Chapter 5: Twice as Awkward

The morning settled into its usual rhythm as a steady stream of regulars filed in, their familiar faces and easy conversations giving Candy a sense of normalcy. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the sweet, buttery smells of freshly baked pastries, created a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Each time the door jingled, Candy greeted her customers with a smile. A few eyed the bruises on her neck, with visible concern. She fought the urge to glance at Nick, instead offering half-hearted excuses about an accident and her clumsiness. It was hard to tell if they believed her, but thankfully, no one pressed for further details.

Despite these occasional awkward moments, and the mortifying encounter with Dr. B, Candy felt a sense of satisfaction as the day continued smoothly.

In the quiet moments between customers, or when no one was watching, she found herself inching closer to Nick. Her fingers would brush against him in passing, trailing along his back, or giving his arm a soft squeeze. Nick didn’t say a word, but his knowing smirk followed her through the shop.

Finally, Nick slipped back into the kitchen to finish icing the last batch of cookies. “I’ll be back,” he said as he passed her, his hands giving her waist a quick, possessive squeeze before he disappeared through the door. The instant he was gone, Candy felt the loss. The shop suddenly seemed quieter, the usual hustle losing some of its luster without him nearby. She rolled her bottom lip between her teeth, resisting the urge to sneak back to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Nick worked swiftly, finishing the cookies and a tray of cupcakes that had been neglected in their rush to open. He expertly topped each cupcake with a swirl of soft, fluffy, marshmallow icing, turning them into spooky little ghosts.

When Nick emerged from the kitchen, balancing the cookies and cupcakes, Candy couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him. A warm affection washed over her, along with decidedly naughty thoughts, as he placed the treats onto the counter beside her.

“You’ve been busy,” she teased, brushing her hand lightly against his arm.

“Had to make sure the ghosts were perfect,” Nick said with a grin, his voice low and filled with that familiar rough edge. The one that always sent a thrill through Candy’s body.

She couldn’t help but notice the bulge in his jeans. It had been there all morning, his arousal constant even after their brief separation. Her stomach twisted with guilt—he’d given her an incredible orgasm, and here he was, still denied his own release.

“You’ve been suffering for hours,” Candy murmured, her fingers playing lightly across his forearm as she cast a quick glance around the shop. “And after what you did for me...”

As her words hung in the air, the bell above the door chimed again. That fucking bell! she thought, a flash of irritation surging through her. Normally, she’d be thrilled by their steady sales, but right now? Right now, all she wanted was to flip the sign to closed and have Nick fuck her brains out.

Candy forced a bright smile as she turned to the new arrivals but any annoyance melted away as soon as she saw who it was. Helen and Harriet Myers were twin sisters in their seventies. They’d babysat her and her sister as kids and she loved them dearly.

Candy beamed, delighted by their presence, and stepped out from behind the counter to greet the women.

Helen was the first to wrap her arms around her, squeezing Candy tight.

“It’s so good to see you both,” Candy said, returning the embrace with enthusiasm.

“You too, dear,” Helen replied, her voice warm and comforting.

“It’s been ages since you’ve come in,” Candy added.

Helen nodded, her smile turning a bit wistful. “We don’t get out much these days.”

“How are you, dear?” Harriet asked, concern etched on her face as her eyes fell to the bruises on Candy’s neck.

“I’m fine,” Candy assured her, pulling her into a big hug of her own.

“We heard you hired a handsome new helper,” Helen teased.

Both women looked over at Nick who was leaning against the counter, an amused expression on his face.

Candy nodded. “He’s been a great help,” she said, her cheeks warming.

Nick came out from behind the counter and joined them. Candy made introductions and the four of them chatted amicably until a young couple entered the shop and Nick split off to serve them.

“I’d fuck him,” Helen declared after Nick had left.