Chapter 9
Kiki
“Why are you still dressed like that? And what’s wrong with your face?” Oliver asks when I step inside Vintage Ink, still wearing my dress from last night.
I sniffle, trying not to cry, thinking about how used I feel. “My date last night didn’t go so well.”
“Did he run away when you put your mouth on his penis?” He gives me a hopeful look, as if he wants me to say yes.
His question makes me choke. “What?”
Oliver frowns. “Never mind.” The way he says this makes me think there’s a story behind his question. It also makes me wonder if that is why he’s been moping around since his graduation.
“If you ever want to talk about–“
“I don’t,” he hisses, interrupting me. “Go worry about yourself.” He turns and stalks off, leaving me slack-jawed as I watch him go.
“Don’t mind him,” Bull says. “He’s dealing with his first heartbreak.”
“Too bad it never gets easier,” I say.
“Want to talk about it?” my boss asks.
“I had a wonderful date last night.”
Bull nods. “Judging from your outfit, I’m guessing it lasted into this morning.”
I frown. “Yeah, and then he kicked me out when his kid woke up. I feel so stupid. How could I have thought he wanted more than just a one-night stand?”
Bull pulls me into his arms, giving me one of his famous fatherly hugs. “I don’t think you should give up on him just yet.”
I look up at him and frown. “Why would you say that?”
He nods toward the window at the front of the shop. “Because I’m pretty sure he’s standing outside the shop, getting the wrong idea about me hugging you right now.”
I turn around, and my mouth drops when I see Ezra holding flowers and Theo with a box from Ma’s Bakery next door. Ezra looks like a mixture of upset and angry while Theo stares up at his dad in confusion.
Bull opens the door. “Come inside and apologize already,” he tells Ezra.
Ezra continues to frown at Bull, but Theo brushes past him and holds the box of pastries out to me. “We got you some fancy donut thing with chocolate. We also got a cinnamon roll and some other stuff.”
I take the box from Theo and smile. “Thank you.”
“Who are you?” Ezra hisses at Bull.
Luckily, Bull doesn’t take offense. He holds out his hand for Ezra to shake. “I’m Bull. I own this place.”
Ezra immediately fixes his face and takes Bull’s hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Ezra.”
Bull raises an eyebrow. “So you’re Kiki’s date from last night, who needs to grovel for being an asshole.”
Ezra gives him a sheepish look.
I narrow my eyes at my boss. “Bull, why don’t you take Theo to the breakroom so he can eat his cinnamon roll?”
Bull nods and takes the box from my hands. “Got enough to share with me?” he asks Theo.
“I got lots of stuff,” Theo says, smiling.
“Bull,” I warn. “Tarah will kill you.”
He waves a hand as if he didn’t have a major heart attack several years ago. “You worry too much. My heart is just fine.” He leaves before I can argue.
Ezra hands me the bouquet he’s holding. “I freaked out. I know there’s no excuse, but I heard Theo and panicked. I’m still learning how to be a full-time dad.”
I set the flowers on the front desk. “That’s not good enough.”
“I know. I’m so sorry. I promise it won’t happen again.”
I cross my arms. “How can I believe you?”
“Give me another chance. Let me show you I deserve your forgiveness.” His voice is filled with sincerity. “We only get one shot at life, and I don’t want us to blow our chance at happiness. Please, forgive me.”
Unable to resist his charm, I throw my arms around his neck and pull him in for a kiss, lingering as I enjoy the taste of his lips. “That’s your one get out of jail free card,” I say before kissing him again.
He squeezes my waist before pulling away. “What do you say we have a do-over date tonight? Theo and I will make dinner. It can be the first of what I hope will be many family dinners among the three of us.”
His words make my heart melt. “Sounds perfect.”
Best.
Apology.
Ever.