Page 35 of Blush Crush

I did what needed to be done to stop myself from getting in any deeper with Ariana. I don’t have the option of getting her out of my system the way I’ve always been able to with other women.

Our moment on the patio came dangerously close to crossing lines we wouldn’t be able to come back from. The last thing I want is to lead her on—or hurt her.

Though I’m not even sure she realized how close we actually were. How our bodies shifted without either of us noticing. How she ended up barely a breath away from me. How it would’ve taken nothing more than a slight tilt of my head to crash my mouth into hers.

I can still picture her bright blue eyes, hooded, but fixed completely on me. The sweet scent of sugar on her skin drifting between us. For a moment it felt like the rest of the world had disappeared, like there was nothing and no one but us.

Until Layla dragged us both crashing back down to reality.

Maybe Ariana can walk away from that like nothing was happening between us. Maybe it really is as one-sided as I suspect.

Either way, I know I’m not capable of pretending she isn’t stirring up feelings in me I don’t need—or want.

I’m also not the kind of man someone like her should be around.

She’s exactly the kind of woman who deserves everything and more, and my wanting her doesn’t outweigh the fact that I’m not good for her.

Removing myself from the situation is the right thing to do.

Even if it feels completely fucking wrong.

CHAPTER 10

Ariana

THE SWEETEST GIRL IN TOWN

Two chocolate croissants should be an acceptable thank-you.

I can’t remember every detail of Saturday night, but I know Cole got an earful of my drunk ramblings. I can only imagine how annoying I was.

I spent most of Sunday nursing a hangover and vowing to never let Layla talk me into shots again.

On Mondays Cole usually gets to the tasting room around eleven. I have two chocolate croissants boxed up and today’s special topped with a latte foam rose—one of my more advanced designs. I figure he’ll appreciate the extra effort.

I pack everything into a to-go bag and walk next door, not bothering to knock. It’s only once I step inside that I realize I probably should have. The woman behind the bar looks startled.

“Sorry.” I wince. “I’m looking for Cole.”

She puts on a friendly, professional smile. “Mr. Benton is at the main facility. Is there something I can help you with?”

“Do you know when he’ll be in?”

Her smile pulls tight at the corner, more forced than friendly. “He won’t be, as far as I’m aware. The tasting room has finally been turned over to staff.”

A strange drop occurs in my stomach. Not a sick feeling, but also not a good one. I think he might’ve mentioned hiring staff eventually. He didn’t once mention it would be happening so soon.

I’m not sure I’d consider us friends, but I thought he’d tell me when his last day was. At the very least come in and gloat about it.

“Is there a message you’d like me to relay to Mr. Benton?” the woman says, probably wondering why I haven’t spoken.

“Uh, no…that’s okay. I’ll just catch him later.”

I leave, return to my shop, and set aside the bag. He’ll probably stop by later. He has to. I don’t think he’s gone more than a couple of days without a chocolate croissant.

Except he doesn’t.

The following day, I’m forced to throw out the bag. The croissants get hard pretty quickly if they’re not refrigerated.