“Her fried chicken is good. Not as good as this, though.”
“Oh, don’t let her hear you say that,” she says with a laugh. “You saw the way she was about food earlier today. She gets even worse as the pregnancy progresses, or at least she did last time.”
“Yeah, after the morning sickness went away, it’s like she went into beast mode.”
“Did you just call one of my favorite people in the world a beast?”
“Yep. And I did it to her face, which made her laugh.”
“Yeah, I could see that.”
We eat our dessert—she insists I take seconds home with me.
“So, you guys are leaving on Friday? What are you doing until then?” she asks as she shows me to her door.
“I saw my mom last week in California, so I am just hanging out here this week. I might spend some time in Adam’s Run. Maybe I can find a resident who can show me around.”
She smiles at my hint. “I would love to show you around.”
In that instant, I know how much I really like her. She’s sweet and funny, and she seems to really enjoy talking about my life. Not the rock and roll part. She asked me all kinds of questions about my mom and what I like to eat. There was nothing about songwriting or touring. It was just usual date stuff. Or what I think people do on regular dates.
“Thanks for dinner. “
And we stand there staring at each other for a long moment, and I feel awkward. It’s been years since I’ve felt like this, and it’s like I don’t know what to do. I’m thankful when she steps closer, giving me an indication that she’s okay if I touch her. I slip my hand up to cup her jaw. Her skin is so soft.
Bending my head, I press my mouth to hers. She shivers and opens her mouth to me right away. I steal inside without hesitation and lose myself. My entire body is reacting to the taste of her, the warmth of her body, but my greedy dick gets so damned hard it amazes me it didn’t pop the zipper.
I slant my mouth over hers, deepening the kiss as Blossom presses herself closer. Even through our layers of clothes, I can feel her hardened nipples. Another shiver runs through her, and I know that if I don’t step back, I won’t be able to control myself.
I end the kiss, pulling back and opening my eyes. Her lips are swollen, her face is flush, and her eyes are dilated when she opens them.
“Good night, Blossom.”
Then, I slip out of the bakery, and for once, I am thankful for the cool night air.
I prefer to keep everything in my life balanced, with my music front and center. Something tells me that won’t happen if I keep seeing Blossom. I’ve never been that affected by a kiss. It’s like my entire world has been knocked sideways, which I usually don’t like.
But this one time, with this woman, I’m really enjoying it.
SIX
BLOSSOM
Thursday arrives faster than I wanted it to. All week has been a dream. Thanks to staying up until eight at night to be with Niall, I'm exhausted. We still haven’t done more than some heavy petting, but I will not be deterred tonight. Granted, I don’t think he would have shown up every night just for my food. I’m good, but he has Abby to cook for him and Mrs. Patton.
“You’re sure you don’t mind opening for me tomorrow?” I ask Francie.
She smiles at me. “Not at all. I keep saying you trained me well, boss. I got this.”
I know she does because I did train her well. But this is my baby. I have never not been here for the opening.
“Have fun tonight,” she says as she gathers up her stuff. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“That leaves a lot opened for me.”
She laughs, not at all upset with my comment. I wish I was more like her with men. It’s not that she just sleeps with anyone, but she doesn’t have any hang-ups about men. The fact that Trent dumped me soon after we had sex is enough to ruin any girl’s psyche.
“Have fun with you-know-who,” she says with a wink as she steps out of the building. I haven’t told anyone but Francie outside of Abby and her sisters-in-law. There is too much gossip in this town, so I made sure to keep my mouth shut.
I glance at the clock and see that I have just under an hour to get ready. I’m going to pull out all the stops today.
Just as I step into my apartment, my phone starts buzzing. Wow, the Patton wives have been busy with texts today.
Abby: Ladies, we need to make sure that Blossom gets her rockstar tonight.
I roll my eyes. Really? Like I am a sad case. I mean, I sort of am, but the fact that other people seem to know it is kind of embarrassing.
Pippa: Bloody hell, Abby, you’re being obnoxious.
Livvy: Yeah.
Abby: Tonight is the last night before we leave tomorrow night, and I want Niall to make a move.
Pippa: I think it means something that he hasn’t made a move.
Yes, that has me worried. Of course, my assumption is that he doesn’t want me. Pippa and Abby have a different idea.
Abby: Yeah, that’s why I say this is important. Usually, he would just one and done her.
Livvy: Classy, Abs.
Abby: You know I’m right.
Pippa: It’s his way of keeping women at arm’s length.
Me: Uh, do you guys mind not discussing my love life, or lack thereof, while I’m working.
Abby: Finally. I’ve been so bored.
Pippa: You’ve spent all day with me.
Livvy: And me.
Abby: Yes, and Livvy kept making highly inappropriate comments about Paul Hollywood. Sorry, but my anxiety is reaching new heights. Since I set this all in motion, I want to see them get their happily ever after.
Me: What do you mean?
Livvy: *Gif of Busted*
Abby: I just thought you two were perfect for each other.
I roll my eyes. I’m not about to admit that she’s right. I would have never thought that a man like Niall would be that interested in me, but come to find out, we have a lot in common. While my parents went on their “self-journey” together and left me with my grandmother, he had his father leave. We also set out on our career paths earlier than other people. We know the value of hard work.
Also, when he kisses me, I can feel it all the way to the soles of my feet.
Abby: What are your plans for tonight?
Me: Niall insisted on making the dinner plans for tonight, but I made my cream cheese pumpkin bread with chocolate dipping sauce for dessert.
Abby: WHAT?
Oh, man. Yeah, the food thing will not be fun for them while they are in Europe. She’s getting worse by the day.
Me: I’ll send you the recipe.
Abby: Fine.
Me: I have to get ready. I’m sweating like a pig, and I need a shower.
Abby: Okay. Let me know how everything goes. Hopefully tomorrow.
Livvy: Why don’t you just say good luck getting laid?
Pippa: Again, classy, Liv.
I smile as I set my phone on the counter. I know that I have just enough time to wash up, put on a little makeup, and get dressed. I do not have time to deal with my hair, so I put that up. As my shower is heating up, I pick out the clothes for tonight. A t-shirt that says “That’s what I do. I bake and I know things,” and a pair of jeans. Niall mentioned that he liked GoT, so I thought he would get a kick out of my shirt.