Don't Go Baking My Heart

“No, I’m good.”

Talk to her? Not likely. Jeremy had advised him not to overthink, but easier said than done. He itched to rip apart every single interaction he’d had with Reba to come to some sort of understanding of how they had gotten here.

Here being this odd space where he wanted to keep having sex with her but also perhaps something else, too…something more. Fuck, he hadn’t meant to think that. Even the thought felt too loud. Obviously, Reba wasn’t a mind reader, but it felt dangerous to even think it.

“Then why are you looking at me like that?

Shit, what the hell was his face doing? “I don’t…what?”

“It’s the cube, isn’t it? Of course, math would turn you on.”

He didn’t dispel her theory. The perfect lines of the cube were causing him to look at Reba in a new light. He was used to math in his daily life; it was an inescapable part of his work—that he actually enjoyed—but not so much for her.

The playful moment turned charged. Aware of where he was, he didn’t do anything, didn’t move to take her hand or pull her forward like he wanted to, but she got the message. Her tongue swiped out over her bottom lip, followed by her teeth pressing into the plump flesh that was painted a peachy colour today.

The sudden knock on his door made them both jump. Reba bit her lip, looking like she was trying to hold a laugh in.

“Hey, we need Reba back, so if you two are done?” Maxi called out loudly.

He sighed at Maxi’s playful tone, although her interruption had been perfectly timed because where his mind had been about to go was startling. To more what-ifs, which could have turned into action when he had firmly told himself they would do nothing as long as his family was still here.

Reba got to her feet. “Hold that thought. I know you’d prefer to stay up here the whole time, but don’t be a total stranger tonight, okay? I’ve picked out the perfect outfit.” She tossed a wink before going to join Maxi.

Reba’s exitleft him in a restless mood, which meant he threw himself into working on the presentation, going through the slides with Chelsea, who had video-called him to chat until his stomach rumbling had forced him downstairs.

His mother had graciously brought over some oil down for them. Leah wasn’t fond of the dish as she found it looked too mushy to taste good, so she had her own chicken and fries to munch on.

He took a look at the set-up as he scooped up a spoonful of salted meat and provisions, basking in the flavourful taste of the coconut milk. Everything looked fine to him, nothing too over-the-top, and most of it confined to the backyard so there wouldn’t be a bunch of people trampling throughout his house. They would be allowed through the kitchen to get to the downstairs half-bath.

Of course, the priest would be allowed in so he could bless the entire property before the party itself got underway, but otherwise, Devon was fine with how they had planned out everything. Nothing too fancy, a couple of tables and chairs set up, twinkle lights thrown in for some ambiance, or so his mother claimed. Didn’t matter to him. They’d also created a section for the DJ and food. He could work with this.

“Well, is it to your liking?” Maxi asked.

“It’s fine.”

“Ah, yes, love to hear something is fine after we spent all morning on it. Truly.”

“Your sarcasm isn’t needed. I didn’t say it looked bad.”

“Would you call your work fine and think it’s something of worth?” Maxi shot back, hand on her hips. Reba and his mother watched on, amused. “It’s supposed to be whimsical and cute but make guests still feel fine with brukkin’ out. I told Reba’s DJ friend to make sure we have some songs to wine low to on their setlist.”

“Whimsical isn’t my style, but I’m sure the guests will love it.”

“Really sorry for whoever you con into marrying you. I swear you’re the worst.”

“Now, now, children.” Ms. King looked between them. “You’ll make Reba think we always get on like this,”

“Oh no, don’t worry about me. This is making my afternoon.” Reba grinned and waved between Devon and Maxi. “Please, do carry on. My sis and I never argue. She takes all the fun out of it. Just shakes her head at me and walks away. God forbid she ever look anything other than perfect. This is refreshing.”

“We’re not arguing.” Devon didn’t do confrontations if he could avoid it. He knew Maxi wasn’t really angry—he’d seen her truly upset before, and this wasn’t even close—more like annoyed with his reaction. But they should be well aware he wasn’t going to gush about how amazing the set-up was. It was fine and functional.

“No, we’re not, but come nah, man, at least give us a little praise for our hard work.”

“Yeah, Uncle Devon. Can you say it looks pretty?” Leah piped up, munching on a fry as she smiled over at him ever so sweetly.

Great, now he had a child trying to guilt him, unwittingly. Leah wasn’t yet aware that it was difficult for him to refuse her anything. God save him when she got older and realised that. If she turned out anything like Reba, they were all doomed.

He stole a glance at Reba, who was grinning at him.