Semua Bab Claimed By My Ex's Rival Hockey Captain: Bab 11 - Bab 20

Bailey POV"You're going to be fine."I glance at Orion as he pulls his sleek black car into a long, tree-lined driveway. My stomach has been doing nervous flips for the past twenty minutes, and his reassurance does little to calm it."Easy for you to say," I mutter, smoothing down my dress for the hundredth time. I had bled my brain over what to wear and finally settled on a simple emerald green dress that Talia assured me screamed "classy girlfriend meeting the parents" without trying too hard."You're not the one about to lie to your family." He adds, like that's supposed to work magic to calm my racing heart."Technically, we're both lying to your family.” I point out.Orion reaches over and gives my hand a quick squeeze. “ They're going to love you. Trust me."I want to believe him, but as the house comes into view, my anxiety spikes. It's not just a house, it's practically a mansion. Three stories of pristine white brick with floor-to-ceiling windows, perfectly manicured garde

Bailey POVMy phone buzzes just as I am pulling a fresh batch of croissants from Talia's oven. I have been using her kitchen to practice recipes for the bakery, leaving the apartment smelling like butter and something sweet if I may say."Can you get that?" I call Talia, who is sprawled on the couch with her laptop.Apparently,her boss gave her permission to work from home after the last business trip they went on together.Have I mentioned that Talia has been grinning a lot lately as she stares at her phone?"It says 'Hockey Captain,'" she announces, wiggling her eyebrows. “ Still want me to answer it?""Don't you dare…" I start but she is already hitting the speaker button."Bailey's phone, this is her much cooler best friend speaking."Orion's laugh crackles through the speaker."Hi, Talia. Is Bailey available?"He knows her. Of course he knows her after all the crazy stuff I shared about us together.I grab the phone, shooting Talia a glare that she completely ignores. "I'm here

Bailey POV Orion chuckles."It's a great idea. Now, watch my feet. You want to push off at an angle, not straight back. Like this." He demonstrates, moving smoothly across the ice while somehow still supporting me. “ See, it's not that hard, isn't it?” "It's easy for you. You've been doing this since you were what, five?" I refute. For someone who is wearing skaters for the first time in twenties, how does he expect me to think and find it easy?"Four years actually.But that's beside the point here." He turns back to me, skating backward effortlessly while holding both my hands. "Come on, try moving.I won't let you fall." His words and the look on his face tells me that he means it,he won't let me fall I try. I really do. But my legs have other ideas, and within seconds I'm slipping, my feet sliding out from under me.True to his word, Orion catches me before I hit the ice and pulls me up against his chest. His arms wrap around me and suddenly we are face to face, breathing the sa

Bailey POV Orion considers the spread thoughtfully for a minute, the hesitation making me anxious.“ Come on, I'm dying of anticipation.” I jab at him and he smiles then points to a tray next to me."Definitely the croissants. I like all three varieties. The cinnamon rolls are a must and the honey lavender scones are unique enough to be a signature item. And these…" he holds up one of the chocolate chip cookies, "...are perfect. Don't change a thing about them."“ That's almost everything,” I say with a frustrated sigh.“ That means you are perfect at this. But I did help narrow the choices.” Orion replies and I nod. He actually did. He then gestures to the sheer volume of food still covering the counter. "You've made way too much for just testing. What are you planning to do with all of this?""I'm giving them away," I say simply. "Tomorrow morning, I am going to set up a table outside and offer free samples. It's good marketing: let people taste what I can do before the official

The day ended better than I could have imagined.All samples have been handed out, and I have a list of people who promised to come back when the bakery officially opens.My phone is full of new contacts from potential customers who want to place orders, and my heart feels lighter than it has in months."That was incredible," I tell Orion as we are breaking down the folding table. "Did you see Mrs. Chen? She took three croissants and said she's coming back with her book club."Orion grins, hoisting the table under one arm with effortless strength. "I think your good looks and those pastries were an unbeatable combination." I laugh, shaking my head. "Please. You charmed half the neighborhood just by standing there. I saw those college girls come back three times." I tease him."They were interested in the cinnamon rolls," he says innocently."Sure they were." I roll my eyes, but I am smiling. "Thank you, Orion. I couldn't have done this without you." I say, looking him in the face.H