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Deb chuckled. “Right, just for them.”
“Well, if you insist, I’m sure Kim would like one, too. And I wouldn’t mind either.” Nic grinned. “I’m sure Michael appreciates your expertise as well.”
“Yep.” She smoothed the frosting into a thin layer, then spun the cake. “Good enough for the base layer.” Hopping off the stool, she sashayed to the bakery counter. “Luckily for you, I made a test batch.” She bent and pulled a small tray out from under the back counter.
Michael quickly averted his gaze from her backside, but couldn’t help staring again once she stood and turned to them. Deb was short, curvy, and smoking hot.
She placed four cupcakes in a box, then held the tray out to Nic. “Take one.” Nic did and the tray swung to Michael. “Go ahead.”
He grabbed one of the elaborately frosted treats, almost squishing the cake out of the wrapper before he gentled his grip. “Thanks.”
She nodded and placed the tray on the counter. “Let me know what you think. It’s a new recipe for this fall. It’s only a few months away.”
Michael peeled back the paper and bit, trying to get some cake with the enormous pile of creamy frosting. Sweet cinnamon and vanilla, with a little bite of heat, and a delicate cake that almost fell apart in his mouth. Wanting every bit, he licked the remaining frosting from his lips. “It’s delicious no matter what season it is.” Deb’s eyes were on his mouth. He raised the treat to take another bite when pounding from the bakery’s front door made him jump.
Deb scowled and marched around the counter to the front door, putting her hand on the knob, but not opening it. “Sorry, we’re closed. We open at seven tomorrow.”
“I’ve got a message for you.” A raspy man’s voice, the tone carried an edge of menace.
Michael exchanged glances with Nic. They put down their treats and moved closer to Deb, but hidden behind the door. She raised her brows at them, then cracked the door open. “Can I help you?” She kept her hand on the knob.
Michael leaned over to peer through the window. A tall, hulking man, with a bit of a gut and a five-day shadow glared down at Deb, hands clenched at his sides. “Are you Deb?”
“Yes.” She raised her chin.
“Deb Franks?” He emphasized the last name.
Her neutral expression turned into a glare. “No.”
He put a hand on the door, and she shoved her toes against the other side. “You used to be Deb Franks, though, right?”
“Yes. For my sins. What do you want?” She scowled.
If looks could kill, the guy would be flat on the ground. But the pretty blonde wasn’t a superhero. Good thing he and Nic were there, or the confrontation could go badly for her.
“George has a message for you.” The man pushed the door harder and threat coated his words.
Michael raised his brows at Nic, and slid closer to Deb. Nic shadowed him.
“Well, I don't want to hear it, or anything else from him ever again.” She stabbed the air in front of the man’s face with her pointer finger. “He should have gotten that message loud and clear when I divorced his slimy self and returned his letters.”
“If you know what's good for you, you’ll take this message.” He drew back his arm and slammed his palm against the door.
Deb stumbled back into Michael. He grasped her around the waist and held her until she was steady. She pulled her phone from a pocket on her apron. “Back off, buster! Leave now, or I'm calling the cops. Nobody threatens me, especially in my own shop.”
He knocked the phone from her hand. “You're gonna listen and listen good!”
Fury swept through Michael, but he locked it down. He stepped in front of Deb and shoved the man back. “No, she isn't. Leave now, or you’ll be leaving on a stretcher.”
“Gonna take more than you to take me down, short stuff.” The man poked his finger into Michael’s chest. “And this is none of your business, so butt out!”
Michael grabbed the man’s finger and bent it back. “Don't think it'll take even me, but guess what? I got lots of help.”
The man yelped. Then Nic pulled the door wide, grabbed the man’s pants and spun him around, yanking his finger from Michael’s grasp. Nic grabbed the man’s right arm and pulled it up toward his neck. “This is my sister’s business. Get out, and don't come back. We see you here again, you're done for.”
Together, Michael and Nic crowded him out the door. Nic let go of his pants and Michael shoved him hard, sending him sprawling. Nic pulled out his phone and clicked a picture of his face. “Don't come back. And tell George to back off, or he'll be staying even longer.”
The man scrambled to his feet and walked down the sidewalk backwards. “You’ll regret this!” He shook his fist in the air, then jogged away.
