After getting his cupcakes, Thomas gave me a sweet smile and left with the promise of sending me the Facebook invitation to the event at his parents' shelter. I, then, checked the shop to see if everything was under control and headed home.

His texts came about an hour later.

Thomas: Here's the link to the event.

Me: Thanks. :)

Thomas: Taking a couple of days off is amazing for our health.

Me: Smooth.

Thomas: Just saying. ;)

Me: Wow! Just looked at the pictures of the place. It's so beautiful.

Thomas: It's perfect. You'll love it!

Me: Thanks for today, Thomas. And for the invitation. I'll let you know if I can come as soon as possible.

Thomas: :D

Thomas: Shit! My sister's husband just got home. Grossest kiss I've ever seen! I might be traumatized for life now.

Me: I thought he was traveling?

Thomas: Apparently he missed her too much and wanted to make a surprise. *rolling eyes*

Me: Aw! I think it's romantic.

Thomas: The guy can be a jerk sometimes but I guess he did it right this time. She's really glad he's back.

Me: Hehehe You're cute.

Thomas: What every guy wants to hear...

Me: I'm sure you have a fan club to feed your ego.

Thomas: I liked you better when you thought I was a sexy stranger.

Me: Then I got to meet you...

Thomas: You're mean!

Me: LOL

Thomas: :/

Me: XOXO

*****

I wake up earlier than usual to get my orders ready so I can try to arrange a weekend off. It seems silly to be excited to go to a charity event, but Thomas's enthusiasm was so contagious and the place looks so beautiful that it could be nice to get some time for me after so many months of hard work.

"What's with the fixed smile on your face?" Daniel asks as I finish decorating a cake. I'm so lost in my head that I startle when I hear him.

"Can't I be just happy?" I ask, my eyes fixed on the cake.

"Are you happy?"

"What's with the interrogation?" I look at him, raising my eyebrows.

"Just curious if it has something to do with the guy out there asking for you." He smiles, his eyes dancing with humor.

"Who?" I look behind him and meet Thomas's eyes.

"Hey." He smiles and I see a trace of shyness in his face that makes my heart warms.

"Uh... Hi. Thanks, Daniel." I give him a pointed look and he heads back to the main area.

"Sorry to interrupt your day. I just wanted to say goodbye. Something came up at the clinic and now that the happy couple is back together, I'll need to go back home." He gets inside the kitchen, closing the door behind him.

"Oh." I clean up my hands on my apron.

"Yeah..." He chuckles. "Is it weird that I wanted to stop by before I go? It sure feels kind of stalkerish now that I'm here."

"Is it weird that I liked that you stopped by before you go?" I shrug, a full smile on my lips.

"So does this mean you have time to grab a cup of coffee? I know a nice place."

"Do you, now?" I head to the coffee machine to brew us some.

*****

"Dude, you're insane." I laugh as Thomas shows me a picture of him and his friends dressed as The Powerpuff Girls.

"What can I say? I'm glad the college days are over. That was a wild Halloween!" He shakes his head, laughing.

"Damn! I bet that even dressed as Bubbles, you scored a hot lady." I smirk at him.

He's been hanging out here in the kitchen with me for two hours, while I finish my orders. And I'm sure my two assistants are out there dying to know what the hell is going on.

I'm known as the queen of concentration when I'm baking and they know better than chatting my ears off while I'm working. Yet something about Thomas easygoing personality has made it easier for me to forget I'm at work.

"What? I don't kiss and tell." He grins and that's all the answer I need.

"Hmm..." I put the last batch in the oven and turn to him. "Is there something I can do to help at the event? I saw there were a bunch of people last year. I could help with the food or something."

"Does this mean you're coming?" He searches my eyes, a cute smile on his lips.

"Well, I was thinking I could talk to Chloe about handling some of the orders. She's helped me before so I think she'll be fine for a day."

"Or two, right?" He bites his  lower lip, and I wonder how many girls he's won with that move.

"What do you mean?"

"My parents always host a barbecue the day after the event for close friends... It's a way to unwind after so much hard work. I'm sure you'll have a good time."

"A whole weekend, huh?" I narrow my eyes, but the humor in my voice shows him I'm not serious. I was already planning on finding a hotel, so I don't have to drive back home on the same day.

"You know you want it..." He lowers his voice and damn... way too hot.

"You wish." I clear my throat, making myself busy.

"Come on." He stops in front of me. " We've already established we're not going there no matter how attractive you think I am," he says, his eyes shining with humor

"Yeah. We've already established we're just friends." I take a step closer and his eyes go big. "So we're finding you a date, so people don't think we're together."

"I wouldn't peg you as a woman worried about what people might have to say about you." He swallows hard, his eyes flickering to my mouth. It's just for a second, but it's enough for me to know I'm playing with fire here.

"Maybe I am." I lick my lips and his eyes betray him, taking a second too long on mouth.

"You see..." He gets even closer and his delicious scent envelops me.

He smells like the ocean and breeze and something that I suspect is only him. I just know it's so good I have to hold myself back from taking a deep breath. 

Feeling my lower belly clenching, I'm about to do something stupid when he speaks.

"I know what you're doing." He touches his nose to mine eve soslightly that I will myself not to close my eyes. "And I'd kiss you senseless right now if it meant something to you. I know you don't believe me when I say I really like you and that having you as a friend means something to me. But it's true! So I won't risk messing with it. Because I know that you're not ready for more, and the moment I kiss you, you'll run away."

"I'm in love with another man." I regret the words the moment they're out of my mouth.

"Are you trying to convince me or yourself, baby?" he whispers, his lips dangerously close to mine.

"I'll take the friendship, though. If you're really serious about that." I search his eyes and he gives me a small smile.

"I am." He looks into my eyes so I can see how sincere he's being.

"Lisa, the company that-" Chloe enters the kitchen and I take a step back surprised.

" Oh! Uh! Sorry! I forgot he... uh..." She mumbles.

"It's fine, Chloe. Is something wrong?" I ask, putting my professional mask on.

"Uh, yeah... I think there's something wrong with an order... but I'll check it again and come back in a second." She rushes out of the room.

"Are we okay?" Thomas asks.

"Of course." I shrug as if we weren't ready to kiss the hell out of each other.

"Good." He searches my face, but I'm already busy, gathering all my supplies together. "Well, I guess I'll get going then. I'll see you in two weeks."

"Yeah," I say, hating how my heart squeezes at the thought of having to wait for two weeks to see him again.

"Okay. He turns to leave and I think I surprise both us when I stop in front of him and give him a brief hug. I'm about to pull back when I feel his arms hugging me tightly.

"I mean it, Lisa. I know you feel this connection too and..." He pulls back a little so he can look at me.

"And?" I ask.

"Stop fighting the fact that I like you." He gives me a smile full of mischief.

"I like you too, Bubbles," I smirk at him. Glad we're back to our normal self.

"Guess I'll never live that picture down, huh?" He shakes his head.

"No way I'll let the nickname go."

-----

A/N: Hi, guys! Thanks for sticking to this story! I love your comments and how sweet all of you are. Thanks for always putting a smile on my face. ❤️🥰😍

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- Celeste.