Page 19 of The Sweetmate (Check-In #2)

Lisa

When I step out of the bathroom, Casey already has breakfast and coffee waiting for me.

I find it odd that every room we stay in has a full kitchen yet no second bed.

I won’t complain though. Last night was the best sleep I’ve had in years.

I refuse to acknowledge that his strong arms and warm body contributed to that in any way.

I sit down and check my phone, there’s several missed calls from Mr. Brunner.

“Don’t do that.” Casey’s voice has a bit of an edge to it.

“What?”

“I’m here if you want to talk. I saw the look on your face. You were about to bury down your feelings and shut down. You can be upset about your job. Talk to me. I’m here for you.”

“Please, I don’t want you treating me any differently than you do any other employee. Do you have heart to heart conversations with Jensen.”

Without an ounce of hesitation he says, “Yeah. The only difference in how I treat you is I don’t cuddle him, kiss him, and we’ve never taken on the role of fake relationship. But we’ve had our share of letting out grievances, pity parties, and deep thought-provoking conversations.”

“I don’t want pity.”

“Yeah, I get your proud. But I’m not offering pity. Maybe I’m offering you a body to lean on. Or use for any need that arises.” He bites his lower lip and my tummy tightens.

“There’s not a single doubt in my mind that you’re up for meeting any of my needs. The thought is appreciated, but no need.”

I quickly divert my eyes and focus on my delicious breakfast. Casey grabs a cup of coffee and begins walking toward the bedroom.

He pauses and looks over his shoulder. “I’ve already told my uncle to fuck off and he isn’t getting you back.

I meant it, cupcake. Nobody is going to fuck with you while you’re mine.

I joke a lot, but your career is in your own hands now.

I’ll see to it nobody ever holds you back again. ”

“What if it’s you?” I boldly ask.

He twists his body so his eyes can meet mine. “I’d never hold you back, baby. With me, you’ll reach new heights you never thought possible.” He gives me that infuriating wink and continues on his way with his head held high and like he didn’t just melt my entire insides with his words.

***

“Please tell me if I’m overstepping.” I tell the camera guy. I’m trying to get a few good shots of Casey while not being in their way. The competition is between Casey and two other well-known and respected pastry chefs.

The camera guy gives me a thumbs up and goes back to looking into his screen. Casey is explaining to the camera that his cupcakes for the judges are going to be Siren Cupcakes.

“These Caribbean chocolate cupcakes with a buttercream frosting are enough to tempt any sailor.”

“Mmmm, and is there a particular siren that inspired you?” The show host asks.

“Actually, yes. Her name is Emma. She made sure I knew to choose sirens and not mermaids.”

“What’s the difference?” The host asks.

“As Emma put it, sirens lure the sailors to their deaths. So,” Casey holds his bowl up. “Death by chocolate. This ones for you Emma!”

He winks and the camera pans out and moves on to the next contestant. I’m not proud that I feel jealousy rears its ugly head. Who is Emma? Why did she get his wink? Which is silly for me to be thinking since the man winks at everyone and everything. It’s also his brand and trademark.

Let’s not go there. I’m not jealous of Emma. His siren. Who gets cupcakes dedicated to her. He dedicated s’more cupcakes to me. S’mores that were comfort. Sirens are temptation and sexy. Who have I become that I’m comparing cupcakes?

“Cupcake. Psst. Snow White.” I turn my head. “Hey, Apples. Get over here.”

I realize they’ve called break and Casey is calling to me. “What’s going on? You look on the verge of Hulking out.”

I snap my attention to him. “What?”

“Who said something to upset you?” His brow pinch in concern.

“Who’s Emma?”

Casey places his hand on my hip and steps into my personal space. “Is that jealousy? It looks good on you. I’m not gonna lie. I’m into it.”

“Shut up. I’m supposed to be your girlfriend. I need to know who my supposed boyfriend is dedicating seducing cupcakes to.” I’m not proud of myself in this moment. I can hear how petty I sound.

Without blinking an eye, Casey says, “Emma is a little girl I met for five minutes in the Chicago airport on my way to New York City. She told me she wanted to see me bake siren cupcakes and I promised her I would.”

“Oh.” I feel lower than a snake’s belly.

I wait for him to move and go back to doing baker things, but he doesn’t.

Together, we stand in front of one another with his hand firmly placed on my hip.

His thumb sneaks underneath my shirt and gently brushes along the skin.

Someone calls out for everyone to return to their stations.

He gives me a gentle squeeze on the hip, as he leans in to whisper against my ear.

“It’s okay, cupcake. Stake your claim.” He gives my hip a playful pat before he hurries back to his station.

The camera comes back to Casey. He easily draws viewers in with his mesmerizing blue eyes and dazzling smile. “Emma is a little girl I met at the airport, so I hope she sees this.”

“Uh-oh. I’ve heard about your airport adventures.”

Casey easily laughs the comment off. “See, and I think when I meet people like Emma who inspire me are the more entertaining ones. Yet those are never shown or talked about. Believe me, there’s no cupcakes dedicated to – ”

“Apple,” I cough loudly and then hide.

Casey quickly recovers and redirects his statement.

“I have met some incredible people while traveling. On my flight to New York City I sat next to the most beautiful woman. And I’ve been trying to get a seat next to her every day since.

” The sincerity in his voice hits me hard.

His voice. The way he stares over at me.

For a moment I simply stare back at him too stunned to do anything else.

Finally I bow my head as a blush creeps up my neck and cheeks.

After they finish filming, Casey and I hurry to get our swimsuits.

Of course, when we make it to the beach there’s paparazzi.

For once I don’t mind. It’s the perfect excuse to be affectionate with him without reading too deep into it.

It’s freeing. As someone who is terrified of being in the spotlight, I don’t mind as long as the only person next to me is him.