Dirty Toe Drag by Toni Aleo

Chapter Eleven

Stella

Holy crap,I just told someone I make cupcakes.

In the most dramatic and drawn-out way, but I told him.

I told Wes.

Oh God.

And he’s looking at me as if I’ve grown three heads and my nose has extended like Pinocchio’s. He’s utterly confused, not that I blame him. I’m making no sense whatsoever, and I’m being extremely cryptic. His eyes darken a bit as he stares at me, his thumb stroking along the inside of my wrist. “You were making cupcakes?”

“Yes.”

“This morning.”

“Yes.” I’m breathless, and I’m unsure if it’s because I’m admitting something I never intended to tell anyone, or if his thumb is making it really hard to think or even breathe. Either way, I hold his gaze. “I love doing it.”

Wes has no clue what my issue is. “I don’t see a problem here. You acted as if there was someone else or you weren’t feeling me.”

“No, not at all. I am totally feeling you,” I blurt out, and his lips curve at the sides. “It’s just that I lied to you.”

He nods slowly. “Because you were making cupcakes instead of working out.”

“Exactly.”

“And why is that a reason to lie?”

I bite into my lip as I look down at my coffee. “I haven’t told anyone that I make cupcakes.”

“What do you mean?”

I look up at him through my lashes. “Everyone thinks I love fashion and designing, but I’m discovering I don’t.” I tip up my head, meeting his gaze. “I don’t want to disappoint my family by telling them I don’t like fashion anymore. That I want to make little cakes of happiness instead.”

He blinks. “You Brooks people and cupcakes are weird.” That makes me grin, and I adore him for lightening the mood. “Stella, you do know people change, right?”

“Yeah, but I’ve loved fashion and design my whole life. I’m so good at it, but I don’t want to do it for other people. I love my style and doing stuff for me, but I don’t want to design for other people.”

“Then don’t,” he suggests, as if it’s that easy.

“You don’t understand,” I say slowly, shaking my head. “My mom has taken me to fashion week in New York, in Paris, ever since I was nine. I did internships in New York, California, and Miami over the summers. My mom would take time out of her schedule to come and stay with me. They’ve paid my college tuition this far, and I don’t know how to tell them that I don’t want that life.”

“So, you’d rather do something you don’t love?”

I press my lips together. “Well, right now, I’m doing both.”

“Are you happy?”

No one has asked me that. I know the answer, too. I look away, sighing heavily. “I love my friends at school and my professors, but I feel like I’m wasting my time.”

His eyes search mine. “So, no. You’re not happy?”

I don’t want to admit that. “I am when I’m at my aunt’s cupcakery and when I’m at Brooks.” I pause then, meeting his gaze. “And I’m happy right now.”

His lips curve into a wide smile as he brings our hands up so he can kiss the back of my hand, staring at me through his lashes. “Sweetheart, listen to me. You have the world in your hands. You can do whatever you want, and guess what, you’ll have support. You come from a great family, and I know they’d be on board for whatever you want because they want you to be happy. Take it from someone who has no family, had no support, and believe my words. You have to do what makes you happy. You only have one life. Do you want to spend it doing something you love or something everyone else thinks you love?”

“The first one,” I admit as I swallow thickly. “I just don’t know how to tell them.”

“Tell them how you told me—confidently and with trust, knowing they’ll be supportive.”

I smile. “I was not confident.”

He scoffs. “Could have fooled me. You exude confidence. It’s my favorite thing about you.”

My grin grows. “Also, I didn’t know you would be supportive. I just didn’t want to lie to you.”

“No. You knew I would be supportive. You knew I was a safe space. I know these things,” he says, tapping his temple with his other hand. He squeezes my fingers, kissing the back of my hand once more, his lips so warm and plump. “I’m glad you told me.”

“You don’t think I’m crazy?”

“Not at all,” he says simply, the sun bright on his face, making the blue of his eyes shine. “I’m all for being happy. If it’s cupcakes for you, cool. I chase after a frozen puck to score in a goal that is guarded by a large man, and I also run into guys for kicks. So, really, who’s the crazy one?”

I laugh along with him, our eyes never breaking contact. “This is very true.”

“Exactly. And the thing is, you’ve got to be true to yourself.”

“You’re right.”

“I am. Not about most things, but this, I am.”

I thread my fingers through his. “Maybe I’ll tell them after this semester.”

“Good plan,” he says, and I can’t believe how safe I feel. I was so scared to tell him, but sitting here, our hands clasped as one as our gazes are locked, I feel right. Safe. I like that word for this feeling. “Do you go to school for making cupcakes?”

I shake my head. “I wouldn’t have to. My aunt is a pro and is training me. She’ll let me work with her. I’d also keep my job at Brooks, too, since I love doing that.”

“I support that greatly since I love seeing you there.”

“I know you do,” I say with a wink, and his smile widens even more. He doesn’t let go of my hand, but he reaches for his coffee, taking a long pull, and I do the same. When I swallow, I glance over at him, enjoying the sun on his face, the way his thumb is still gliding along the back of my hand, and just being with him. Before, when we would find ourselves together, it was always rushed and passionate. While this is passionate, it’s also sweet. It’s…wow, I’m going to use that word again. Safe.

“Thank you,” I say, and he flashes me a wide grin.

“Anytime.”

I exhale as I check my phone. I need to head out in about twenty minutes, no matter that I don’t want this to end.

“You gotta go?”

“Soon. I’m working tonight, and there is a meeting before the dinner shift.”

He nods. “I don’t want you to leave, but you’ll find me up there tonight.”

“I figured I would,” I tease, moving my thumb along his. “Where are you taking me this weekend?”

He smirks, his face so playful and sweet. “That’s a surprise.”

I giggle happily. “Fine, but I need to know what to wear.”

“I’ll give you a hint.”

“Ha-ha. Naked better not be the hint.”

He chuckles. “No. That won’t be the hint.”

We share a heated grin, our eyes dancing together as we both drink our drinks. “Darn,” I tease, and he laughs. I can’t help but do the same. He makes me happy.

“Question,” he says after our laughter subsides. Though, our grins don’t.

“Hit me.”

“Can you make me some cupcakes? I feel like I’m missing out.”

I can’t even explain how I almost shine at his request. “Absolutely. Any requests? Or can I surprise you?”

“Surprise me, and have them ready for our date.”

I beam. “Done.”

He kisses my knuckles. “Your family will say the same, you know. Especially Aiden. He loves cupcakes, but he loves you more.”

My heart skips a beat. “I know.”

And I did know that, but for some reason, hearing it from Wes makes it even more believable.

* * *

I hadn’t plannedon stopping by Audrey Jane’s, but I felt I needed to. I may be late to work at Brooks, but I need to talk to her. I was sad when Aunt Audrey moved locations from her original cupcakery, but when she said she wanted to design her own shop, I understood. Thankfully, she let me help, and the result is absolutely insane. She wanted a fairy garden look, so while the storefront is made of glass with a huge Audrey Jane’s sign in neon lighting hanging in the window, the walls are covered in greenery and flowers. The cases are large and filled with colorful cupcakes and flowers. I love it. She has seating for those who want to hang out and eat their cupcakes. She even has authors who come in and work, savoring both their writing and her cupcakes.

Best of both worlds, in my opinion.

When I enter, Audrey is behind one of the cases, filling it with new cupcakes. The tables are full of people, eating and enjoying their afternoons.

“Welcome to Audrey Jane’s,” she calls out as I walk toward her, coming around the counter. When she notices me, she smiles. “Hey, honey. I wasn’t expecting you.”

I smile as we embrace. She kisses my cheek, and I hold her tight. “I wanted to see you.”

She kisses me once more. “My love, what’s up? Don’t you have work tonight?”

I nod. “Yeah. I’m heading there after I talk to you.”

Her brow perks. She has on her bright-yellow apron that has flowers along the edges and Audrey Jane’s written in big letters on the front. Her hair is up in a messy bun, and her new glasses, which she hates very much, sit on the brim of her nose. “You all right?” she asks, taking my hand in hers. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” I insist, leaning into the glass case. “I’m good. I promise.”

She eyes me and then squeezes my hand before going back to refilling the case. “Okay. What’s up?”

“I wanted to come in Sunday morning to make some cupcakes for a date I have.”

She flashes me a grin. “A date? Do I know him?”

I hesitate, but then I remember it’s Audrey. She keeps all my secrets like the awesome aunt she is. “Probably. He was one of Aiden’s best men? Wesley.”

She thinks for a second. “Sexy, dirty-blond kid?”

I grin. “Yeah, that’s him.”

“He’s gorgeous.”

“He is,” I agree, unable to stop the smile on my face. “I told him I want to make cupcakes for a living.”

She’s stunned. Her eyes are wide as she stares at me. “Oh, so you like him, like him.”

“Yeah,” I admit, biting my lip. “I mean, it’s always been kinda hot between us, but this time, it feels different.”

“Oh, is he the guy you made out with at the wedding?”

I nod. “Yeah, and when I realized that was all he wanted, I pulled back. He’s being different now, though.”

“Well, that’s good. How’s Aiden going to feel about this?”

“I don’t know,” I say, a little worried. “Wes says he’s going to talk to Aiden if we want to continue things after Sunday.”

She nods. “Seems legit.”

“I think so,” I say softly, still very unsure. I hate the thought of giving up control of my heart, but Wes is not making it easy to resist. I’ve always liked him. I’ve always been attracted to him, and things could be special between us. “He’s a good guy, though.”

“That’s good. I trust your judgment. You know your worth, my love.”

I nod. “I learned from two very strong women.”

She laughs. “That’s more your mom than me. She taught me everything I know.”

“She is pretty awesome.”

“She is,” she agrees as she moves to another tray. “So, do you think Aiden is going to have an issue?”

“Probably,” I say, knowing he will. “He thinks Wes is a manwhore.”

“Is he?”

“He is,” I say with a laugh. “But for real, I think he’s ready to move on from that life.”

“Like I said, I trust your judgment,” she says, looking over at me. “But God help him if he does you wrong. Between Aiden, Asher, and your dad, he’d be a dead man.”

I smirk. “This is true, and I think he knows that.”

She holds up her hand. “Hold on. I take that back. He shouldn’t be scared of them—he should be scared of Emery.”

I laugh out loud, and she grins over at me. “That’s the damn truth right there.”

Our amusement grows as she continues to put more cupcakes in the case. When her laughter subsides, she says, “Is my terror of a niece behaving?”

I roll my eyes. “She’s been watching this murder show, and it’s scared her to the point she’s been sleeping with me.”

She laughs. “Not surprised.”

“Right?” I say, shaking my head, and then I realize I don’t see my cousins. They’re usually here in the afternoons. “Did Penny go with Phillipe and Tate?”

“She did. They left earlier for a goalie clinic in Maine. I was surprised Penny wanted to go.”

“She probably wanted to get out of town.”

“Probably. I wish I could have gone.”

I smile. “Maybe when I’m up to Audrey status, I can take over so you can go.”

She beams. “That would honestly make my life.” I grin back at her, and then she points at me. “I need your help with the gender reveal cake for Aiden and Shelli. They want a cake and cupcakes.”

“No problem. I’ll be here.”

“Fantastic,” she says with a sigh as she grabs another tray. I would love to run Audrey Jane’s. I know Audrey misses her family when they travel for hockey and shit. Since Phillipe’s dream is to be the next Tate Odder, his dad is hard-core on helping him get there. Penny hates the cupcakery, so she goes with them every chance she gets. Audrey loves her family and wants to be with them. I could be doing something I love and helping one of my favorite people.

“When Wes and I were talking, he was adamant that everyone would be supportive of me switching to cupcakes.”

She looks over at me and says matter-of-factly, “I’ve told you that, Stella.”

“I know,” I say with a sigh. “I’m still terrified, though.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t want to disappoint anyone.”

“You won’t,” she insists. “Believe me. Hell, both of us.”

I swallow hard, unable to find the strength to do just that. “I think I’m going to finish the semester and then quit.”

She nods. “Sounds good. Just in case something changes, you still have your credits.”

“Exactly,” I agree. “I’ve got to figure out how to tell Mom and Dad.”

“I’ll do it with you. You obviously have a job here.”

I smile. “You don’t even pay me now.”

She laughs. “Because you won’t take it. You act like the work you do here isn’t real, and that if I pay you, then it’ll be real. Stella, it’s real, you’re real, and your work is incredible. I’m so proud to call you mine.”

My grin grows. “I love you, Audrey.”

She puts down the pan she is holding and kisses my nose. “I love you more, my love.” Her sweet eyes burn into mine. “Let me know when you’re ready, and we’ll tell them together.”

I nod, but the fear is still present. I want to believe in myself. I want to believe my family will be supportive, but the thought that they won’t terrifies me to my core.

I know I need more time to figure this out.

But I don’t need Sunday to figure out if I want to date Wes or not.

That’s already a yes.