Never Forgotten (Disloyal Spin-off)

Chapter 2

Parker

Beep, beep, beep.

"Babe, do you hear the beeping?"

The slow stream of the water almost helps drown out the voice that calls me every time there is a beep. Yes, I hear the beep. I set the beep. Ignoring the voice, I continue brushing my teeth. I take a little longer to make sure I brush the backside of each tooth. I look up at the mirror and smile before I rinse the toothpaste out of my mouth.

"Babe!"

Pushing down the handle hushes the slow stream of water that was trying to give me some peace this morning. I stare at myself, wondering what today may bring. Don't forget to look at your horoscope today. Fingers crossed for good things today.

I pull the door open to my bathroom and follow the sweet aroma of fresh blueberries and warm butter. The constant beeping of the oven warns me of the time. I only have less than thirty minutes to get out of the front door and to work. My internal clock hasn't dinged yet for my muffins. I'm sure they will be ready when I get to the kitchen. I can't wait to take them to the bakery and see if anyone can guess my special ingredient.

"Good morning," Ahmad greets me when I walk past him in the kitchen. He stands next to the kitchen island, drinking his morning coffee. He's wearing the tailored charcoal suit today - one of my favorites. Today must have been arm day because his arms bulged with every flex of his arm.

He gives me a once-over, and I can just imagine what he is thinking. My flare jeans, tube top, and Aztec poncho do not fit what Ahmad considers business attire. I lift my shoulders and wink because who cares - not me. He likes his chinos & khakis, and I like my Bohemian-style skirts and long dresses.

"Morning." I click the cancel button on the oven - silencing the annoying beep. I take in a deep breath and close my eyes. I taste the blueberries.

"Don't forget our dinner plans today." My hand hovers over the door to the over.

When did he mention dinner plans? I have a wedding cake to make. I don't have time for dinner.

"What? I don't remember you mentioning dinner plans." Warm heat and freshly baked muffins assault me when I open the oven. My stomach moans from the scent that fills my nostrils.

"I mentioned this to you on Monday...remember. You were sitting by the pool. I stood at the door and told you I made reservations for Friday. You waved your hand."

Aw...I remember now. Monday was a disaster. I had worked on a cake for a baby shower a company was giving to one of the employees. The teddy bear-shaped cake had taken me eight hours to perfect it. We delivered the cake with no issues - only to get knocked over by the decorating staff at the hotel. They called me and asked, no begged, me to put something together in less than four hours. It was their luck I was working on a cake for fun to post on my website. So, I painted the silhouette of a pregnant woman in gold and added some flowers. My stress levels were over the chart. When Ahmad found me, I was smoking some good stuff I got from one of my faithful customers.

Turning, I let a smile play on my lips. "Don't be mad. But I didn't hear one word you said on Monday. I was back there relaxing because my day had been really stressful." My shoulders lift before I turn to start placing the muffins in a cake box. I pick each one up like a delicate flower.

Please don't let him start today. I want to have a good morning with good baked goods. Not the incessant scoldings about my listening skills. I get it. I have the attention span of a three-year-old.

Ahmad's heavy breath tickles and warms my neck. His muscled arms circle my waist, pulling me against his hard body. I sag against him, taking in his woody scent. A soft kiss on my neck has my eyes darting to the timer on the oven. Ahmad rubs himself against me - a silent message that I receive.