Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)

I smile brightly at him and stroke his hair, “Never said I would, honey. ”

Trick is up and by my side in a jiffy and asks, “Wha- wha- what kind of donuts?”

Laughing, I open the container to show him the twelve cinnamon glazed donuts. He groans dramatically, hunches over and puts a hand on his knee as if to steady himself.

He straightens up and begs in a whisper, “I need one of those donuts. ” He sounds like a junkie.

I hold out the container to him and he takes two straight away.

Greedy guts.

I know Ghost is dying for one; he keeps swallowing because he’s salivating. I walk over to the end of the table where there are clean plates, pick them up and place one in front of each of the guys. I put two donuts on each plate, apart from Trick’s. Then comes my favorite part; watching them enjoy.

They each take a bite and the room erupts in moans and groans.

I start giggling at their over enthusiasm.

Trick speaks around his donut, “They’re like little clouds of cinnamon goodness. ”

Ghost moans in agreement.

Max looks up at me and says, “These are so freakin’ good. Why the heck didn’t you open a bakery?”

Nik finishes his first donut. He has glaze all over his lips and doesn’t even know.

He looks adorable and adds, “Yeah, Tina, you’ve got a real talent for baking. I know we’ve only tried the cupcakes and donuts but I’ve never tried anything so good in my life. ” Nik looks at Max and threatens, “If you tell Mom I said that I’ll kick your ass. ”

I’m a little uncomfortable with all the praise so I explain, “I love working at Safira. It’s my whole life. Every girl’s dream is to work at a clothing store. Don’t get me wrong, there was a time in my life when I was actually considering opening a bakery. But this,” I point to the donuts, “is all me. And when I bake for someone, I give them a little part of myself. It’s like giving someone a part of my heart every time. ” I look up thoughtfully and shrug, “I don’t know if I like the idea of people buying pieces of me. They’re mine to give away when I feel like it. And that makes them special. ”

All the guys have stopped eating and stare at me.

“That actually makes sense,” Nik says, his face soft.

I’m embarrassed and decide to cut my visit short.

I clear my throat and utter, “I need to get back so I’ll see you guys later. ” I turn and leave without waiting for their goodbyes.

Halfway down the hall I’m stopped by a hand on my shoulder. I turn and face Nik.

“Tina, I actually wanted to see you for a minute. ” His face is serious and I’m a little worried by it.

He looks so handsome today. He’s rocking day old stubble on his cheeks and I want to put my fingers to it.

Must you be so beautiful, Nik?

I nod, “Uh, sure. ”

Am I in trouble?

“Am I in trouble?” I ask.

I must sound apprehensive because he puts an arm around my shoulders and chuckles, “No, sweetheart. ”

Still caught up in a Nik hold, he leads me down the hall to his office. I’m even more nervous when he shuts the door behind us.

He pulls out a chair for me, ever the gentleman, then sits himself behind the large mahogany desk.

Looking a little anxious, he starts ,“So we’ve known each other a few weeks now, right?”