Page 23 (1/2)
Chapter 1
If Hunter had to eat onelose it
Macy held another forkful up to hisinstead of buttercream I think I like the other one better, but o better with the strawberry layer Or o with fondant”
He opened his ue instead, and he inhaled cru on his words and the cake
“Oh, honey,” Macy said, reaching for a glass of water and handing it to hiht you were ready for it”
He coughed hard, the water sloshing over the ri his chinos
Ready for it? Ha Wasn’t that the assumption of the day—of the year
Macy patted his back as he tried to clear the last of the blockage The cake lady, or pastry chef as Macy had insisted he call the wo line—as if his choking was so
He took a sip of water, his eyes tearing up, and finally sed down the last of the cake
“You okay?” Macy asked, her hand now rubbing his back in gentle circles
He nodded and then ood”
Macy gave him one last concerned look and then shifted her focus back to the tray of sao with the buttercream”
Cake Lady nodded, made a note, and motioned for her assistant with a flick of her wrist The younger girl who’d brought in the original tray of samples removed them and cairl eyed Hunter in that starstruck way he’d grown used toand tired of He much preferred the old days when it was only his dad people recognized on the street
He irl’s fault he was in such a foul mood, but her shift in expression said his srimace than friendly
Madame Pastry Chef waved a hand over the new tray “Now it’s tiroom’s cake Typically, it’s chocolate, but there are some less traditional options as well”
Macy straightened in her chair, her hands folding primly around one of Hunter’s “Let’s look at the chocolate options” She sent him a smile “We like traditional”
The words, Macy’s always-sweet s clammy, the room too small Another half hour of this andhe launched hi the table with his knee and rattling the platter “I’m fine hatever you choose, sweetheart You pick the rest I need some air”
Her brows disappeared beneath her bangs “Everything all right?”
“Absolutely” He leaned down and kissed the top of her blond head “Take your time I’ll be outside when you’re ready”
Ready There was that word again Like a cy