Page 6 of Ever Mine

“I definitely need some inspiration,” I mutter.

“Well, you could always watch porn.”

I wince and drop my head into my hands. “I should never have told you about that.”

“Of course you should have. I’m your big sister and therefore hold all rights to give you shit about these things.”

“Seriously, Kels, I basically told a room full of professionals that I watch porn.”

“Technically, you told them you weren’t watching it.”

“Not helpful. I mean, really, who says things like that?”

“Apparently you.”

“You suck,” I tell her.

The bell above the door to the bakery chimes, and Kelsie stands. “I gotta get back to it.”

I glance up and there striding into the bakery is none other than Thorne Cumberland. Of course, it’s him. In jeans and a crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled, tie nowhere in sight. He looks less like a lawyer and more like sin personified.

“I think the universe hates me.”

Kelsie glances back at me. “Oh shit, that’s him, isn’t it? The hot, tall ginger.”

“Quiet,” I hiss. I scowl at her, but it’s useless; she’s immune to my dramatics.

She snorts. “You could always offer him a lick of your sweet roll.”

“Oh my God, please stop talking.”

He glances around the bakery, then spots me. That faint half-smile curls his mouth, polite, unreadable, lethal.

I try to play it cool. “Good morning, Mr. Cumberland.”

“Miss Blankenship.” He nods once, voice smooth as melted butter. “I keep hearing good things about this place. Today seemed as good a day as any to try it out.”

“My sister is one of the owners.” I nod to the counter. “That’s her over there. The nosy redhead who’s staring.” I shoot her a glare.

He chuckles. His gaze moves over to my sister, and I mentally brace myself for him to linger. For his blue eyes to catalogue all of her lovely features. My sister is beautiful and people—men—have always noticed it. With her red hair and coppery-brown eyes, she’s a stunner. But Thorne glances at her, then he looks back at me. My skin warms under his perusal.

Kelsie takes that opportunity to walk over. She wipes her hands on her apron. “Hi there. Can I get you something?”

“Coffee, please. Black.”

“Absolutely. Are you one of my sister’s colleagues?”

He nods. “I am.”

“I heard she made quite the impression yesterday.”

“Why are you like this?” I ask Kelsie.

“Older sister prerogative,” she says, undeterred.

Thorne glances at me. “A lot of people would have wilted in such a situation. She handled it admirably.”

“I’ll add it to my résumé: Professional Mortifier of Self.”