Page 35 of Killer Confections

Chapter Fifteen

Loxley

“Great work today, everyone!” I shout from the kitchen.

Scarlet is up front, helping Blair and Miranda finish breaking down the registers. Janette and Riley are loading the massive dishwasher with the rest of the dirty bowls and trays from the day.

Two hours ago, the whole kitchen looked like a disaster area. I’ve been scrubbing batter from the table tops since we closed at seven.

“Wonderful job,” Addie praises from her spot on the metal countertops near the doors. She eats a cupcake, kicking her dangling feet like a kid.

“And what did you do all day?” Janette quips with an amused smile.

My friend scoffs, holding her phone up. “I’ll have you know, I’ve been bringing this place business all day! Taking pictures and updating the Sweet Haven socials is a chore of its own.”

Everyone laughs, the mood is light, and I feel great. Everything went so smoothly today. Even after the random text messages…

I shake my head. I’ve made my resolve to ignore my stalker during business hours. After I file my police report tomorrow morning (since it is late) I won’t let this guy get to me. I have a shop to run, and a life to live.

One of the swing doors opens, and Miranda sticks her head in. “We’re done! Heading out, boss!”

“Goodnight!” I call back.

Addie’s phone rings, and she hops down from the table. “Crap. Mom is calling. Is it okay if I head back to the apartment?”

“Yup,” I say, never looking up from the dried cluster of brownie batter on the table before me. “I’ll be there soon.”

Janette slams the dishwasher closed before dusting her hands and looking at Addison. “We’re all heading out. We’ll make sure she leaves.”

My head whips around to her and I frown. “I’m leaving soon.”

Riley laughs, “Sure you are. You mean to tell me, Loxley the perfectionist, isn’t going to stay late to start on tomorrow’s orders?”

I scoff, the sound unsure. “No!”

The women share a knowing glance.

“We’re locking up and I’ll call you in an hour,” Janette says sternly. “If you haven’t left, I’m coming back and forcing you from the property.”

I roll my eyes, “Sure.”

Riley secures the back door before she and Janette grab their bags. Everyone tells me goodnight before they turn off the lights in the lobby and the sounds of loud conversation filters out the front doors.

When it’s just me, I turn on my speaker, cranking the music up as I pull two giant metal bowls from a cabinet. I gather my dry ingredients onto one side of the table and set up my milk, eggs, and butter on the other.

I hum to myself, bobbing my head to the pop song blaring through the bakery as I crack eggs into one bowl. I pull some measuring cups down before scooping up the desired amount of flour for making six dozen cupcakes.

My feet are aching from the day, but my mood is so high I can’t stop myself. I feel great and nothing can kill my vibe.

I grab the bowl of wet ingredients, ready to toss them into the giant mixer, when I turn towards the back door.

The bowl falls from my hands; the ingredients splattering on the freshly pristine floor. My heart plummets straight to my ass and a whimper leaves me as my eyes widen at the figure looming in the back entrance of my store.

Heavy black combat boots, dark tactical pants, and a black leather jacket cling to the widest set of shoulders I’ve ever seen. The sleeves hide it, but I know his arms are corded with thick muscles and veins that lead to large hands covered in tattoos.

My eyes trail higher, taking in the black fabric positioned over his mouth and nose. I recognize it as a balaclava, but only because I read a book where the male lead wore one to keep his identity a secret from his paramour.

Piercing blue eyes, half-lidded and intense, stare at me. A messy mop of black hair falls over his forehead, giving him an effortlessly sexy look.