Page 9 of Hot Shot
“Good grief, man. You feeling okay?” Wes takes his seat belt off. “Caleb said Jenna found when she was looking for a place to order a cake for Cole and Hannah’s baby thing. Apparently they were super friendly and accommodating. I Googled it because I need a sweet fix.”
“You and your sweets.”
“It’s my cheat day,” Wes says by way of explanation as he gets out of the Jeep.
I run my hands through my hair before unbuckling my seat belt and following him down the sidewalk and into the shop.
A bell above the door announces our entrance and we’re greeted by a blond guy probably my age, who is wiping down the counter. I check out the small shop.
A refrigerated case sits to the left of the door, filled with cakes of all sizes including individual slices, cupcakes, and other prepackaged desserts. If it wasn’t hockey season, I’d be grabbing one for later.
A couple of small tables take up the space to the right of the door. Two pastry display cases sit to the left and right of a long counter holding a cash register, which Wes is currently leaning against, talking to the employee.
I take a step closer to see what’s available. As I move closer, I spot an espresso machine behind the counter. Suddenly I’m craving a hit of caffeine to get me through the rest of the day.
“Want anything?” Wes gestures at the pastry cases.
“I could go for a latte.”
“You got it,” the employee says. “Any particular flavoring you want added?”
“None, thanks.” I turn back to check out the rest of the display pastries and cakes.
“Hunter?” a voice says behind me, and my mouth falls open. Am I imagining her? Have I been thinking about her so much that now I’m hearing her voice.
“Madison.” I turn around to see the woman that’s been haunting my thoughts and dreams standing in front of me.
I bite my lip just hard enough to feel pain confirming that this is real and not a dream. I know I’m staring at her but I can’t help it.
She’s as gorgeous as I remember even with her brown hair swept into a bun at the top of her head and a light sheen of sweat on her forehead. Her hazel eyes dart back and forth as she takes me in.
“What are you doing here?” she whispers, her mouth falling open as she steps out from behind the counter.
Before I can answer, the barista sets down my latte. “Thanks,” I say, pulling out my wallet.
“I got it.” Wes tilts his head at me, his eyes flickering to Madison. I know I’ve got some explaining to do later. But for now, I ignore him and turn to Madison.
“Hi,” she says.
“Howdy,” I answer after a far too long silence.Howdy?Who the hell am I?
I clear my throat and try again. “Hi Madison. Fancy seeing you here.” I smile.Okay, much better, Hunter. I mentally pat myself on the back for pulling it together.
She giggles, the sound sweet and beautiful, if giggling can sound beautiful, and it does something to me. Huh? I’ll have to examine that later.
“I work here,” she says, shoving her hands into the pockets of her jean shorts. “What are you doing here?”
“Wes heard about this place and wanted to check it out.” I nod to where he’s paying at the counter. “He’s got a sweet tooth. I came along for the ride. You’re a baker?”
“I am.”
“I’ve always envied people who can bake. I’m lucky if I can make a box cake and have it turn out right.”
She laughs and I want to bottle up the sound and save it for later.
“You ready?” Wes interrupts, a bag in his hand.
“Can you give me a minute?” I ask, not ready to leave yet. Not before I get her number.
