Page 128 of The Arrogant One

“What do you have there?” Lockhart asked after I gave him a peck.

“Tonight is a huge night for you guys, and even though I know the opening of Toro is going to be perfect and seamless and everything you want it to be, I wanted to bring you something to celebrate since I won’t be there.”

“You’re not coming?” Colson asked.

I shook my head, feeling Eden’s eyes on me. “But I’ll be there in a few nights.”

“If you’re worried about getting a table, please don’t,” Walker said. “We’ve got you covered.”

“Hart mentioned it has something to do with your bestie, right?” Eden announced. “She’s your date, and she has to work tonight, which is why you can’t make it?”

I quickly glanced at her, a smile gradually lifting on my face. “Yes. You’re right. She has a work thing, and since Lockhart will be slammed, I have this weird thing about eating alone. Please don’t hate me, you guys.”

Dear Foodie didn’t go to restaurants on opening nights because nothing ever went right for the restaurant or the staff. They needed a second to work things out, and even though two days wasn’t enough time either, it was allSeenwas willing to give me.

Lockhart and I hadn’t discussed what I would say to his family or what excuse I would use if any of them asked why I wouldn’t be there.

Eden had done this all on her own.

She had my back—something I’d never anticipated.

“Hate you? Hardly,” Eden replied. “I think Lockhart would prefer you be there when it’s less chaotic and things have cooled down a little. This way, he’ll actually have time to spend with you. We all will.”

Lockhart’s arm went around my waist. “She’s right.”

As I looked at Eden again, she gave me a slight nod, and I gave her one back and said, “Anyway, I’m not Walker Weston in the kitchen, but I thought these would be fun.”

I took off the lid. “They’re champagne-flavored cupcakes.” I handed one to each of them. The base was a light pink that was infused with champagne with a whipped buttercream frosting on top that I’d decorated with edible confetti, and stuck into the side of the icing was a plastic dropper. “The dropper has actual champagne in it.”

“I’ll take any and all alcohol at the moment,” Colson said, pulling out the plastic and squirting the liquid into his mouth. “Oh, that’s good.”

Walker laughed at him and then connected eyes with me. “Cooking is my specialty. Baking is a beast I’ve battled my whole career. I bet these are better than I could make.” He paused to take a bite and moaned. “What in the hell are these?” He stared at each side of the dessert. “Sadie, they’re exceptional.”

Walker, a wildly popular and highly respected chef, was complimenting my baking. I couldn’t help but feel flattered, especially given that I’d thrown out the first batch, unsatisfied with how they had turned out.

“Thank you,” I said, trying to hold back my excitement.

“He’s right, they are,” Colson groaned and reached inside the Tupperware. “I’m going to take another one of these.”

I laughed. “Help yourself. I’m leaving the rest here, so take as many as you want.”

Lockhart placed his on his desk. “I’m saving mine.” He eyed me up and down.

As Eden stood from her chair, she wiggled down her black skirt before swiping her finger across the rim of the frosting and sucking it off. “I’m going to need this recipe.”

“I’ve got you, girl,” I said.

“Come on, guys. Let’s leave them and get back to work,” Eden voiced, giving me a wave prior to heading out into the hallway.

Colson and Walker said goodbye, and the door shut, leaving Lockhart and me alone.

With his arm still around me, I turned and faced him. “Just so you know, Eden and I are going to be besties?—”

“Go lock that door,” he growled, his eyes slowly dipping down my body. “Right now.”

THIRTY-FIVE

Hart