by AustenSnowWrites

✽

Katy Thomas is best known for her booming bakery shop, Katy Cakes, that has desserts as sweet as she. Her new neighbor, Gage Rivers, is best known for being bitter and closed off from others. The only thing they really have in common is their passion to escape from their pasts.

When one day they find themselves both in a tight situation, they turn to each other for help. Soon, their relationship as neighbors starts to shift into something more.

But will the two opposites collide? Or stick together in the sweetest way?

✽

Sweet dumplings this was bad.

"You okay?" Gage asked.

"Y-Yeah. Just . . . a little off balance." I clung to him afraid to show my face.

"I feel like I've been asking if you're okay all morning."

I followed his comment with weak laughter. "Maybe you should get a punch card. After you question me seven times about my well-being you'll get a free scoop of ice cream."

I could hear his deep laughter rumble around in his chest. "Guess I'm almost there."

"Butter pecan here you come."

He snickered once more until the room gradually returned back to silence. This time I was actually okay with it. All morning my thoughts have been going ninety-miles-per-minute, so it was nice to just stop, breathe, and not think at all.

With each second passing by, I found myself ever so slowly, and without warning, relax into his arms finding sweet comfort there. My eyelids soon followed suit as they began to close while my head drooped against his bare chest. I knew this proximity wasn't very professional, but I couldn't find the will to care. Right now this was Gage my friend, not my co-worker. And I knew he must have understood too when I felt his arms gently make their way around my waist, securing me firmly against him.

If someone had told me months ago that I would be here, in my grumpy neighbor's room, wrapped up in his arms pressed against his chest with a soft smile on my lips, I would have thought they were nuts. But now, it actually made sense.

This guy was more than just a neighbor or co-worker to me. Heck, he was more than a friend to me on most days. He was my source of comfort and protection. With him, I felt something I haven't in years.

I felt safe.

With that thought in mind, I cracked open my eyes just enough to see the black ink that covered the entirety of his chest. It was once so intimidating, but now, it was beautiful to me.

Without really thinking about it, I reached up to slowly run my fingertips over the different designs and patterns, taking in the feel of his smooth skin. But as soon as I did, I felt Gage tense slightly.

"Katy." He warned.

I pulled my hand back immediately. "Sorry."

But after a few seconds, his entire body relaxed against my own as he pulled me in even tighter before resting his lips on top of my head.

"Don't stop," he murmured softly.

✽