Friend-Zoned (Friend-Zoned 1)

It’s from Vanessa.

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To: [email protected]/* */

From: [email protected]/* */

Subject: Re: Cupcake Recipe :)

Thank you so much, can’t wait to make these for my husband!

Who ever heard of mayonnaise in cake? But whatever work, right?

Kindest regards,

Vanessa Graves

P. S.

Tell your boyfriend he’s got himself a new sponsor. Doing the paperwork right now. Should be there Monday.

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HOLY CANNOLI! Yay!

After yesterday’s accidental meeting with Vanessa, I went back to the store and typed out the recipe to email to her. I was just about to email it when I read what business she was from. NT3 Advertising is a huge advertising firm in New York. So, now I understand why this was so important to Nik. If he succeeded in getting them as a sponsor it would open the door to him for a lot of other sponsors. NT3, alone, has over ten sub companies.

I’m so happy for him right now I could dance a jig!

Instead, I forward the email to him and wait for a reply.

My excitement deflates when I don’t get one after ten minutes. I get back to work.

Rawr Raaawr

Just as I’m ready to glare at the damn doorbell, I’m pulled back into something hard.

I look up and there is Nik. Hugging me from behind.

He is so tall and handsome. And I feel safe in his muscular arms.

This bothers me.

I try to laugh it off saying, “Hey there big man! I see congratulations are in order!”

He takes my hand and turns me to face him. He takes my face in his large hands and explains, “They were going to turn me down. You,” he shoots me a grateful smile and whispers, “you are the reason I got this. This one’s all on you. ” His face turns serious, “Thank you, sweetheart, you have no idea how much I needed this. ”

Wrapping his arms around my shoulders, he picks me up and rocks me from side to side. My legs are swinging left to right and I can’t move my arms. I’m sure anyone watching thinks I’m his dolly.

When he’s done, he sets me back on my feet and put his hands on my shoulders. He orders, “You’re shuttin’ down for an hour. You and your girls are coming to The White Rabbit for lunch. ” Not a request.

I scrunch my face up and start to refuse, “I really shouldn’t. ”

His face turns serious again and he says firmly, “I’m not taking no for an answer. ”

Ooookay then.

He tries to persuade me with, “C’mon. It’s just an hour. We need to celebrate. ” He starts nodding.