Donuts and Handcuffs

“Bailey,” he finally murmured, “That was intense.”

I giggled, as he flipped over to pull me on top of him. “Yeah.”

“Too much?” he asked carefully.

“Never.”

I looked up to see his eyebrow raise. “Interesting.”

Laughter bubbled out of me. “Wait until someday when we’re both hepped up on sugar after a tasting session.”

His rumbling laugh was music under my ear, then we just snuggled quietly for a while.

“Hey, baby,” he asked softly, “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but what’s your real name?”

I didn’t even pause. “My original name was Kendra Bailey Lake. But you know, I honestly think that Bailey Saunders is my real name.” I let my fingers trail around his firm chest. “This is the first time I’ve been able to make my own decisions, my own life. No restrictions, no control from others. So this is the life and the name I’m choosing.” I looked up to see his sweet, boyish smile.

“I think that’s perfect. If there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know. And if you ever need me to get lost for girl’s night, or alone time, please let me know loudly. I don’t want to crowd you in your new space.”

I kissed his skin just over his heart. “Knowing that you’d understand if I needed some space is a huge relief. I don’t think that would happen often, but being aware of it is comforting.”

“I think you need some comfort, Bailey. You’ve earned it. Maybe someday soon we’ll make a sign for your shop door with a crazy story about going on an adventure to visit unicorns and we’ll run away for a vacation.”

Nodding seriously, I said, “The toddlers in this area are quite astute. We’ll need to bring back photos.”

“I know an artist who can make that happen. We’ll have giant unicorns and talking frogs added to our vacation photos.”

His huge hands stroking my back were making me melt all over again. “I’m glad you understand that the shop is g

oing to be a priority.”

“I’m glad you understand that my job is too. We’ll work it all out.”

Snuggling with my sexy boyfriend, I had no doubt in the world that we really would.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

By the night of the police station’s charity ball, I’d been tied up in knots for a week. This wasn’t just an event to raise money for the local children’s hospital. This wasn’t just the first formal event of my life. This was a little girl who grew up under the care of criminals ready to publicly declare that she was going to be a good girl for the rest of her life. And that I was officially dating Daniel.

At least, that’s how I saw it. Everything was still so fresh and new with Daniel that I didn’t want to explain it to him that way. He didn’t seem nervous about anything, ever. But even just announcing to his work colleagues that he had a girlfriend was likely some sort of occasion for him.

It was sweet that he seemed to accept my nervousness. I’d sent him far too many texts asking him what I should wear, who I should talk to, and everything else under the sun. He answered everything patiently, in great detail. Which was certainly a few more points in his favor, not that I was bothering to count anymore.

Since it was a neighborhood charity event, I’d donated several trays of desserts, having my new part-time assistant Devin deliver them earlier today. He was a quiet kid, but a hard worker, and seemed dedicated to learning a few new things every day. I appreciated his attitude, and was planning on starting him off with cookie cutting and donut glazing next week.

Hearing Daniel’s knock on my door, I ran down to answer it, still in my robe. I didn’t want to get my new dress messed up.

Pulling him into the living room, I knew I had to get the most important thing out of the way first. “I swear, once I tell you something, I can be ready in ten minutes.”

His sweet smile always mellowed me out a little. “We’re fine. What’s up?”

Leading him to the couch, he seemed confused as I handed him a postcard. It had a big cheesy cartoon sun beaming over a light sand beach, and read, “Everything’s Sunny in Good Old Florida”. On the back was nothing but my address, printed in black ink. In the space for a message, there was only a check mark.

“What’s this? Is someone on vacation?”

“It’s a coded message from my father,” I said. His jaw clenched slightly. “It just came in and I’m telling you immediately. It means everything is fine, so I guess Joel’s daughter is okay and doesn’t need my bone marrow.”

Daniel set the card on the table and took my hands in his. “You’re telling a police officer your secret family code?”