“Hi,” she says.
I narrow my eyes at her. “Um. Hi.”
Kat studies my face, but the smile on hers doesn’t fade. “I made you something.”
I clear my throat. “Why?”
“Because I feel bad for what happened on Saturday and how I reacted.” She scoots a pastry box forward with a blue bow tied around it. I see the gauze on her hand, and it brings me back to yesterday morning when we shared a moment. For just a second, her guard was down, and I was able to see the real her—the her I met at the bar six months ago.
Before I can say a word, she speaks up. “Don’t worry. It’s got tons of real sugar and juicy fat and loads of gluten.”
“Really?” I untie the bow and open the box. Inside is a fluffy muffin with chocolate chips galore. “I don’t trust you.” I scoot the box back toward her.
“Why?” She actually looks hurt.
“You take the first bite.” I take it out and inspect it.
She laughs. “Gluten makes me sick. I thought you knew that’s why I opened the bakery. I was one of those kids who couldn’t eat all the delicious sweets or birthday cakes because of my intolerance. So if you want me to be sick for the rest of the day, then I’ll take a bite. That’s usually all it takes.”
I kinda feel bad for giving her shit about her pastries now. I really had no idea. So instead of being a complete ass, I give in and take a bite. The bread is soft and warm, and the chocolate chips melt in my mouth.
“You like it?” She grins, watching me chew.
“Yeah, it’s delicious.” I take another bite.
“Well, just know that one was made especially for you. But anyway, I’ve gotta go. Have some banana nut bread to deliver across town. Have a great day, Braxton.”
I nod at her as she stands. “You too,” I say around a mouthful of muffin.
She laughs as she stands. Her pants are so damn tight that they look painted on, and I enjoy the view as she walks away.
After I finish eating the muffin, I pick up my mess, top off my coffee, and head to my truck. I drive across the property to pick up some extra material and then meet Alex Bishop and a team of ranch hands who are building a new shelter for the cattle. Just as I park and walk to the back of the truck, my stomach twists in knots. I swallow hard, trying to ignore it as I lower the tailgate and pull out the supplies. A pain rushes through me, and I feel as if I’m going to shit my pants. I drop the wood on the ground and double over, sweat covering my face.
“Hey, you okay?” I look up and see my roommate, Jake. My stomach is so angry; I can’t even form words, so all I do is nod.
Alex rushes over. “You look terrible, Brax. You need to go home.”
“Nah. I’m fine,” I argue, knowing damn well I’m not. But instead of being my usual hardheaded self, I decide to go after all.
“There’s a stomach bug goin’ around. Hope you didn’t catch it,” Alex tells me as I slowly walk to my truck, hoping I can make it home without an accident. I get out of there as quickly as I can. Never have I driven fifty on a dirt road until today. As soon as I pull up to the house, I rush inside and barely make it to the bathroom. What happens next is horrific.
As I’m experiencing the worst damn time of my life, I try to think back to what I ate that could’ve done this, and that fucking muffin comes to mind. I text Colton and demand him to send me Kat’s number, which he stupidly does. I feel horrible, but I’m beyond pissed right now because I know she’s behind this somehow. After I get off the porcelain throne, I slowly make it to my bed and lie there, hoping this feeling will go away after a couple of hours, but it doesn’t. While my stomach continues to roil, I send the culprit a text.
Braxton: WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!
I’m being as subtle as a freight train, but damn.
Kat: Who is this?
Braxton: You know who the hell this is. What the hell did you put in that goddamn muffin?
Kat: Oh! Braxton. Hi. It was made with sugar. Butter. Gluten-filled flour. Why?
Her coyness only angers me further.
Braxton: Because my stomach hurts so goddamn bad that I had to leave work. I might have to go to the ER for dehydration. I can’t keep anything down.
Kat: Are you sure you don’t have a sensitivity? That’s exactly what happens to me when I eat gluten. And also, don’t be so dramatic.