Copyright © 2015 Fabiola Francisco
All rights reserved
This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-book retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
This is a work of fiction. The characters, names and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Cover Design by Kari Ayasha, Cover to Cover Designs
Formatting by Tami Norman, Integrity Formatting
For my amazing friend, Jennifer.
Thank you for always being my cheerleader.
Sometimes when we open our hearts and see what’s right in front of us, the right person comes along.
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Books by Fabiola Francisco
The countdown begins. Cheers and excited voices fill the club as we exit one year and prepare to begin a new one. I peek over at Savannah and Parker and silently wish them patience so they can work through this new chapter in their lives. I look around the rest of the club, secretly envying the couples that have someone to share a New Year’s kiss with as the countdown reaches one.
Tonight has been fun with friends, but I want a New Year’s kiss. I inwardly stomp my foot like a bratty five year old. I want to feel hot lips on mine and pretend for one moment I’m not the only single one left among my friends.
Three . . . two . . . one. “Happy New Year!” everyone yells around me, and I join them in the festivities. In the silent moments while they are embraced, I close my eyes and breathe in deeply. I smile at the opportunity to live a new year and give thanks for this past year.
That’s when I feel two hands cradle my face and lips land on mine before I can open my eyes and assess what is going on. It is a fast, closed mouth kiss but my insides melt. When I see the eyes looking back at me before we separate, I feel like hot lava is flowing through me. Our separation feels like a bucket of ice water has been dumped on me. Before I can speak, he’s gone, lost in the sea of people here, and I am left breathing heavily, wondering what the fuck just happened.
Whiskey. That’s what I need, a good ole drink from my favorite companion. Or moonshine. Maybe I’ll go for the harder stuff tonight.
Searching for a glass from my cupboard, I fish the bottle of bourbon from my bar cart and serve myself a generous amount. I toss it back at once. The delicious burn helps to calm me as goosebumps cover my skin.
One more. I’ll be able to wake up when my alarm clock goes off if I have one more glass . . . and dinner. Yes. Food will help.
Taking my second glass of bourbon slower to appreciate the sweet liquid, I rummage through my fridge for leftovers. I don’t know how Savannah did it. It has been a few months since I have been fully responsible for Sweet Delights and I love it, but it is definitely hard work. I was used to waking up early and closing the bakery, but I always knew Savannah was there to lend a helping hand. She probably felt the same about me. Thankfully Lacy has proven to be amazing to work beside in the kitchen. I still remember how excited I was when Savannah asked if I would manage the bakery for her so she can follow her heart and move to Georgia to be with Parker.
Leftover spaghetti will have to do. I drain the rest of the contents in my glass, letting it warm my belly while my dinner heats up in the microwave.
Although I’m really happy for my friend, I miss her a lot. I was happy when Savannah called to say she was coming for a few days. Not that I want her to work at the bakery while she is visiting, but I can use some much needed girl time.
If I hear my family ask me one more time when I will get married or question my singlehood, I am going to tell them I am becoming a nun . . . or lesbian. Maybe then they’ll leave me alone about the entire thing. It also doesn’t help that I can’t stop thinking about a kiss—a stupid kiss that happened months ago. And no, not that terrible date I had told Savannah about a while back. Poor guy was a sweet one but bland all around. No sparks and no heart racing.
Ugh! But that one kiss from New Year’s Eve made my heart race. Stupid, stupid, stupid Beth! Maybe I should have moved to Georgia, too. Emily and Savannah seem to have luck with those Georgia men. But who am I kidding? I’m hooked on an Alabamian that drives me crazy but can kiss. Boy, can he kiss. A man I have been avoiding ever since by burying myself in the bakery and drinking whiskey in the emptiness of my apartment. So much for telling Savannah she needed to stop and enjoy life. Take your own advice, Beth. Starting this week I’m going to stop being ridiculous and go out for some drinks.
My mind wanders back to that night like it has so often in the past few months, to the way he grabbed my face with his strong hands and just kissed me without asking permission. His lips were warm against mine, but he probably felt sorry that I didn’t have a New Year’s kiss or lonely because he didn’t have one. I can still imagine my wide eyes and anger. Anger at myself for enjoying it so much, but I definitely did not let him know that. Instead I watched the crowd swallow him up and then went to the bathroom with a racing heart and wet panties. I hoped no one saw us, or I would never hear the end of it.
I shiver and try to erase the memory. Why the hell do I always act like such a bitch with him? He’s a good-looking guy. Okay, he’s more than good-looking, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t attracted to him, but he’s always such a pain. A flirt! That’s what he is; a big flirt that kisses phenomenally. Now I’m hooked on the memory and dread facing him. He probably hasn’t even thought twice about it. I spent the rest of New Year’s drinking one too many whiskeys and trying to not notice him.
Beth, stop thinking about him! Stop torturing yourself. I have never cared what he thinks before. Or have I? Maybe somewhere inside me I have always cared what Jake thinks. Maybe I have always enjoyed seeing him at Southern and a small part of me loved our playful banter and my chance to turn him down. It was fun and harmless . . . until now.
I jump in the shower ready to relax and settle in for the night. Once done, I brush out my shoulder length hair and stare in the mirror. Big, brown, determined eyes look back at me. “Okay, Beth. It was just a kiss. When you go to Southern this week act normal.” I close my eyes and breathe deeply.
I need to stop obsessing.
“Hey, Beth, do you want to grab a drink after work today? I was planning on going to Southern but I really don’t want to be the loser sitting at the bar alone.” Lacy’s green eyes look at me with a puppy dog expression. Her pout makes me laugh, but then I remember why I’ve been avoiding that place since December.
“I don’t know, Lace. I gotta be up early to open the bakery.” I am so lame at making up excuses.
“Come on, B! We close the shop at six. It is still day time when we get out. Just have a couple of drinks and some dinner. You need to eat anyway. I need to go see people! This whole living by myself is driving me crazy.” I laugh
in total understanding.
Maybe we can sit at a table away from the bar, and I can avoid Jake while I have some girl time with Lacy. I know I need it, and Savannah won’t be here for another couple of days.
“Fine. We sit at a table though, not the bar.”
Lacy looks at me kind of funny but says, “Deal.”
We walk into Southern just after seven p.m. and I make sure not to look towards the bar as we’re seated at a table near the makeshift stage they use when they have live performances. Lacy and I chat like we didn’t see each other everyday at work. I guess it’s different when you’re focused on baking and running a business.
“How is it living alone? You said it drives you crazy, but do you like it?” I ask Lacy, curious. I remember what it was like when I first moved into my apartment.
“I do. It just takes gettin’ used to. I’ve always lived with someone, whether it was my family or a roommate. I like having the place to myself, but I’m starting to talk to myself, out loud.” She looks at me with wide eyes.
I chuckle at her expression. “Hey, at least you can bring a hot date over and not worry about anyone catching you.” I raise an eyebrow as I tease her.
“Shut up! That was so embarrassing!” She covers her face with her hands and I laugh. “It’s not funny! I thought Veronica was never going to speak to me again.”
“You would think she knew though. I mean, you don’t keep it a secret, and she was your roommate.”
“I think she suspected, but we never really discussed it. I think she was more surprised to walk in on us.” She shakes her head, mortified at the memory, and I just laugh. Lacy’s roommate at the time had walked in on her and the girl Lacy was dating in a compromising position.
“Okay, I need to go to the bathroom before I pee myself.” I get up and head towards the restrooms still laughing to myself. Lacy is hilarious. Hearing all the stories about her different experiences always makes me smile.
“Hey,” I hear a voice behind me and I pause before turning around.
Plastering a smile on my face, I look at Jake and say, “Hey.”
“How are you? I didn’t see you walk in.”
“I’m great! I’m here with Lacy. We’re sitting at a table.” I try for nonchalance but my voice squeaks a bit, and I inwardly scold myself.
“Oh, cool. Sav told me she’s coming in a few days.”
“Yeah. She’s coming to check on the bakery and hang out while Parker’s at an away game.”
“Awesome. Bring her by.” His indifference irritates me. He probably hasn’t even thought twice about our kiss, or has forgotten it by kissing quite a few other girls in the last few months. Why do I even care?
“I’m sure she’ll come by. She always does.”
“I know. You should come with her. Don’t be a stranger, Beth.” He has the balls to wink at me the way he did on New Year’s before all 6’2” of him walks away from me back towards the bar.
I walk back to the table hating that Jake knows I’ve been avoiding him. That just proves to him that I was affected by the kiss. And I so was not, I lie to myself. He does have a nice ass though. Can’t blame me for looking, he’s given me two opportunities to stare at it as he’s walked away from me. His confidence and cool exterior is sexy, and it really drives me crazy.
“So what’s going on with you? You don’t need to worry about anyone walking in on you either.”
“Nothing. Dry spell. It sucks! And if my family asks me one more time when I’m getting married and having six babies, I’m going to tell them you and I are in a relationship.”
Lacy almost spits out her beer. “No offense, B, but you’re not my type.”
“Thanks,” I say sarcastically. “Not even a lesbian wants me,” I joke.
“Someone will want you. Maybe Jake,” she winks as she says this and I cringe.
“Come on, he’s not bad looking. Even I think he’s hot. That says a lot.” We both laugh. Sometimes she surprises me when she says guys are hot.
Lacy is a few years younger than me, but she’s mature and definitely adds humor into my life. I was happy when she agreed to work the mornings with me when Savannah left. I needed someone I could count on, but also someone who I got along with. Ever since she started working at the bakery we clicked and she quickly became a friend. I also know Savannah trusts her.
I ignore her jab about Jake and finish my Kentucky Mule. I love the combination of flavors in this cocktail, and I wonder if Jake mixed my drink. Why does he have to be so hot? Lacy is right about that.
We finish dinner and go our separate ways but not before I sneak a backward glance towards the bar. I spot Jake looking at me. He doesn’t even try to avert his eyes. It’s my turn to walk away from him. I wink over my shoulder and smile before I exit Southern. It’s about time I gain control of the situation again. I’m usually more confident around him.
Is it possible that one kiss changed my attitude towards him? We didn’t even use tongues. Usually I’m the one acting indifferent towards him and shooing him away. When did we reverse our roles?
You agreed to stop obsessing about this kiss, so turn off that brain and focus on something else. I mentally plan what I’ll be baking tomorrow for our daily menu and distract myself. I jump in bed and set my alarm clock for the next day. I’ve had a few months to get used to managing the bakery and living my life. Starting this weekend, I’m going to go out and enjoy myself.
“Hey, sweets!”
“Sav! You’re here!” I walk over to hug my friend. “You look tired.”
“I am. Parker left late last night and I got up early to make it here before noon.”
“I thought you were going to say you had hot, wild sex that kept you up all night.”
Savannah laughs and takes a seat on a stool. “I wish. The season just started but Parker has been in and out. I knew it would be like this and we’re working on the distance, even if it’s just for short periods of time.”
“I admire you. You went for the person you loved and fought to be together.”
“I want a little less fightin’ and a little more lovin.’” We both laugh and catch up. She tells me things are actually really good with Parker after their misunderstanding while he was away in Florida. I’m happy to hear that. I know she put a lot on the line to move to Georgia, but I have never seen her so happy.
“Okay, put me to work.” Savannah jumps off the stool and grabs some ingredients. Without waiting for directions, she begins mixing the ingredients and chatting with me about Georgia and how the new bakery is coming along. She hopes to open soon. I know she’s worried about not having the time to visit Tuscaloosa as often.
“Sav, you don’t need to worry about us here. We know you’re working hard to expand your dream. If you can’t come back for a few months, we totally understand.” I try to comfort her.
“I know. It’s a really nice space, and we’ve been painting and shopping around for décor. I just miss you guys. Don’t you want to move to Georgia?” Her hopeful expression makes me smile.
“Love you, Sav. You’ll find amazing people to help you run it.”
“That’s what Parker says.”
“Smart man.”
“Okay, so can we go to Southern tonight? I want to see Jake.”
“Sure.” I try for a decent smile, but it comes out more like that awkward smile that’s all teeth.
“God Beth, you don’t need to be so phony about it. I know Jake isn’t your favorite person but you guys get along. A normal smile would’ve been okay.” If she only knew the truth.
I laugh it off. “We do get along. He’s just a flirt.”
“Yeah, because I think he actually likes you.”
“Actually likes me? I’m not that bad of a catch.”
Savannah snorts as she laughs making me laugh with her. “Sorry! Not what I meant. I mean that I do think he likes you and is not just flirting.”
“Whatever.” Curiosity as to what Savannah is thinking makes me s
ay, “He’s just a player looking to hook me because I haven’t given him the time of day.” I gauge Savannah’s reaction to see if she’ll agree or not.
She shakes her head more serious now. “Nah, Jake isn’t like that. He’s a great guy. Sure, he hasn’t really been in a serious relationship since college, but he’s one of my best friends and I’ve never seen him disrespect a woman. Don’t let the bartender vibe fool ya.”
I just nod and focus on cooking. I totally let the bartender vibe fool me. He’s also so cocky sometimes that I can’t help but dislike him. Maybe he’s just like that. Savannah’s first impression of Parker wasn’t exactly the best and look at them now.
Okay, Beth, calm down. I don’t want a relationship with Jake, not the way Savannah and Parker have one. I don’t like him, just his lips. And really, it could have been beginner’s luck. Who’s to say our second kiss won’t suck.
“How long are you staying?”
“’Til Sunday. We’ll have plenty of girl time.”
“Good. I need girl time. I went to Southern with Lacy the other day for a few drinks and dinner and it was nice, but I’m happy you’re here for some days.”
“I feel ya. Maybe tomorrow night we can all go out. I’ll let Lacy know,” Savannah says with a smile.
“Yes!”
After a while, Savannah leaves to have lunch with her grandmother and I stay at the bakery a little while longer. I know I don’t have to stay to close the bakery anymore, but I finish off a few things in the office before heading out.
I mentally tell myself to act normal around Jake tonight and to just be my usual, bitchy self towards him. Not that I’m really a bitch, but I don’t usually let his charms get to me. I need to go back to that. Oh, and not stare at his lips as if I’m still tasting them on mine.
We make our way into Southern, and I follow Savannah to the bar and climb onto a stool next to her. Jake is busy with some customers so he hasn’t noticed us yet.
“Savannah!” And there he is.
“Hi! I miss you so much!” Savannah leans over the bar to hug Jake, and I just sit there waiting for my greeting, which will be nothing as friendly as that one.
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