I shake my head; a sad smile on my lips while my heart is breaking. “I won’t let you do that. If anyone sorts this mess out then it’s going to be me. I just hope they’ll forgive me.”
“Stop blaming yourself, Sofia,” Paul says, having stayed silent. “If Shane blames you for what has happened then he doesn’t deserve you.” He disappears outside.
I lift my watery gaze to Marissa while I take her hand into mine and squeeze. “Thank you for offering, but I have to do this.”
“Isn’t there anything else in here we can use to make something presentable?” She asks, glancing around.
Sadly, I shake my head. “No. I’ve been concentrating on the wedding cake and haven’t had chance to make more sponge. Only had a few children’s birthday cakes this past week.” I sigh. “You know how I like to keep the schedule light on approach to a wedding.”
“You love him?” I sharply blink at Marissa, wondering where that came from. She smiles. “You’re worried about what he’ll think the most.”
“I’ve let them down when they believed in me.”
Marissa gives me a slight shake. “You listen to me. What happened to that cake was not your fault. I don’t know whom, why, or how, but I can assure you, I’ll find out. In the meantime I know where we can get a cake from, and I also know that we can get some flowers to decorate it with. It won’t be the cake, but Monica and Nate will still have a cake.” She smiles. “Shane is in love with you Sofia, he won’t blame you. Trust him.”
I’m left staring at Marissa’s back while I repeat what she said. My relationship with Shane has only just begun, and it’s been bumpy, which is why I’m nervous about his reaction today when he knows the expected cake won’t be arriving.
Trust him!
My belly flutters with nerves and I feel sick, but I have to do this. I have to make it right.
16
Shane
“If you glance at that watch once more, I’m removing it,” Monica says as she slides her arm through mine. “I’m about to marry for love and you’re making me think you can’t wait to be shut of me.”
“You’ll always be my sister, Monica. Marriage won’t change that.” I sigh and try to keep my worry for Sofia from showing. “I never thought I’d see the day when my bratty sister got married.” I brush a soft tendril of hair back from her face. “I’m honored to be walking you down the aisle, and I promise, I’m in no eager rush to be shut of you.”
Her eyes light up. “Ah, so it’s Sofia who you are watching for?” She grins. “Maybe I won’t be the only one getting married this year.” Wiggling her brows, she nudges into my side. “I like her, and right now she’ll be in the marquee seeing to the finishing touches of the cake.” She squeezes my arm. “Don’t worry.”
Not worrying is easier said than done, especially after the bumpy start to our relationship. Sofia McKenzie has always intrigued me, but it was the innocent blush that would coat her cheeks whenever we were in a room together that caught my attention first. Well, maybe after I’d noticed her shapely figure that she liked to hide beneath large aprons.
Ignoring the niggling doubt that something is wrong, I inhale deeply and turn to my sister. “Are you ready to become a wife?”
Monica’s smile lights up her whole face. “Oh, yes,” she whispers on a nervous sigh.
Although I shouldn’t delight in her nervousness, it’s hard not to considering she’s usually the most self-confident woman I know.
Chuckling, we slowly move down the stairs and outside to where the wedding guests have been seated. I can’t stop my eyes from glancing around; looking for the blonde head of the woman I’m in love with. Disappointment sits heavily in my chest when I don’t see any sign of her.
Monica has told me a million and one times what I’m supposed to do today, which is just as well, considering my mind is elsewhere during the wedding ceremony, and before I know it, the happy couple are pronounced, husband and wife. A lump in my chest catches me off guard as I watch my sister beaming up at her new husband, who looks just as in love with her as she is him. The doubts I had about him disappear in this moment when I realize he really does love her.
I follow them at a slower pace, my eyes wandering over the guests in hope that I’ll spot the one woman who should be here with me today, but isn’t.
Refusing to let my disappointment cloud my sister’s wedding, I smile at all the right moments, and let my sister pull me toward the marquee where the wedding meal is being held.
Monica gasps, turning to look at me, and then back toward the side of the room where a large wedding cake is situated. At least that is what I think it’s supposed to be.
“What happened to my cake?” Monica whispers, her voice filled with tears.
Her new husband whispers in her ear while I’m trying to reconcile Sofia with the confectionary mess in front of my eyes. It doesn’t seem like Sofia’s style. She’s too classy for a rumbled mess. The burgundy flowers covering the cake are large and immediately make me think of a funeral rather than a wedding—maybe a cake for a Halloween party, but certainly not a wedding cake. “You’ve seen the cake,” my mother says, joining us. “Isn’t it’s amazing?” She gushes. “When Sofia let you down a friend of mine stepped in. I think she’s done an amazing job.”
All I hear is Sofia as I turn and face the woman who gave birth to me but has never been a true mother. “What did you say about Sofia?”
“I let you down.”
I turn and relief rushes through me when Sofia is standing before me, until I notice her distress and without giving her a choice, I pull her into my arms. “Whatever it is, we’ll handle it together.” I kiss the top of her head and breathe in the subtle flowery scent of Sofia.
“The cake I made was destroyed,” she whispers against my chest. “Last night someone got into the bakery and smashed the cake into pieces.”
What is she talking about? Something isn’t right, and I have a feeling in my stomach that it all has something to do with my mother. She must have known about Sofia’s cake in order to have the one her friend has made here on time for the wedding.
Cupping Sofia’s tear stained face in my hands, I ask, “Who else apart from your boss, knew what happened to your cake?”
Sofia shakes her head. “No one. I only found out a few hours ago. I just didn’t want to ruin the ceremony by telling Monica beforehand.” Her eyes flicker to my right as she notices the ugly cake where hers should have been sitting. “You have a cake? How?”
“That’s what I want to know.” I keep Sofia in the shelter of my arms and turn to face my mother. Monica faces her also with her hands on her hips.
“What have you done?” Monica accuses our mother. “Did you ruin Sofia’s cake, my wedding cake, so you could display a cake made by your friend? Something you’ve wanted all along.”
Mother stays silent.
“Tell me!” Monica hisses.
Mother goes red with anger. “Of course I arranged for the cake. Brian is a professional pastry chef to the stars.”
“It’s hideous mother.” Monica seethes. “I’ve seen the cake Sofia had made and it was an elegant four-tiered masterpiece. The fact that you could purposely set out to ruin not only Sofia’s work but our wedding is wrong and hateful.”
“You should be grateful!” Mother snaps. “I was thinking of you.”
“Like hell you were,” I say, my anger building. “If you had been thinking about Monica, then Sofia’s creation would be sitting where that,” I point, “is right now.”
“Get rid of it.” Monica glares defiance on her face, a look I know all too well. “I’d rather have no cake than that thing.”
“You can’t ask him to remove his cake.” Mother looks appalled.
It takes a few seconds of Monica’s eyes begging me to do something for me to snag a waiter. “Get some help and remove that cake to the main house. I’ll arrange for someone to transfer it to the retirement village in town.” I shrug and turn to Sofia. “S
omeone might as well enjoy it, even though I’m tempted to dump it in the trash.”
“I like that it will be donated,” Monica says. “Now, myself and my husband are going to enjoy the rest of our wedding.”
I smile and place a gentle teasing kiss to Sofia’s lips. “Please don’t cry. I love you, and I’m so damn sorry this has happened to you.”
“I thought you’d be angry at me for letting Monica down.”
“You haven’t. None of it was your fault.”
“I have brought another cake with me, just not exactly what was ordered.”
My body heats as Sofia chews on her bottom lip.
“You have?”
“Hmm, it’s in the van. I was going to set it up when I saw the replacement.”
“We’ll set it up together. Where is your van?” I tug her out of the marquee and over to where she indicates. I just want a private moment with her.
My arms wrap around her and my lips claim hers—so soft and pliant under my own. Sweet with a promise as Sofia clings to me. I press her up against the side of the van unable to get enough of her.
The erection behind my zipper is hard and pulsing with a life of it’s own the more we devour each other.
“I want you,” she whispers against my lips.
“I need you.” I kiss down along her neck and nearly come when her hand presses over my bulge. “Not here.”
“Yes. Here.” Sofia makes quick work of my zipper, leaving my belt fastened. She shoves her hand inside and wrapping her fingers around my erection, pulls me free.
I throb with arousal, unable to hide what she’s doing to me. I’ve never been so out of control before. My brain is no longer functioning as her fingers rub and massage the crown of my cock.
“I want you inside me,” Sofia whispers, nibbling my neck while her hand works me over. “Now Shane. Please.”
With trembling hands, I pull her skirt up and slip my fingers into her panties. My limbs quiver and my cock gives a hard jerk at the feel of Sofia’s arousal.
Grabbing her ass, I lift her up and let her guide me between the wet lips of her pussy. She’s swollen and soaked allowing me to glide inside smoothly. Her arms and legs tighten around me while I pray I make her come first.
The moment I move I realize I had nothing to worry about as the deep moan Sofia lets out while her body pulsates around mine finishes me off in a powerful release. The hard tugs on my dick slowly subside and my heart gradually stops pounding in my chest.
Sofia’s soft chuckle surprises me but it sounds good considering the tears covering her face earlier.
Holding her gaze, I slowly slip free of her body, the sated look on Sofia’s face making me wish we were some place private.
Straightening myself, my eyes fill with amusement when Sofia realizes what I’m doing on my knees.
My hands slip slowly up her thighs and I slide my fingers through the evidence of our enjoyment.
“Shane,” she moans, turning it into a groan of disappointment as I tug her little panties back into place.
Standing, I make sure she’s watching while I suck on my fingers.
Her eyes narrow. “That wasn’t very nice of you, not when I can’t return the favor.”
The thought of Sofia kneeling at my feet with my cock in her mouth causes me to pause in shock.
“Hmm, given you ideas, huh?”
Briefly closing my eyes, I inhale and taking Sofia’s hand, lead her to the back of the van. “Let’s get the cake inside before I’m sneaking you up to my room.”
The teasing light from Sofia’s face disappears as she reaches up and caresses my face. “My day started out wonderful, and went downhill fast.” She smiles softly. “Then you made it all better again.” She lifts herself closer and places a whisper of a kiss across my lips.
“I’m not talking about the hot sex, outside, behind the van.” She smirks. “However, that was a treat.” She pauses. “What I’m referring to is you being here for me. I was so worried about what you’d think when I arrived without the cake, that I felt sick inside. You made it all go away the moment you took me into your arms.” She wraps herself around me, which I love.
I love the way she’s accepting of me, and I’m especially grateful to have her forgiveness for the mess I’d made in the beginning.
“I love you, Sofia McKenzie, and I promise that you’ll always have my arms around you.”
“I love you, too.”
Dear Reader
If you liked A Baker’s Delight, I would appreciate it, if you would help others enjoy this book too by recommending it to your friends, family, and book clubs by writing an honest, positive review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, iBook Store, Goodreads, etc.
Acknowledgments
Cover Designer: Robin Harper, Wicked by Design
Editor: Abigail Higson
Readers: Emma Clifton, Jo Magson, Kathrin Magyar, Laura Ward, Lynne Garlick, Nadine Winningham, and Sonya Covert
Other books by Lexi Buchanan
Bad Boy Rockers
Book 1: Sizzle (Jack ‘Phoenix’ & Thalia)
Book 2: Spicy (Reece & Callie)
Book 3: Sultry (Donovan & Mara)
Book 4: Savor (Ryder & Dahlia)
Book 5: Sinful (Jace & Savannah)
Book 6: Silent Night (Novella)
McKenzie Brothers
Book 1: Seduce (Michael & Lily)
Book 1.5: The Wedding (Novella)
Book 2: Rapture (Sebastian & Carla)
Book 3: Delight (Ruben & Rosie)
Book 4: Entice (Lucien & Sabrina)
Book 5: Cherished (Ramon & Noah)
Book 5.5: A McKenzie Christmas (Novella)
De La Fuente Family (McKenzie Spinoff)
Book 1: Love in Montana (Sylvia & Eric)
Book 2: Love in Purgatory (Dante & Emelia)
Book 3: Love in Bloom (Mateo & Erin)
Book 4: Love in Country (Aiden & Sarah)
Book 5: Love in Flame (Diego & Rae)
Book 6: Love in Game (Kasey & Felicity)
Book 7: Love in Education (Andie & Seth)
McKenzie Cousins
(McKenzie Spinoff)
Book 1: Baby Makes Three (Sirena & Garrett)
Book 2: A Business Decision (Michael & Brooke)
Book 3: Secret Kisses (Charlotte & Tanner)
Book 4: Kissing Cousins (Rachel & Alexander)
Book 5: If Only (Madison & Derek)
Book 6: Princess & the Puck (Paige & Seth)
Book 7: A Bakers Delight (Sofia & Shane)
To be released
Book 8: A Cowboy for Christmas (Olivia & Geary)
Book 9: One Summer (Dylan & Jenna)
Book 10: It Started with a Kiss (Ryan & Gretchen)
Book 11: Don’t Leave Me (Jaxon & Niamh)
Book 12: A Secret Affair (Joshua & Mallory)
Jackson Hole
Book 1: From This Moment
Book 1.5: When we Meet (Novella, in the back of From This Moment)
Book 2: New Beginning (coming soon)
Romantic Suspense
Lawful
Stryker
Standalone Novella’s
One Dance
Educate Me
Pure
Holiday Season
Kissing Under the Mistletoe
A Soldier’s Christmas
The Sheriff and the Cougar
Written as Rona Jameson
Come Back to Me
Summer at Rose Cottage
Tears in the Rain ~ YA Novel ~ Coming 2018
Twenty Eight Days
Tears in the Rain
written as Rona Jameson
Tears.
That’s all I have now, tears in the rain, all because I fell in love with a boy.
Growing up, he was always by my side—unmovable—even when his friends gave him hell for it. He always knew when I needed him closer. I’d wake from nightmares to find myself wrapped safely in his strong arms. I even asked him to teach
me how to kiss a boy, and our love grew into something it never should have—something forbidden.
My name is Fallon Scott and this is my story.
Coming 2019
Stryker, MMA Romantic Suspense
written as Lexi Buchanan
When my childhood friend, Cora, dared me to write a sexy novel about a martial arts fighter, I agreed, albeit under the influence of alcohol. It was something for me—something different and exciting.
It was supposed to be research, pure and simple. But then I met him—a six-foot-six mountain of a man with no name. The way his muscles flexed and rippled when he trained made my belly quiver. The way his dark hair flopped over his forehead made me want to brush it back from his strong face. His nose had been broken, but it made no difference, he was still a handsome man. He had eyes dark as the night that would land on me the minute I entered his gym…Every…Time.
He was their star fighter, the one that brought in the big money. At first I feared him because of his size and the way he would look at me. But then I discovered that I was his biggest distraction, and no matter what my head told me, my heart told me to fight for the man who didn’t know how to live outside of the octagon.
NYT & USA Today bestselling author Lexi Buchanan brings you her new sexy standalone novel about fighting for freedom when the odds are against you.
Twenty Eight Days, Romantic Suspense
written as Rona Jameson
Sentenced to death...
All hope gone...
Until he receives a visit from victim #6
Condemned for a crime he didn’t commit, Quinten Peterson sat on death row praying for a miracle. He just never expected his angel of mercy to be the girl he fell in love with so long ago.
A Baker's Delight (McKenzie Cousins Book 7) Page 8