Chapter 1 #2
Yet I allowed these hussies to integrate me into the community and convince me to buy the old donut shop on main street.
It had a loft over the top so it would supply me with a place to stay permanently as well.
Not to mention, I could finally live out my baking dreams. I used to bake all the time when I was at Cambridge Orphanage; it was the one thing I looked forward to when I woke up.
It was the one thing that connected me to my mom.
“You know she likes to stick to a schedule, not to mention this is sis break time. When I finally get my shop open, I’m not tolerating your late ass either.” I told Jessa.
She swung at me, and I dodged, laughing as I rushed into the car. We headed downtown, already running behind.
I parked along the road near Off the Wall Tattoo Shop. The moment I cut the engine, we hopped out and made our way toward the food truck entrance.
Aubree stood there, arms crossed, head tilted.
“Y’all just can’t help it. Now I’m only going to have twenty minutes to eat and get back to the shop.”
I turned to point at Jessa, who knocked my hand out of the way.
“My bad! You know me and time don’t go together. I tried real hard. Why didn’t you order already—”
“Aubree.” a voice with a thick tone called out.
We looked over Aubree’s shoulder to see a fine chocolate adonis looking man standing in front of Scottie’s truck.
He was wearing an all black t-shirt and jeans.
I don’t think I’d seen him before, but one thing was for sure, the way he was grinning with Scottie said it all.
His eyes were only for one woman. Not that I was looking, anyway.
That was the best way to get distracted and bring myself more attention than I needed or wanted.
Aubree raised her hand like we were in a grade school classroom and rushed over to the truck to grab her food from the man. Then made her way back towards us.
“I know you didn’t think I was just sitting here without ordering, knowing I only have twenty minutes to eat. I’ll grab a table—y’all go ahead and order,” Aubree said.
We nodded and made our way over to Scottie’s food truck to order. Just as I finished, I turned too fast—and collided with a broad chest, sending a bag of Skittles tumbling to the ground.
I dropped down to grab them before they could scatter any further, but he stopped me.
“Aye, love. It’s not that deep, I can get another bag.”
His smooth tone rumbled against my ear. I tilted my head back to look up into his vibrant gray eyes. He was wearing a leather jacket with a Black Thorns logo on the shoulder.
“Sorry about that. At least let me give you a couple dollars to replace it. I should have been watching where I was going.”
He gave me a cocky smirk, then looked off before returning his attention back to me.
“Love, you don’t think I can afford another bag of skittles?” he asked with a raise of his brow.
I smiled and looked away, not wanting this man to see me blush. I didn’t need to be entertaining anyone right now, anyway.
“Of course not—”
“Relax, love. I’m just fucking with you. But it seems like your girls are waiting for you. Enjoy your lunch,” he said, then gestured towards Jessa and Aubree, who were giving us their undivided attention.
I held his gaze for a second, then smiled, walking around him.
I could feel his eyes latched onto my ass but I knew better than to turn around.
The last thing I needed was a man who smelled and looked as good as he did, paying me any attention.
Men like that usually came with another bitch who didn’t know they weren’t together. I’m in no place for none of that.
“Uh huh, Don’t rush back over here now.” Jessa teased.
I rolled my eyes and sat down across from them. Aubree was in between bites before she finally said anything.
“I see you caught Duke’s eye. He is usually quiet and to himself. At least from what I’ve noticed being here. Mind you, I’m just as new as you, but I hear all the gossip at the shop.”
I shook my head.
“I’m not trying to have his attention. I don’t want anyone’s attention, period. I just want to settle in and get my shop up and running.”
Jessa shrugged and stood once her name was called. I returned my attention back to Aubree, who was now taking a sip of her water.
“Speaking of your shop, how is the prepping going? You need any help to get things together?” she asked.
“I think I got it. I should be ready for the grand opening this weekend. I just hope people like what I have to bring to this town. I’ve never sold my deserts before.”
Aubree waved me off with a smile. “Girl please, I tried your stuff and trust me. You’re going to have a steady line around the corner on the regular.”
“I hear you.”
Jessa called my name as she stood in front of the truck.
I turned to glance over my shoulder and those steel-gray eyes caught me immediately.
He ran his tongue over his lower lip and then took a drink of his water.
Then turned and continued to talk to the two guys standing near him, but not before he shot a wink in my direction.
I couldn’t help the smirk that slipped, so I returned my attention back to Jessa, who was sporting a knowing grin.
“I got your food. You need napkins?” she asked.
I nodded and turned back around. I needed to eat and get the hell out of here.