CHAPTER 11
~Xena's POV~
I stepped out of the company, feeling lighter than I had in months. For once, the future didn't look like an endless stretch of uncertainty; it looked promising… Hopeful.
A real contract, a real chance.
I smiled to myself as I walked down the steps, clutching my bag close. I was finally going to be paid well, and that meant one thing: stability. For me, for Skai, and for Nanny Nancy.
A quick glance at my wristwatch told me it was only 9 a.m. I still had time before Nancy's surgery would be done.
I pulled out my phone and called the hospital receptionist. The surgery was still in progress, she said, and assured me it was going smoothly.
Good news upon good news.
With nothing else to do, I decided to stop by Skai's favourite bakery, a small reward for how strong she'd been through everything.
The cab ride was short, and soon I was stepping out onto the familiar street corner. My eyes lifted to the signboard above the cosy-looking shop.
Elysian Velvet Bakery - Perfection, baked daily.
A smile tugged at my lips. It was a beautiful name, elegant yet soft… much like the place itself.
I'd always liked it, though I never thought much about the man behind it, other than the fact that he made the best apple pie cake my daughter had ever tasted.
I pushed open the door, the small bell above it chiming softly. The smell of fresh bread, newly baked cakes drifted through the air, greeting me.
Oddly, though, the place was empty. Not a single customer in sight.
Maybe it was still early.
I walked up to the counter and gently tapped the silver bell. "Hello?"
A deep voice called out from the back room. "Coming, be right with you."
That voice. I couldn't help smiling. Skai adored that voice; every time we visited, she'd whisper that the 'cake man' sounded like a superhero.
I let out a small chuckle. I was in such a good mood today; it felt like the universe was finally aligning in my favour.
"Hello, the…"
I looked up just as he stepped out from the back, wiping his hands on a white towel. His dark eyes widened slightly when he saw me.
For a second, something unreadable flickered in them before he masked it with a polite smile.
"Hey," he greeted, shaking his head a little, almost as if to clear it. "Pardon me. Welcome to my bakery."
"Thank you." I returned his smile. "Are you just opening? It's unusually quiet today."
"Yeah," he said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I came in a bit late. Rough night."
"Oh." I nodded, catching the faint trace of exhaustion in his tone. "I see."
He waved a dismissive hand, his mouth curving into a smooth grin. "Don't worry, though. The cake and bread are ready. I just haven't displayed them yet."
"That's good to hear."
He leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on the counter. "So, what will it be today? Bread or cake?" His tone carried a teasing warmth.
"Hmm," I pretended to think, tapping my chin lightly. "Both, maybe?"
His grin widened. "Let me guess, the usual?"
I blinked, a little caught off guard. "You remember my usual?"
He tilted his head, eyes dancing with amusement. "Apple pie cake and the cinnamon-coconut bread combo, right?"
I couldn't stop the small laugh that slipped out. "You've got a good memory."
He shrugged, moving toward the shelves behind him. "I remember my customers' tastes and needs." Then, glancing over his shoulder, he added with a smirk, "Especially the regulars."
My cheeks warmed before I could help it. "You must have a lot of regulars then."
"Only the memorable ones," he said smoothly, placing the warm loaf and neatly boxed cake on the counter, before adjusting his apron and…
My eyes took in his all white outfit. Each time I came, he was never seen in a different shade or colour of clothes.
I blinked again, unsure if I imagined the flirt in his tone.
Just then, Xavier bent to retrieve a box from beneath the counter, his apron shifted slightly, and for the briefest moment, the edge of his white shirt lifted.
My breath caught. Ink, black and intricate, curved along the side of his ribs, disappearing beneath the fabric like a secret it wasn't meant to share.
It looked nothing like the gentle baker everyone knew; it was sharp, dangerous, almost beautiful.
When he straightened, catching me staring, the corner of his mouth tugged upward.
"See something you like?" he teased softly, and I quickly looked away, pretending to study the counter instead.
He leaned in slightly, his voice lower now. "I never caught your name."
"Oh." I hesitated for a second before replying, "My name's Xena."
He nodded slowly, as if committing it to memory. "Pretty name," he murmured, then extended his hand. "I'm Xavier. Xavier Xander."
Xavier Xander.
His unique name replayed in my head, but all I could think of was how slightly similar it was to Xade's.
Tossing the thoughts away, I reached out and shook his hand. His grip was firm and warm. For a second, his thumb brushed lightly against my skin before he let go.
"Well, Xavier," I said, clearing my throat, "thank you. You just made my daughter's day, and mine."
He smiled, that same mysterious curve of his lips that somehow made my stomach flutter. "Then my morning's already worth it."
And just like that, I wasn't sure if the sudden warmth in my cheeks came from the bakery's oven or the man standing in front of me.
Before I could say anything, the doorbell chimed, signalling an incoming customer.
I tried to retract my hand, but Xavier's hold was firm as he glanced at the customer.
I wanted to see who it was, perhaps to maintain some kind of decorum so people wouldn't misread any signs; however, the chance slipped through my fingers when the words and voice I never thought I'd hear filtered through.
"So, I see you still haven't heeded my advice."