Page 66 of Big Girl Panties

She grinned and settled back in her seat. "What time do you fly out tomorrow?"

"Early." I eased to a stop sign. "I have to be at the airport at five a.m." I had planned this trip since before I met Brooke, but I honestly didn't want to go. I wanted to stay with her, but it was a business matter, and I was under contract.

"I can drive you to the airport if you want."

"Thanks," I smiled. "But I have a car scheduled to pick me up, but if you want to stay with me tonight, you can use my truck and pick me up when I get back."

"Deal."

Chapter 27

Sugar and Spice and Everything Not So Nice…

The measuring cup trembled slightly in my hands as I poured sugar into the mixing bowl, my mind replaying last night's kiss for the thousandth time. Matt had kissed me right there in front of fifteen thousand screaming fans, claiming me like I was his prize, like he was proud I was his girlfriend. The memory sent butterflies doing aerial stunts in my stomach.

Buzz.

My phone lit up on the stainless steel counter, and I practically dove for it, flour-covered hands and all. My lips pulled into a smile as I read, wiping my hands on my apron before reaching for my phone.

Matt: Good morning, beautiful.

I melted into a puddle of goo right there on the café floor. This was the same man who'd whispered those exact words against my neck this morning, his voice all gravelly with sleep. Such a contrast to the big, bad wrestler who commanded arena crowds, this soft, early-morning Matt who made pancakes in his boxer briefs. It was so crazy to me that a year ago, my husband told me I wasn't good enough, and now this gorgeous man who could have anyone in the world was obsessed with me.

Brooke: Good morning!

He'd left for L.A. early this morning, and his bed felt too big after he was gone, and the sheets were too cold. It was amazing how quickly you could get used to someone's warmth, their steady breathing, and the weight of their arm draped across your waist. It should be too soon to miss someone this much, and yet here I was, checking my phone every few minutes like some lovesick teenager. Maybe this was what people meant when they talked about soulmates, this ache of rightness when they're here, this hollow echo when they're gone.

The truth was, I didn't think Matt even knew how much he'd done for me in the few short weeks I'd known him. He'd given me the courage to walk away from my toxic father. He made me feel beautiful when I really thought I wasn't. The way he looked at me made my insides melt. He gave me back the confidence that so many others had slowly stripped away from me.

Matt: I have an interview in an hour, and then we start filming, but FaceTime later?

Brooke: Yes!

The front door chimed, and I called out, "Take a look at the menu! I'll be right there!" while trying to wipe flour off my face with my sleeve.

"No worries, bitch," came Davina's voice from the doorway. In Davina-talk, 'bitch' was basically a hug.

"What are you doing here?" I dusted my hands on my apron.

"You said Kali called in sick." She grabbed an apron from the hook. "And you didn't have time to chat, so have no fear… Davina's here." She struck a dramatic pose. "Put me to work, boss lady."

I pointed my whisk at her threateningly. "You're a terrible baker."

"True." She dodged the flour spray, "but I make a mean cup of coffee."

The doorbell chimed again, and I started to head out front when Davina waved me off. "I got it. You finish those muffins because I'm going through serious best friend withdrawal."

But before she could reach the door, it burst open and Kali stumbled in, looking like she'd seen a ghost.

Davina and I froze. "Uh," I started, "what are you doing here? I thought you were dying of the plague or something."

Kali's eyes darted between us like a cornered animal. "I, uh…"

"Kali." I stepped forward. "What's wrong?"

She shook her head, but her face screamed Everything is wrong, and I'm about to ruin your day.

"Did something happen?" Davina asked. "Are you still sick?"