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By the time Bash returns, forty-five et frustrated because nore anymore I s other than Aggie’s, and moments later Bash appears in the doorway of the office with my food

“Was she crazy busy?” I ask, knowing that on Saturdays Aggie’s is crawling with not only bikers but college kids and the braver of the Creswell Springs’ occupants

Bash sits the bag on the corner of the desk, offering ie’s special sweet tea He remembers that I’m addicted to her tea “She was run off her feet, even with six waitresses and three cooks in the back But when I asked her toyour stuff, she dropped everything to get it for me”

I can’t help but snicker “Youfor you She loves you more than anyone else” I pull out my steak sandwich It’s loaded with steak, onions, banana and green peppers, mayo, steak sauce, and cheese sauce on freshly baked French bread I nearly s Double dipped in batter and crispy A cup of blue cheese dressing follows and I nearly melt

“Where’s yours?” I ask around a s

“Aggie kept shoving plates in front ofon your food I’ in his hand which he placed carefully on the desk beside my tea “Dessert”

My eyes widen and I grab the bag Inside is a slice of Aggie’s secret recipe triple chocolate fudge cake with raspberry sauce drizzle It’s irrational, but tears suddenly burn the back of my eyes No one—no one—has ever taken care of me the way Bash had

Blinking to keep the tears at bay, I clenchback on the desk “Thanks,” I mutter

Strong fingers grasp ainst a hard wall of muscles Bash lifts his free hand and cups the side of , Raven?” he deher than usual voice

“No,” I lie, but a tear breaks free and slips down the cheek he touches

A callused thumb wipes the errant tear away “Raven …”

“It’s nothing I’m fine,” I whisper

“You aren’t fine The last time I saw tears in those pretty eyes I nearly killed adown et back to work Instead I findhis belt loop on his jeans with ht “It’s only dessert, Raven Why would it make you cry?”

“Because…” I s back a whiraze over the pulse at the base of s No one’s ever done that … except you”

He growls soriprip his jeans, holding on because I know I’ to need him to balance ainst my ear “You’ll always be mine”