Page 59 of Invisible String (The Underground #1)
“He does,” I admit. Max can be grumpy, broody, and have the “I don’t give a fuck” face, but on the inside, he’s a ball of mush—for some at least.
“Let’s cross our fingers and hope those men don’t go looking for him.”
I nod in agreement.
“Those men are all about money, like if the pendejo doesn’t have enough,” she says angrily, sliding a tray into the oven. “So, are you two dating, or whatever you young kids call it?” Isabella asks over her shoulder.
Dating? Although he slept in my bed two nights in a row, his hands were all over my body, whispering sweet nothings.
I would be lying if I didn’t say it feels as if we’ve been together much longer.
As we are more. “No, not there yet,” I tell her, because I’m not ready and he knows, but does he want more?
He did say, “I want you to tie me down,” but does he really, really mean it?
She hums in response, busying herself with another batch. I make my way to the front to check on my new employees. Katie is at the front, ringing up customers while Travis is serving customers.
“How’s everything going?” I ask them both to check to see what I need to refill.
Travis glances at me over his shoulder. “Good. I do need to refill some of the cookies and doughnuts.” He grins at me, and I return it. He’s been doing that a lot, staring, and when I catch him, he jumps up startled. It’s harmless, really.
“Sure, I’ll bring them out.”
The front door swings open. I wait to greet my customers.
My brows rise when Leo walks in. The last time I saw him, I acted like a raging beast. My stomach erupts into a thousand flutters.
Max enters behind Leo. He gives me that “hot as hell” smile.
Leo gives a frightened look like I’m about to toss a slice of cake at his face. Poor guy.
“Hey, baby.” Max walks straight to me as if I’m the only one in the room.
Leo goes still. His focus is on Max when he leans in to kiss my lips.
Leo’s mouth gapes open as he peers at Max in shock. Then he looks over at me. “Baby?” he says to Max, grinning.
Max gives him a look that could slice him in half. I laugh no matter what. I love the broody side of him. Max comes around to the back of the counter, and Leo follows. Max pecks another kiss on my lips. I love how open he is.
“So you’re dating the baker?” Leo asks.
I snort.
Max groans. “Her name is Rainey, remember? Stop calling her the baker.”
Leo smiles. “Hey, Rainey. I’m glad things are working out for you two. Maybe he won’t be so grumpy now that he has you back.” He scratches his cheek and laughs. “Did Max tell you he called you a thief and threw your cinnamon roll in the trash?”
Max grinds his teeth at him, and I stifle my laugh.
“You two are strange.”
Max glares at him. “Shut the fuck up,” he mumbles to him.
My arms fold to my chest, and I raise a brow at him. “Thief? I gave you the check back.”
“This was before.” Worry lines crease his forehead. “When I didn’t know it was you.” He looks at Leo. “Fucking big mouth.”
Leo nods. “Yeah, this was before, but it was funny. I’m glad you guys are on talking terms because he”—he points to Max —“is in a bad mood, which is horrible. It’s like being locked up with the devil himself. Not a pretty sight.”
Max’s lip curl into a half smile.
“Are you two hungry? I can make you something,” I offer.
“Oh, I would love some cinnamon rolls. What kind of icing do you use? It’s the best,” Leo says excitedly.
Max licks his lips. “Cream cheese icing. It’s versatile.”
“I bet you can smother that on any dessert.” Leo walks to the counter, looking through the window at the desserts displayed.
“Exactly, it can be smothered on any favorite dessert.” Max devilishly smirks. His lips tickle my ear. “Between your legs is my favorite.”
A shiver runs down my spine, and heat pools between my thighs. I smack his chest. Every vision of the last two nights comes to me. All I want to do is return to my place and have him all to myself. He leans up against the wall. His piercing green eyes are on me.
“So, what do you want? Your protein special?” I offer, I’m trying to distract myself from not climbing him or, better yet, taking him to the office. I swear I’m acting like a sex-crazed woman.
“You. I want you.”
“Max.” I groan. He’s not helping.
He gives me his husky laugh, which I love. I missed him so much. “An omelet is fine.”
Two minutes later, I drop off the omelets and a to-go box of cinnamon rolls at Leo and Max’s table.
I shake my head at Max when he pulls out his wallet.
“Rainey, I want to pay. This is your business, and I’m not coming to eat for free.
” We have been going over this for the last couple of days since I stopped charging him and overcharging him.
“No, this is on me. You know, I found the check in my drawer. The one I left in your office.”
“It’s different. I’m not taking money from my girl.”
I huff. He’s so stubborn.
He raises a brow, and his lips firm, challenging me not to argue with him.
“Fine, I’ll keep the check, and you will eat at no charge.”
Max cuts into his ham-and-cheese omelet. I bounce on my heels. His intense stare makes my nerves tingle. Only this man can make me feel a swirl of emotions. “Fine, I’ll pay you back in other ways.”
My cheeks grow so hot it’s like I stepped into a sauna.
Leo peers at both of us, grinning. “I swear you two are like a married couple.” Leo takes a large bite of his cinnamon roll. “Some days you want to strangle one another, then the next you’re all lovey-dovey.”
Is that how he sees us? Lovey-dovey. I spent a whole weekend with him, which has me acting like a love-sick puppy. I just can’t help it. He’s been so perfect.
Max remains silent, continuing to cut into his omelet, but a slight smile forms on his lips.