet. Zeke, ever attentive, rose as well, eyes narrowed as he listened in on the one-sided conversation. “I’ll be there in a few minutes. Sorry it’s taking you longer to get home tonight.”
“It’s okay. I’ll see you soon.”
“Something wrong at the bakery?” Zeke asked.
“One of the ovens isn’t acting right,” she explained as she slipped on her shoes. “I just need to go down to check it really fast. Yvette already turned off the gas, but if it’s not working, I’ll need to adjust the baking list for Natalie tomorrow.”
“Let me drive you,” Zeke offered.
“I’ll be fine,” Vivian protested. “You should finish eating and looking over everything. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“The cops still haven’t caught the bastard,” Zeke argued. “I don’t like you going out alone.”
“You can’t be with me all the time.”
“Currently unemployed, darlin’.”
She rolled her eyes and grabbed her purse. “Really, Zeke?”
“Really.” He snagged his keys off the counter and jerked his head toward the door. “Let’s go.”
The lights in the rear of the bakery were on when they pulled up. “She must be in the kitchen still,” Vivian told Zeke as she got out of the car. “Hopefully it won’t take too long.”
“Want me to come in with you?” he asked.
/> “I’ll be fine. Give me ten minutes.”
“If you aren’t back in ten, I’m coming in after you,” he called after her.
“I’d expect nothing less.”