Chapter 12
Zane
“Thanks again for the pizza and the whole matching food with a movie idea,” I laugh, leaning in to give Gwen another quick kiss.
I’m pretty sure we’ve been kissing and making out for the past hour, and the second her lips leave mine, I already miss them.
I want to stay. I want to kiss her until morning.
But she’s too damn special.
Everything with her has to be right. And I’m going to take my time.
“You’re welcome. I’ll make up for the cooking part soon,” Gwen chuckles, still a little embarrassed about the burned casserole.
“You did cook a little. And the dessert? Absolutely amazing,” I say with a shrug. “I might have to start coming by the bakery every day now.”
Half joking. Half completely serious.
“I think you should,” Gwen smiles, leaning against the doorway.
“Josh is waiting. I should go.”
The words feel heavy the second they leave my mouth. I don’t want this night to end, but it’s past 2 a.m., and we’re both exhausted.
“I’ll see you Friday,” Gwen says as she wraps her arms around my neck and pulls me into a hug.
Having her this close does things to me, and I pull back before I change my mind and stay.
I press one last quick kiss to her lips.
“Or at my new favorite bakery,” I add with a wink.
Gwen smiles, watching me as I walk away. When I turn the corner, I hear her door close, and the finality of that soft click hits harder than I expect.
It’s only a two-minute walk to where Josh is parked, and the second I get in, I let out a long breath.
“Good sigh or bad sigh?” Josh asks as he pulls away from the curb.
“The best,” I reply, a smile spreading across my face that I couldn’t wipe off even if I tried.
I catch his grin in the rearview mirror. I don’t know if he’s happy for me or quietly making fun of me, but honestly, I don’t care.
My head is somewhere in the clouds, and I’m perfectly fine staying there.
The drive feels like it lasts two seconds, and suddenly we’re outside my building.
“See you next week,” I say before stepping out of the car.
I remind myself to be quiet as I head inside. Lisa’s a light sleeper, and the last thing I want is to wake her at 2:30 a.m.
I kick off my shoes in the hallway and tiptoe to my bedroom. Once the door is closed, I turn and fall straight onto the bed.
The first thing I do is grab my phone.
ME: Why are you so perfect?
Her reply comes almost instantly.
GWEN: I am far from perfect, but thanks for the compliment.
I smile at the screen before typing back.
ME: Not to me.
ME: You are gorgeous, sweet, funny, sarcastic, loyal… and so much more.
GWEN: You’re making me blush.
ME: Wish I were there to see it.
ME: I don’t think I can wait until Friday. What time does the bakery open on Monday?
GWEN: 06:00.
ME: Oof, that’s early. I’ll be late, but I’ll be there.
GWEN: Me too xx
Gwen’s last message makes me laugh.
I stretch out on the bed, and before I know it, I’m asleep.
On Monday, the locker room smells like sweat, disinfectant, and burnt coffee after practice.
Not fresh coffee. Not the kind you drink because you want, but the kind that just exists because it has to. Brewed too early, forgotten immediately, reheated twice, and still consumed out of habit.
Obligation coffee.
It’s the same smell it’s always been, and usually, that steadiness grounds me. The locker room has rules. Rituals. Expectations that don’t change depending on how you slept or what’s been gnawing at your ribs.
But today?
I’ve been thinking about the bakery all day.
“You were on fire today.”
Blake’s voice comes from my left, satisfied like he’s already picked up on something and is enjoying the slow reveal. I don’t look up.
“Thanks,” I reply.
“What’s got you so motivated?” he asks.
I keep taping my leg while he watches me. He leans against the divider between our stalls, arms crossed. I can feel his attention like pressure between my shoulder blades.
“No clue. Coach says we should all be motivated, right?” I shrug. “By the way, sorry again, I didn’t tell you my sister was arriving.”
“Don’t worry about it. She was nice… once she realized I wasn’t an intruder. Only took her thirty minutes of screaming,” Blake says, rubbing the back of his neck.
“Sounds like Lisa,” I laugh. “I’m out of here. I’m going to get myself a decent coffee.”
“Can you give me a ride?” Blake asks. “My car’s in the shop, and I refuse to ride with Holt again. He gives off fangirl energy.”
“Yeah, alright,” I say, grabbing my stuff. “Let’s go.”
Noah Kahan is playing softly on the radio as we pull out of the parking lot.
“I wouldn’t mind a coffee,” Blake adds casually.
“You really have no shame,” I laugh. “Fine. We’ll go to the bakery, but no funny business in front of Gwen.”
The second I step inside, I regret bringing him.
Blake grabs my arm dramatically and switches into a Valley Girl voice.
“Like, oh my god, it’s your crush,” he squeals.
Embarrassment floods my entire body.
“Hi,” Gwen says, a little unsure. “Is everything ok with him?” she asks, nodding toward Blake.
“I’ve known him for years and still don’t have an answer to that,” I laugh.
“Well, if it isn’t my two favorite Grizzlies,” Leo’s voice calls from the back.
Of course. He’s here too.
“Hey, what’s up, man?” Blake says, instantly dropping the accent as he pulls Leo into a hug.
“Not much, just working my butt off trying to make the best croissants for you boys,” Leo says, and I can’t help but chuckle.
“You must be the famous Gwen,” Blake says, holding out his hand. “I’m Blake. You look different when you’re not face-planting on the ice.”
My body goes still.
Gwen looks shocked for a split second, but she recovers quickly. “I only do that on the ice. What’s your excuse?”
Leo bursts out laughing and slaps Blake on the back.
“I like her,” he says with a grin, turning toward me.
“I’m sorry about these two idiots. How’s your day been?” I ask Gwen, trying to tune out the noise Blake and Leo are making. They start talking about Blake running into Rex Chen, which at least keeps them occupied for a few minutes.
“It’s been hectic. One of the ovens died, and the repair guy only showed up about an hour ago. We’ve been trying to catch up ever since,” Gwen says with a shrug.
“I can only imagine how stressful that is.”
“Are your Valley Girl and the intern ok?” she asks, pointing at Blake and Leo.
Their nicknames make me laugh, and I nod.
“They’re just talking about our mutual enemy, Rex. Blake saw him out with Julian again yesterday. I’ve already heard the story three times before practice,” I explain.
“Well, I’m definitely on Team anti-Rex. I don’t know much about Julian, though,” she says with a shrug.
“Neither do we anymore,” Leo sighs. Julian used to be a close friend of his, and seeing him side with Rex clearly stings.
“Ok, I’m switching topics. I’ll take a black coffee, and I want to know if you’re really coming on Friday,” Blake says, and I sigh. Why did I bring him here?
“Sounds good, and yes,” she replies.
“What’s happening on Friday? Why am I not invited?” Leo asks, feigning offense.
“Because you’re not on the Grizzlies,” Gwen laughs.
“And you’re not dating a Grizzlies player,” Blake adds, making Gwen blush.
“Fine, I’ll sponsor the team next season,” Leo sighs, as if we’re negotiating. “You drive a hard bargain.”
“I don’t make the rules, man. It starts at 8 p.m. at The Lodge. Bring your girl,” Blake tells him, and Leo nods.
“Can I get you a coffee as well?” Gwen asks.
I nod. I want to kiss her, but Leo and Blake would never let it go. I hope she understands and feels the same way.
“I think Tess needs your help moving the oven in the back again,” Gwen says to Leo.
“I’ll help,” Blake offers, like he’s been waiting for this exact moment.
They head through the back door, and the second they disappear, Gwen hurries out from behind the counter toward me. She wraps her arms around my neck and presses a quick kiss to my lips.
“The oven’s fine. I just wanted an excuse to do this,” she says with a shy laugh.
“I will personally break that oven again if it gets me this,” I laugh, my body reacting to her touch. “I’ve been thinking about you a lot.”
“Me too,” Gwen smiles before we kiss again.
“Ahem.”
The sound comes from behind us. Gwen pulls away quickly, and just like that, Leo, Blake, and Tess are staring at us.
“You said I had to work on my customer service skills,” Gwen shrugs as she walks back behind the counter. This woman is killing me, in the best way.
“Right,” Tess says dryly. “So what is this party I’m apparently going to?”
“It’s a party the team is throwing,” I start to explain, but I should’ve known better with Blake here.
“It’s a full-blown extravaganza,” Blake jumps in. “There’ll be drinks, every kind you can imagine, the best DJ in Chicago, dancers, maybe even magicians.”
“They’re usually a little… big,” I add. “I wanted to take my sister so she can meet some new people in town.”
“Oh, that sounds nice. I’m sure we’ll have a great time,” Tess smiles.
Gwen hands Blake and me our coffees as the last customer walks out the door.
“Is there a theme or something?” Tess asks, and I laugh because it’s basically the same question Gwen asked.
“It’s bakery boss babes, so you’re all good,” Blake says in a strange tone, making all of us laugh. “What?” he adds, confused.
“Was that your way of giving us a compliment?” Gwen teases.
“Maybe,” Blake says awkwardly.
“I thought that was your nickname for me,” Leo says, pretending to be offended.
“Alright, I’m done embarrassing myself. Can we please leave?” Blake lifts his coffee in thanks before heading out the door.
“See you Friday,” I tell Gwen, pressing a quick kiss to her cheek before following Blake outside.
The bakery goes quiet as I leave, but I know the second that door shuts, the questions will start.
“Let’s get you home,” I tell Blake as we get into the car and pull away.
Not a bad Monday. Not bad at all.