“Oh,” she mumbled lamely, more mortified than she’d been a couple minutes ago during her rambling episode. Yet, a part of her—a bigger part than she wanted to admit to herself—felt slightly relieved. But that made her feel ashamed. Not only was she coming off a fresh breakup with a man she thought she would have eventually married, she also realized there was no chance in hell that he could be interested in her. He was too handsome. He belonged with women who could rival his looks, women who looked like Beth. Not her, a woman with average looks and a comfortable size 12.
“If you wanted to know if I’m single or not, you could have just asked. I like the direct route anyway,” he murmured, his voice like rough velvet. Her head snapped up as her mouth fell open.
Olivia felt a full-blown blush hit her cheeks the moment he noticed it. “No! That’s not what I meant. I just figured…I—” she took a deep breath. “I just heard something about an engagement when you first came in and I just assumed she was your fiancée.”
“Right,” he drawled out, making it clear he didn’t believe her. The heat had returned to his eyes. “I’m not seeing anyone, just for the record. Are you?” Direct indeed.
She blinked. Yes, she thought automatically. But with a sharp pain of anger and a feeling of betrayal, she realized that the new answer was no. And it would be from now on. Good riddance.
But, regardless, she ignored his question. He was still a customer, even if he was a single customer now. A really sexy single customer.
“So, the half dozen…did you want all chocolate?” she asked, almost shyly now.
His eyebrows raised a fraction, as though not expecting her response. He was probably accustomed to women throwing themselves at him. That realization sobered her even more.
He opened his mouth to speak, but the bell over the door chimed again and Beth reappeared. “Sorry about that. Venue issues. Did you decide on the flavors yet?” She looked at Olivia, then to Alex.
Olivia cleared her throat, “I was just telling him we have three different chocolate flavors. Since you want a half dozen, I can put in two of each if you’d like.”
“Oh, that sounds wonderful. Let’s do that,” Beth exclaimed in agreement.
“And I’d like a red velvet separately,” Alex said nonchalantly. Olivia sucked in a small breath as she met his dark eyes and nodded mutely. As Olivia boxed up the order, she wondered what he was playing at. But ultimately, she pushed it out of her mind and watched as Alex pulled out a black leather wallet from his back pocket. Once their cupcakes were paid for, she smiled at the both of them. “I hope your grandmother enjoys them.”
“I’m positive she will. They look absolutely mouth-watering! I might have to steal one,” Beth admitted, laughing. “Oh, by the way, I never caught your name.”
I smiled politely, feeling Alex’s gaze. “I’m Olivia.”
“Beth,” she pointed to herself then to her cousin, “Alex. It’s very nice to meet you and thanks so much for your help. I’m sure we will be back in soon. Isn’t that right, Alex?”
That same knowing smile appeared from earlier. “I have no doubt. And I can’t wait to taste your red velvet, Olivia,” he purred.
Olivia was rooted in place until the front door swung shut behind them, the little bell announcing their departure. She took a deep breath to calm how overheated she felt at Alex’s last comment. And then she took another breath and tried to convince herself that she didn’t want to see him again.
But she’d never been any good at lying. Especially to herself.
Chapter Two
Alex sank down into the chair of his home office and booted up his computer, preparing for another couple hours of work. He had left his office early that afternoon to accompany Beth to their grandmother’s, but he still had meetings to prepare for before he felt comfortable heading to bed.
While he waited for his computer to load, he walked towards his bedroom, loosening his tie along the way. He passed by the kitchen but paused when he spotted a small pink box sitting on the island counter. Suddenly, a sting of lust raced through him when he remembered the curvy baker from earlier. Olivia, she had said her name was.
When he had decided to purchase the cupcake, he didn’t really think he would eat it. He wasn’t a dessert person, but he had been rather interested in seeing her reaction when he ordered her favorite cupcake. She had been flustered. He remembered the confusion as plain as day on her face.
It was a refreshing change to be able to read a woman so easily. He was used to cold women who liked his money and his looks, ones who didn’t have expectations past a few casual nights of sex together as long as they received something in return. He even convinced himself that he didn’t care if they used him.