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Me:Of course. This sexy dude delivered it to me.

Jake:Lucky dude.

Me:You’re so gettin’ laid later.

Jake:Fuck I hope so. Been half hard since seein’ you. After reading that I’m gettin’ laid, I’m gonna have to spend some time at my desk ‘til things calm down.

Me:Wish I could be there to help but I gotta get to class. Love you.

“Seriously. Does he have a twin brother? A cousin? Anything?” Melanie asked. All the girls nodded.

“No brother. Don’t know about the rest but I’ll find out. I’ve gotta get going.” I grabbed my bag and headed to class, no longer frazzled.

*******

“What’s up?” I asked as I got out of Bo.

Since Jake brought me lunch the week before, we’d only seen each other at night. Because of the publicity, I’d had a rush of new business. My schedule was completely full for months and I was turning away more orders than before.

Hyde was even busier.

Jake had texted when I was in class and asked me to come see him when I was done. I’d been trying to get him to tell me why all afternoon, but he wouldn’t spill.

“It’s a surprise.”

“What is?”

“Come here.” Jake grabbed my hand and pulled me through the shop.

“Hi, boys! Bye, boys!” I said with a wave as I hurried to keep up with Jake’s long strides.

Coming to a sudden stop in the hallway, he turned to me. “Close your eyes.”

“No problemo, Mr. Bossy Pants.” I played along and shut them. Surprises weren’t normally my favorite thing, but I knew if anyone could change that, it was Jake.

Grabbing my hands, he guided my steps. I heard a door open and then close. “Okay, you’re good.”

Opening my eyes, I closed them again, sure I was seeing things. We were in the break room, only it wasn’t the one I remembered.

The walls had been repainted. There was a new stand mixer on the counter that was similar to mine at home, but much bigger and a higher quality. Next to it were mixing bowls, spatulas, measuring cups, and just about everything needed in order to bake.

I was speechless.

“We cleaned the walk-in and it’s up and functional. The health inspector was in and, as long as you use the side door and not the garage, it’s legit. I also had someone come in and double check the walk-in and the oven. Both are good to go.”

“Jake…” My voice trailed off, unsure of what to say.

I’d never told him about my loan getting denied. Dwelling on it wasn’t going to change anything. I’d handled the rejection by putting on my big girl panties and moving on. I had a business to run, with or without the help.

“I wanted to save it for your birthday, but I’m sick of barely seein’ you. I thought it might be easier for you with more space and stuff. The men were on board when I brought it up. Though I’m sure they wouldn’t say no if you baked them somethin’ every once in a while.”

I looked around the room, my mind going off in a million different directions.

Jake had done this for me.

I didn’t ask for it.

He thought of it to make my life easier.