I don’t.
“Just tell me—how soon do they want you to start?”
Her arms uncross, and she looks away. “I don’t know. It was pretty out of the blue. They liked the website so much, they asked if I’d like to join their team. I told them I’d have to think about it.”
“So you haven’t told them yes?” I take a step closer.
“No, but I’m going to.” Green eyes flash at me. “I just haven’t had a chance to get back to them.”
“You said they offered you the job after the soft launch. That was on Wednesday. Why didn’t you say yes to them then?”
She shrugs and looks away again. “It’s not good business to say yes that fast. It makes you seem too eager.”
The warmth in my chest grows stronger. I’m not buying a word she just said. She didn’t tell them yes because she’s going to those places with me.
But I’ll play along. “How long will they wait for an answer?”
Her brow furrows, and she pinches those full lips together. “I don’t know. Why are you asking so many questions?”
“Don’t tell them anything until I talk to you again. Will you do that for me?”
“Are you trying to control me? Trying to put me in handcuffs again? It didn’t work, remember? It was a sign.”
“A sign I need better handcuffs.” Her eyes narrow, and I put my hands on her waist, holding her closer.
I don’t care if she’s mad at me, I want to touch her, make her stop being so damn stubborn. Only… it’s her stubbornness I love.
“Will you just do this for me? Wait until I see you again before making any permanent decisions?”
“What does that even mean?”
Leaning down, I steal a kiss. It’s a quick one—just a parting hit off those sweet, sweet lips, no tongue. I know I’m supposed to ask permission first, but the little whimper in her exhale lets me know she isn’t offended.
When I lean up, her eyes blink open slowly, and I give her a grin. “It means wait for me.”
Twenty-Four
Tabby
Just like that, Chad Tucker leaves town without a word.
It takes me a few days of holding my breath to realize he isn’t checking in at the bakery like he usually does. Emberly doesn’t bring him up. I won’t say his name, and I’m sure as hell not about to text him. I have my pride.
The bruises on my wrists are almost completely faded, and every time I see those pale yellow marks, my insides ache. I miss Chad. I miss Andy.
I make it to Wednesday until I finally break down and ask.
“Robbie said he went back to Charleston.” Emberly’s rolling out fondant to cover the Queen of Heart’s dress for Melody’s birthday cake.
Me and my big mouth. “Did he say for how long?”
“I’m not sure he knows.”
“He has to know.” I mutter, standing back to look at the Alice in Wonderland masterpiece my friend has created. “Daisy’s lucky I don’t stab this cake right through the middle.”
“Don’t you dare!” Emberly cries. “That would be hurting me and Melody, not her.”
“I know, I’m only fantasizing.” My arms are crossed and I walk back to the table where she’s working. “What is her deal, anyway? I tried to bury the hatchet, and she goes after my man again.”