Page 77 of Killer Confections

“I won’t!” I beg. “I wanted us to watch it together…”

She blinks as her cheeks flush and she quickly gets that cute, flustered look. Her eyes become unfocused and I know I’ve got her attention. “Maybe…”

Oh, we’re definitely watching our movie together soon.

“Okay, baby,” I place a kiss on her forehead as she resets the ringtone. Once she’s satisfied, she hands my phone back to me and tangles a hand in my hair.

“What’s your plans today?” She asks.

I swallow, knowing my answer won’t please her. “I have something to take care of—”

Her hand falls away, and I instantly miss it. Before she can turn away, her disappointment piercing me, I tangle her fingers back in my hair and wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her against me. “Don’t do that. Don’t shut down on me. Talk to me.”

She crosses her arms, looking away. “You won’t even tell me where you go…”

I brush a strand of hair away from her forehead, tucking it behind her ear as those beautiful brown eyes stray to me. “I’m going to. I promise, okay? Let me handle this and once I’m done, I’ll tell you everything.”

“Tonight?” She asks hopefully.

I nod. “Tonight.”

She holds her pinky up, a slow smile spreading over her delicate features. “For good measure.”

I huff a laugh as I hook our fingers and make the first pinky promise I’ve made since becoming an adult. “This is sacred. If I betray your trust—”

“I get to break your pinky,” she finishes, smiling even harder at my bewildered expression.

“Violent little thing,” I mutter before kissing her. “Have a good day at work, baby.”

She hums before I dip off into the bedroom and get dressed. I clean up the kitchen while Loxley showers and leave her a sweet note before heading to the parking garage and getting on my bike.

I’m feeling revitalized and refreshed as I speed towards the compound. Only a few more hours and we can hopefully call an end to all of this.

Then, I can focus on Loxley and I’s ending. I can get her moved into our house and reveal everything to her. I’m fully prepared for the shock and anger. It’s to be expected, but I know my girl. I’ve already rooted myself so deep she’ll be over it all in no time.

And I can’t fucking wait.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Loxley

I spend most of my day in my own world, humming as I prepare treats to restore the display. Janette keeps side-eyeing me, but it’s Riley who finally asks the burning question.

“Are you getting laid or something?” She cocks her hip, giving me an expectant brow lift. “You’ve been really chipper.”

I am being super obvious, aren’t I? I haven’t made a big deal over the store, calling every hour like I usually do on my off days. I’ve been pretty chill and my employees are noticing.

I shrug. “So what if I am?”

A chorus ofoohsreaches me as I pull a fresh rack of cupcakes out of the industrial oven. I roll my eyes as Janette shoves her piping bag and icing bowl aside before hefting herself up onto the alloy table and facing me.

“Spill! We know it isn’t Chance!” She gushes.

Riley’s shoulders stiffen slightly before she too turns and leans back against the counter. “Have you heard anything about that, Jan?”

I look between them. “About what?”

Janette becomes slightly somber, rubbing a hand across her neck. “Chance Miller is missing. He left a note and packed up a lot of his belongings, but his dad said he would never just abandon the bakery. No one’s heard from him over the last week…”