Page 78 of Killer Confections

My stomach sinks and I feel unease grip me tightly.

You’re never gonna see that fucker again after tonight, sweetheart.

No…

There’s no way he was being serious about that. Atlas may be a little intense with the stalking and video surveillance, but I don’t think he would kill someone for dating me…

Would he?

For some reason, I don’t think I believe myself. Atlas has always been different, and I know convincing myself he’s anything but is deceiving.

But why kill Chance?

It’s not like we got far on our date. Atlas made sure of that.

I’m sure he has a good reason then—

Oh, my god. I’m insane! I’m trying to reason him killing my date into being normal!

“Lox?” Riley asks. “You okay? You look like you’re losing it…”

I quickly recover, plastering on a smile. “Just fine! I’m sure Chance has his own reasons for…leaving…”

Stop being obvious, Loxley!

Janette waves a hand, clearly not onto me, as she kicks her feet. “Oh, yeah. I’m not worried about him. He seemed kind of like a player anyway. He probably needed a break, but didn’t want to tell anyone.”

I agree with her, but Riley purses her lips. She catches my eyes and I quickly look away, knowing I’ll crack if she puts pressure on me.

“So, who is it?” Janette asks, serving as the distraction as she rocks back and forth impatiently. “Who is making our boss all loopy and ditsy?”

I find myself grinning hard, my cheeks hurting as I think of Atlas. “He’s a guy from high school—”

“Oh!” Riley gasps. “High school sweethearts? That’s sweet.”

I tell them about Atlas, steering clear of the stalking and cameras I keep finding around my damn apartment. Instead,I tell them about our late night talks and the dinners we have together after a long day. I tell them about the back massages and the soothing baths he draws for me. I get so lost in rambling that I stop when I notice Janette’s soft smile.

“I haven’t seen you this happy since you announced Sweet Haven’s launch, you know?”

I roll my lips in, stopping my tangent before I can embarrass myself further. Riley is staring at me with a smirk as she rolls out pastry dough.

“The dick is that good, huh?” She quips.

I roll my eyes. “It’s more than that…”

“You’re young and in love,” Janette gushes. “I remember when I first met my husband in college. We were so full of life and horny.”

Riley gags and I slap a hand over my mouth to stifle my laughter.

But her words give me pause. “I’m not in love…”

Both women stare at me before the elder lifts a brow. “Sounds like you are. Could have fooled us.”

Oh, shit.

Am I in love with Atlas?

There’s no way…