ANMELDENTalia POV This might have been a bad idea. I should have stayed indoors, watching a horror movie and eating lots of ice-cream.However, here I am. In a restaurant sitting across my date.Yes, you heard that right. I came on a date and now, I am trying to convince myself why this was a good idea."So then Coach told me I had the best slapshot he'd seen in years," Austin says, his eyes lighting up as he recounts the story. "Can you believe that? Me, compared to legends like Orion Hayes?” He bubbles with a grin on my face.I smile and nod, taking a sip of my wine.Austin is a perfect date material, that I can acknowledge.He is twenty-six, younger than me and plays for the Warriors.It's a smaller club compacted to the Michigan Blackhawks but he has got potential.He is attentive, asking about my interests, my work at the bakery, my plans for the future and he has got those warm brown eyes and a genuine smile.It's everything a woman looks at in a man.But all I can think about is how
Marcus goes quiet for a long moment, as if weighing between telling me his reasons or hiding them.I would not blame him if he does.Afterall, there are things in life that one might prefer burying or keeping to themselves."My last relationship ended badly," he finally says.“ She…used me.She never loved me. She just wanted someone to get her whatever she wanted.I invested so much time on that relationship only to be dumped in the worst way possible.” He explains.“ I was so serious that I proposed. I saw a future with her but she snatched it in the most brutal way.” He continues.All this while, I just listen, giving him the chance to open up and vent."That's…heartbreaking" I finally say."Yeah," Marcus agrees. "After that, I decided it was easier to keep things casual. No emotions, no commitment, no chance of getting hurt like that again." He declares."But then you met Talia," I guess and he sighs."Then I met Talia," Marcus confirms. "She was... she was everything. Smart, funn
Orion He is being trapped, I can see that but the guy is so clueless. Nothing is saving him from Bailey's wrath."That's not…" Marcus starts but Bailey interrupts him."That's exactly what you did," she snaps."You had six months to treat her right and to be honest about your feelings. You had all that time to show her she meant more to you than just convenient sex. You didn't, so why should I help you now?" She asks.I've never seen Bailey this angry, this protective. It reminds me of the fierce determination she showed when she was taking down Nolan."Because I love her," Marcus says, and the words seem to cost him something. "I love her, and I was an idiot.All I need is the chance to make it right." He replies."You love her," Bailey repeats skeptically. She doesn't believe it.“ It's funny how you couldn't say that to her face.""I know," Marcus says. "I know I fucked up. I know I should have said it weeks ago, months ago. But I'm saying it now. I love Talia, and I can't lose he
Orion POV"You're doing it wrong," Bailey says, watching me attempt to pipe frosting onto a cupcake."How can I be doing it wrong?" I protest. "I'm literally just squeezing the bag."I have watched her countless times and that's how she does it."You're squeezing too hard," Bailey says, trying not to laugh.“Your hand position is all wrong. Here, let me show you again."She adds, coming up behind me and wrapping her arms around mine and guiding my hands with hers."Apply gentle pressure," she instructs. "And keep the tip at a consistent angle. Like this."Together, we pipe a perfect swirl of frosting onto the cupcake."See?" Bailey says. "That's perfect.""That was all you," I point out."Then pay attention this time," she says, stepping back. "Try another one."It's Saturday morning and we're at Sweet beginnings.Bailey insisted she needed to catch up on some baking for next week's orders, and I refused to let her come alone."You're pregnant," I'd said when she protested. "You shoul
Bailey When Talia asks that, I can't help but think about my own journey.From learning about Nolan’s betrayal to Merton with Orion and falling in love.The pain of thinking I'd lost Orion, the agony of pretending to be with Nolan, the fear that I'd destroyed everything."I don't know exactly when," I admit. "But it does. Little by little, day by day, it gets easier.Then one day you'll realize you went a whole hour without thinking about him. Then a whole day and eventually, you'll be okay." I explain."What if he comes back?" Talia asks quietly. "If he shows up again and says the right things this time?""Then you'll have a decision to make," I say. "But Talia? Don't settle or go back to someone who only wants you when it's convenient. You deserve someone who wants all of you, all the time. Someone who's willing to fight for you." That's what I learnt after one failed relationship to finding love again."Like Orion fought for you," Talia asks and I nod."Like Orion fought for me,
Bailey POVI make it to Talia's apartment in fifteen minutes instead of twenty, breaking at least three traffic laws in the process.Orion tried to come with me, but I told him this was a girls-only situation. He understood immediately, kissed my forehead, and told me to call if I needed anything.God, I love that man.So here I am, carrying a bag with two pints of Ben & Jerry's, a bottle of wine for Talia and sparkling cider for me.There is an assortment of chocolate from the bakery's emergency stash.When I knock on Talia's door, it takes a full minute before she answers.When she does, my heart breaks.Her eyes are red and swollen, mascara streaked down her cheeks.She's wearing old sweats and one of those oversized hoodies that swallows her whole frame."Oh, honey," I say, immediately pulling her into a hug.Talia collapses against me, and I feel her body shake with fresh sobs."I've got you," I murmur, holding her tight. "I've got you."After a moment, I guide her inside and clo
Bailey POV I hadn't thought about it that way but now that Talia has mentioned it, I think she is somehow right."You really think he would do that?" I ask."I know he would." Talia squeezes my hand. "Bailey, Nolan has already shown you who he is. He leaked your grandma's private information just
Orion POVI can't stop smiling.It's probably obvious to everyone in the locker room, but I don't care. How am I supposed to keep a straight face when every time I close my eyes, all I see is Bailey…the way she looked beneath me, the sounds she made, the way she said my name?Last night was perfect
Bailey POVAfter leaving Orion's home, I make my way to my apartment. Talia is not home,probably still with Marcus or at work so I change my clothes and head to the bakery.The drive to Sweet Beginnings feels surreal. I'm still buzzing from the night and of course the morning with Orion. The pleasa
Bailey"So don't," I whisper against his ear. "Take me right here in the hallway." I say, my mouth hovering dangerously at his lips. His hot breath fans my cheeks and excitement floods me,my pussy walls clenching and spasming.He groans but keeps walking. "Not for your first time with me. You deser







