Chapter 6 #2
I let the spoon drag through the caramelized top, the sugar cracking under the pressure. I took another bite, this time slower, as I gazed at her while doing so. When the custard hit my tongue, I closed my eyes, savoring the sweet flavor.
When I opened my eyes, she was watching me, her lips slightly parted, teeth catching the bottom one without even realizing it. And damn, the sight of that nearly did me in. I licked a bit of glaze from the corner of my mouth, never breaking eye contact.
I leaned in close to her ear and said, “Sweet. Just like you.”
Flash!
The cameras went off around us as the crowd was eating it up, capturing every second like they were watching something straight out of a soap opera. The crowd might’ve come for her dessert but they’d stay for her—and now, for us.
“That’s right, friend! Y’all look so sexy together!”
I looked over her shoulder and spotted her friend. I was the shorty she was with at Ryan’s lounge, smiling big as she watched us.
Zanova blinked, finally snapping herself out of it, hearing her friend's dramatic antics. She straightened, smoothing her apron, that flustered-but-firm look crossing her face. “All right, show’s over,” she said to no one in particular, shooting me a pointed glare. “Some of us still have work to do.”
I chuckled, setting the empty plate back on the counter. “Then I’ll get out of your way, chef. But you might want to check your socials later. Something tells me we just broke the internet.” I winked at her.
Her eyes narrowed, but there was the faintest ghost of a smile tugging at her lips as she turned away. And as I stepped back toward the door, I couldn’t help but glance at her one last time. As I turned, she stood there with one hand on her hip, that spark in her eyes back in full force.
“Since you decided to show up and interrupt my launch, you’re not getting off that easy.”
“Oh, yeah? What’s my punishment?” I raised a brow, amused.
“You’re going to work.” She reached under the counter, grabbed a clean black apron, and tossed it at me.
I caught it midair, laughing. “Work? You trying to make me sweat, Ms. Pierce?”
“Whatever.” She shot back smoothly.
The crowd nearby chuckled, watching us like it was part of the show. Someone even pulled out their phone again, whispering, “He’s really about to do it.”
“All right. But I don’t work for free. What do I get out of this?”
“The satisfaction of helping me not fall behind in front of my customers.” She rolled her eyes.
“Hmm,” I said, pretending to think. “What about a kiss?”
“Keep dreaming, tequila boy. You’ll be lucky if you leave here with your ego intact. This is different from working boardrooms.”
The room broke into laughter. I couldn’t help but produce a rich, genuine, low in my chest laugh too.
“Baby, I can work in any room. Bedrooms. Bathrooms. Kitchens. I can make it work,” I said, winking as I slipped the apron over my head after removing my suit jacket.
“But I’m gonna hold you to that one day. ”
She scoffed, but her lips curved as she turned toward the prep station. “We’ll see if you can keep up in my shop.”
“Samir! Can we get a picture?” some thirsty chick asked. She was all smiles, looking like she was ready to risk it all, along with the two chicks she was with.
“Nah, I don’t do that, shorty. But you hoe’s can support and buy some tarts.”
They smiled like I’d just blessed them with a compliment.
Zanova spun around, eyes wide, hands on her hips like she was ready to throw a spatula at me. “Samir! Don’t talk to the customers like that! That’s rude!”
“What?” I shrugged. “I’m just keepin’ it real. They know I’m playin’.”
The two women giggled like schoolgirls, still hovering by the counter, trying to sneak pictures on their phones.
I leaned against the display case, giving them a lazy grin. “See? They ain’t mad.”
Zanova rolled her eyes, mumbling something under her breath as she turned back around.
I stepped beside her, rolling up my sleeves. Together, we served customers, and started packing up the last of the tarts, sliding boxes across the counter to waiting customers. She worked fast—sharp movements, quick glances my way, daring me to mess up.
“Careful with that one,” she said, watching as I closed the box. “You tilt it too far, and the glaze will run.”
“Yes, chef,” I replied in a mock-serious tone, earning another eye roll.
But every time our fingers brushed, the teasing felt heavier.
Every time our eyes met over the counter, I knew she’d hold her breath for a beat, only releasing it when she had to look away.
The crowd noticed too. Phones were out everywhere, recording what looked like the city’s new favorite duo in action.
I’m sure we were all over every social media outlet by this point, and for once, I can’t say that I cared.
By the time we got through the last few orders, the laughter and chatter in the bakery had turned into a quiet buzz of excitement. Zanova wiped her hands on a towel, shaking her head with a small, reluctant smile.
“You’re more help than I expected.”
“I’m full of surprises…”
“Yeah,” she said softly, meeting my gaze. “That’s what worries me.”
I moved in, now hovering over her. “Why? Do I make you nervous, Zanova?” I tucked my bottom lip between my teeth, eyes gazing down at her.
“Actually, you don’t,” she lied.
I laughed, moving back from her. “If you say so.”
“Listen… Today was epic, friend! You did that,” her friend said as she came from the back, still dressed in her apron. “Not to mention, I enjoyed the sexual chemistry in the air.” She smirked, hands on her hips, looking between us.
“Nyala… I love you, friend, but you are doing too much.” Zanova cackled.
“So were you two, and the customers loved it! I can’t wait until, you know who, sees those pictures that I’m sure are circulating around social media,” she said, laughing.
Her words caught my attention.
Who was she talking about? Was Zanova not single?
If she wasn’t, I didn’t give a fuck. I didn’t see a ring on her finger, so she was fair game.
“Okay, boo. I’m out. I’ll send you my bill.” Nyala joked.
“Okay, love. Thanks again for coming to help me out.” They shared a hug.
“You already know, boo. Call me when you get home,” she said, then looked at me. “It was nice seeing you again, Samir. I definitely enjoyed the show.” She winked over her shoulder as she headed out of the shop.
I chuckled because shorty was a trip.
About an hour later, the last few customers waved on their way out. The bell over the door gave us a soft chime as it closed behind them. The once-buzzing bakery was now still, except for the faint sound of music playing over the speakers.
I leaned against the counter, exhaling a long breath. “You know,” I said, glancing at her with a crooked grin, “you run a tight ship, Ms. Pierce. Didn’t think I would break a sweat when I woke up this morning.”
Zanova shot me a look over her shoulder as she wiped down a tray. “You sure it was working and not your oversized ego that’s got you sweating?”
“Could be the company too.”
Her body tensed, but it was quick—so quick that if I weren’t paying attention, I’d miss it.
She shook her head, but the smile tugging at her lips gave her away. “Are you always this cocky, or is it the tequila from the tarts talking? And don’t think I didn’t see you eat a few of the samples, sir.”
“Busted. But tequila don’t talk, baby. It inspires.”
That earned me a quiet laugh, soft and genuine—the kind that made something in my chest tighten. Zanova finished wiping the counter, then tossed the rag into the sink before crossing her arms.
“You didn’t have to stay and help. I’m sure you have a party somewhere waiting on you.”
I shrugged, pushing off the counter and stepping closer. “I did. My sister has been blowing me up. She is going to kill me for dipping out, but I’d rather be here.”
Her eyes flicked up, meeting mine.
“Besides… I had to make sure the star of the show made it through her big day in one piece.”
“Uh-huh.” Her tone was playful, but her pulse jumped just enough for me to notice. “So now you’re my bodyguard too?”
“Nah, just a man who knows how to recognize a woman killing it in her lane.”
For a second, neither of us spoke. She looked away first, breaking the tension as she moved toward the back, untying her apron.
“Well, thank you for the help, Mr. Carter. You survived today. I’m impressed.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me already?”
“I’m trying to close up. I’m tired, and my feet are killing me in these heels.”
“Mm. Guess I’ll hang around until you’re done. Gotta make sure you get to your car safely.”
Her lips parted like she wanted to argue, but instead she sighed, shaking her head with a reluctant smile. “Fine. You can wait… But no more flirting.”
I grinned, sliding my hands into my pockets. “No promises.”
Then my eyes drifted toward the huge floral arrangement sitting at the back of the counter.
The blooms were massive and vibrant in a riot of pinks, reds, and creams. The small envelope was still attached with its seal intact.
That meant she hadn’t opened it yet, and she didn’t know I was the one who sent them.
“Nice flowers,” I said casually, nodding toward them.
Zanova glanced over, then laughed softly. “Oh, yeah. They are beautiful. Someone sent them. I was so busy… I forgot to read the card to see who they’re from.”
She walked over and plucked the envelope, breaking the seal. I watched in silence as she unfolded the small note and began reading. Her eyes widened slightly, then softened. A smile tugged at her lips, subtle but unmistakable.
I don’t know what made me buy her flowers. Part of me still didn’t understand why I cared so much, but seeing her like this was enough. All the teasing, all the tension, and every stupid, reckless thing I did to get under her skin was worth it now that I had a front-row seat to her smile.
For all your hard work and dedication to your craft. If no one told you today, I am proud of you.
Signed, Mr. Carter.
“You sent me these? You didn’t have to. Thank you.”
“Glad you like them. And there are no thanks needed, love. You deserve so much more.”
“Just don’t think this means we are friends.” She smirked.
“Wouldn’t think of it…”
She tucked the card into her apron pocket, shaking her head as if trying to hide her smile.
She turned and made her way to the back as I watched in a mix of desire and admiration.
Once Zanova finished shutting down the bakery and told me she was ready, we walked out together.
She locked up and dropped her keys into her purse as we walked to her car.
The street was quiet, and the air was thick with that lingering energy between us.
“You didn’t have to stay. But thanks for waiting,” she said as we made slow steps to her ride. She smiled up at me before continuing. “I hate to admit this, but I enjoyed your company, Samir.”
“I know you did.”
“See… You had to ruin the moment. You can go now.”
“Not yet.” Before she could open the door, I stepped in, hand braced on the car behind her, pinning her gently in place.
Her breath hitched, eyes darting up to meet mine. “Samir—”
“Relax, baby,” I said, leaning in. My lips brushed her cheek as her scent rushed up my nose, sending a signal to my dick.
She exhaled, her voice barely above a whisper. “Your trouble, you know that, Mr. Carter?”
I grinned, stepping back. “Yeah, but you like it, Ms. Pierce.”
“Boy, bye!” She chuckled as I did the same. “Move out the way so I can leave. Have a good rest of your evening.”
She slipped into the driver’s seat, closing the door a little too hard, like she was trying to shut me out along with everything she was feeling.
“Drive safe, Ms. Pierce.” I smirked and tapped the roof lightly.
She looked at me with eyes narrowed and curved lips, before shaking her head and positioning herself to pull off.
As she did so, I caught the smallest glance in her rearview mirror.
Our eyes met for a split second; long enough to know that whatever was building between us, neither one of us was ready to walk away from it.