23. Chapter 23
The sounds of banging echos throughout the open storefront as I look around, breathing in the smell of fresh paint. It’s been a few weeks since the carnival, and since they accepted my offer for the building that I’m currently standing in the middle of.
I’ll have a big grand opening in a few weeks, but for now, I’m finishing up the last few touches to make the space my vision.
The hammering stops, so I make my way into the back, which I’ve transformed into a large kitchen, to check in with Liam and see how the progress is coming along.
“Hey Liam, how’s it going?” Yes, of course, I went with Liam. He did amazing work over at Dragonfly and he’s a nice guy. He can’t help it if Spencer is really fucking clumsy.
“Oh, hey Olly, it’s going well. I was just coming to tell you my crew is heading out. We’re all done.”
“This is so exciting!” I look around. The kitchen is turning out just like I imagined. There’s a wall of ovens and a nice prep table in the center, a large walk-in refrigerator, and my favorite item, which Liam just finished installing, is a glass window looking between the kitchen and the small seating area at the front.
The idea of customers being able to peek through the window and watch what’s happening in the kitchen is something I’m excited about and hope will bring a unique element to the bakery.
“Listen, Olly, I just wanted to say thank you for giving us an opportunity with this job. I know things with Spencer went a little haywire, but…”
I laugh. “Oh, no worries. We all laugh about it now. I’ll just make sure to stay on my own two feet.”
He laughs. “Call me if you have any issues.”
“I will. Thanks again, Liam.”
As the excitement for the bakery builds, so does the fact that I am the soon-to-be owner of both The Diner and a bakery. It feels like a daunting task. Can I do it? Doubt and worry cross my mind. It’s a constant battle I’m fighting. I know it’s to be expected, but all these pieces need to fit into place. No matter how many lists and spreadsheets you have, things always get missed, and if you’re not careful, everything will fall apart. I try to hide this fear and exude confidence. Fake it ’til you make it, right?
I don’t look like a baker, and I get that. My hope is people will look past the greasy diner guy and see the guy who can bake with elegance.
When Jasper kissed me goodbye this morning, he talked about stopping in after his shift at Ink Me. I assured him I was capable of painting by myself, but he was adamant about joining me. Said something about saving him a wall.
Oh… I’ll let him do the edging—and not the fun kind, either. Then maybe tonight I can do all the fun kinds of edging. I can take him to the edge of ecstasy and back, make him beg, cry for me, call out my name. I’m getting sidetracked here. The point is something very important was delivered today and I can’t wait to show him.
The bell over the front door chimes followed by, “Hey, Olly, you here?”
“Yeah. I’m back in the kitchen.”
A few seconds later, Beckett walks through the swinging door. “Hey, man. It’s starting to look good in here.” He glances around. “I told you this kitchen was going to be to die for… Hmm , I might have to come over and borrow some of these bad boys,” he says, walking over to the ovens and checking them out before practically draping himself over them.
I like the fact that Beckett knows how to appreciate a good kitchen appliance. Over the last few weeks, a friendship of sorts has developed between the two of us. Having someone I can bounce kitchen setup ideas with has been helpful. Grandfather designed the kitchen for The Diner and it’s functional, but this is the first time I get to design a cooking space how I want it.
“You can use the ovens whenever you need. I take it Spencer sent you over here.”
“Well, I don’t know what you could possibly be talking about,” he says, leaning on the prep island then checking his nails for imagery dirt.
“Hilarious.”
“Hey, he has a point. I mean, you’re a talented baker, and you’re right across the street. It just makes sense. You know how Spencer prides himself on the fact we use fresh ingredients when we can. Just imagine if we could include fresh baked goods. What is holding you back? I don’t understand?”
“Ugh, I don’t know. I’m just worried about taking on too much right away.” And it’s true. I don’t want to overextend myself. But I guess I can hear him out. “What are you looking for?”
“Well, we could start off with a few items and then add things when you feel comfortable. But… I’m really hoping we can get some fresh baked bread that I can use for sandwiches over at the cafe.”
I never thought about making bread, but that’s not a bad idea. I mean, I make cinnamon bread and other sweet breads now. “All right, give it to me straight. What else are you looking for?”
“Some fresh bread, buns, and a few baked desserts.”
I blow out a breath. “Fine. Tell Spencer I’ll do it. Let’s have a meeting next week and we’ll finalize things.” The more I let this idea rattle around in my brain, the more it sounds like it’s a smart move. I could even use the bread over at The Diner.
“So, where’s your friend today?” I ask, changing the subject, matching his lean on the prep table.
“He had a couple meetings with potential clients.”
“How long is he staying in town for?” I ask. I don’t know much about Lucas except for meeting him at the carnival.
“I’m not sure. He’s gone back and forth to LA a few times. I don’t think he even knows. It might be permanent, it might not, but some of that, I think, will be determined by how these meetings go. ”
“And tell me… How does Dom feel about this friend from LA coming and staying with you?” I give him a big smile. Borderline creepy, sure, but still big.
Beckett rolls his eyes. “Whatever! Dom is being dramatic. I don’t know what his deal is, anyway.”
Now my eyes roll. “Will you be at family dinner tomorrow night?”
“Jaxon would never let me miss it. Lucas might come, too, if that’s all right with everyone?”
“I don’t think it’ll be a problem. The more the merrier. In fact, I think Marcus and Jacob are coming.”
“Perfect. I’ve been meaning to talk to them. They mentioned something to me a while back about helping with meals for The Matthew House. Especially since they lost Dillon to some diner in town.”
I wince. “I feel bad, but I need them now more than ever. I’m not giving them back.”
“They’re not mad. They understand it’s a wonderful opportunity for Dillon.”
“What do they want you to do for The Matthew house? Do they want you to cater food?”
“They mentioned wanting me to help design meals. It sounds kind of fun. I’ve always wanted to do something like a cookbook and this feels like a variation of that.”
“You should totally have a cookbook. Do it!” I don’t know why, but the thought of Beckett having a cookbook puts a smile on my face.
“We’ll see, all right?” he laughs. “I’m just glad I can help. The Matthew House hits differently now that I know of Jasper’s involvement.”
“It does for all of us,” I agree .
“I’ve gotta head back, but I’ll let Spencer know that you’re on board. We’ll find time to meet next week. Hopefully now he’ll get off my back about talking to you.”
“Off your back?” I can’t help but laugh. “He’s been bugging me for months.”
“Well, when you make mouth-watering treats, Olly, it makes people want to put it in their mouth.”
“Who wants to eat my boyfriend?”
I jump, turning to see Jasper leaning against the doorjamb.
We all chuckle, and then Beckett turns to leave, slapping Jasper on the shoulder. “I’m sure there are plenty of people who want to eat your man.”
“I’m very possessive of my food,” Jasper says with a wink, and my heart flutters, while my cock takes notice of the possessiveness and twitches in approval. A heart flutter and a cock twitch. That’s when I know I’ve got it bad.
He’s sexy as fuck, and he looks like Jasper. Black leather pants, vintage band T-shirt, more bracelets than one person should need, his famous jacket, and classic sex-rumpled hair.
“Sometimes I even play with my food,” Jasper says, voice thick. Don’t cum in your pants, don’t cum in your pants.
“And on that note… I’m going to head out. Talk to you later, Olly?”
“Yeah, I’ll call you,” I say, my eyes still not leaving Jasper’s.
“Hi.” I take a slow step forward.
“Hi,” Jasper says, still leaning.
“So I’m your food now?”
“Well,” he says, pushing off the frame. “I do recall you being quite the dessert. Mmmm , best frosting-covered cock I’ve ever had. ”
“Oh, and you’ve had many?”
“No, but one can only imagine. Plus, I’ve heard they’re extremely rare. You see,” he says, prowling closer like a predator after his prey. “It’s one of a kind with its own unique flavor.”
“And what flavor is that?” I ask, taking my own predatorial step, meeting him in the middle.
He looks up at me, eyes full of mischief. “It’s a little sweet,” he says with a kiss. “A little salty,” he says with another.
I’m so far gone for this man. There’s no coming back. “Mmm, my favorite flavors.”
“I was hoping you could make me another batch. I just can’t get enough of your warm filling…”
We both tilt our heads and Jasper scrunches his nose. “Too much?”
“Too much,” I agree, nodding my head.
The ringing of my phone cuts through our laughter, echoing through the empty kitchen.
“It’s my sister. I should take this.”
“Yeah, go take it. I’ll start the painting. You left me that section we talked about?”
“Yes, I did, along with the edging.”
“Ohhh, I’m very good with edging.” Jasper winks, then heads to the front.
“Hey sis, what’s up?”
“Oh, nothing. Just called to check on my brother, who’s just about to open his very own bakery. I mean, it’s the least a favorite sibling can do.”
“Wow, just wow. Dramatic much? Again, you’re my only sibling.”
She chuckles, then lets out a sigh. “I’m so proud of you, Olly. ”
“Thank you.”
“So, are you excited?”
“Yeah, I’m starting to be,” I say, looking around the kitchen. “It’s beginning to feel real.”
“Is the building done? Is it ready to go?”
“No, not yet, but hopefully by next week. All the construction is done.” Much to Jasper’s delight. “I just have some painting and decorating, you know, the finishing touches.”
“And how is Jasper?”
I laugh. I told her about me and Jasper. She’s my sister. How could I not? Plus, I want them to meet. I genuinely want Jasper to be a part of my life. No hiding, no playing games. I realize that it wasn’t easy for him to let me into his real world and not the one he pretends to live in for those of us around him to see.
I laugh. “He’s good. In fact, he’s here now, painting.”
“He’s so talented. I loved the pictures you sent me. Don’t be mad, but I may have sent them to a couple of artists I know. They think he’s extremely talented. He has something special.”
“That’s what we all keep telling him, but I don’t think it’s setting in.”
“Is he gonna paint you a mural?”
“I don’t know, but he told me to leave him a wall so I’m letting him have at it.”
“Are you happy?”
“Yeah sis, I’m really happy.”
“And he treats you well.”
“He’s amazing,” I gush. The warm, gooey feeling invades my senses.
“I can’t wait to meet him when we come out in three weeks. ”
“I hope while you’re out here, you’re able to meet everybody in the group.”
“Yeah, I would like that. You talk about them all the time. I’m happy that you have such a close-knit group of friends who support you. Olly, I know it’s been hard since Grandpa’s been gone and I’m across the pond.”
“I know and it’s ok. I got pretty lucky in finding them.” Of course, I’ll say it again. “Even if I didn’t have a choice.” I laugh.
“Does he know yet?”
“No, it just came in. I’m going to show him today. It turned out so good. I hope he’s okay with the name.”
“I’m sure he’s gonna love it, Olly. It was very sweet of you. Listen, I have to go, but please let me know how it goes. Send pictures. And preferably not one with an ass in the background.”
Ugh, the one time I don’t double-check the photo before sending it and she gets to meet Jasper’s ass before his face. It’s a nice ass, but I would like it to be for my eyes only.
“Love you.”
“Love you too. Bye.” I slide my phone into my pocket and head back up front to find my boyfriend… who’s presently covered in more paint than he started with, which is in typical Jasper fashion. I’ve seen his apartment. His studio space is full of color.
Now it’s my turn to lean against the door frame and admire the view. Jasper, deep in the throes of painting, is sexier than fuck.