Always the Baker

Chapter 9

9

B rax

I woke up to the sound of someone gasping. For a second, I panicked, thinking something was wrong. Then I remembered I’d spent the night with Billie. We took a quick nap on the couch before tumbling into bed, where we went another round. After a quick shower and snack, we fucked after making love then went to sleep all over again.

She was sitting up in bed, braids everywhere, staring wide-eyed out of the windows showcasing the skyline. Out of my five homes in different cities, this penthouse was one of my favorites. Not just because of the views and the fun city, but because it was one of the places I received the most peace. People didn’t really bother me here, and I loved that.

“Holy shit,” she whispered. “I forgot where I was for a minute.”

I chuckled and stretched. “Good morning to you too.”

Billie turned to me with shock on her face still. “Brax, this place is insane. How many square feet is it?”

“Uh, like five thousand, I think? I don’t really keep track.”

She flopped back on the pillow. “That’s five times bigger than my whole apartment.”

I propped myself up on an elbow. “Want the grand tour?”

“Maybe after coffee. And clothes.”

“Clothes are optional here.”

She swatted me with a pillow and giggled. “You wish. If I walked around here naked, we’d do nothing but fuck.”

“We’d make love, too, and I don’t see anything wrong with that.”

She laughed as I got out of bed, pulling on some sweatpants. “How about I make us breakfast while you explore?”

Billie sat up, clutching the sheet to her chest. “You cook?”

“I have many talents,” I said with a wink.

As I headed to the kitchen, I heard Billie muttering behind me. “Right, because being fine as hell and insanely talented wasn’t enough.”

I smiled to myself as I started the coffee maker. Billie’s constant amazement at everything was refreshing. Most people I brought here tried to act unimpressed, like a multi-million dollar penthouse was no big deal.

Once the coffee was brewed, I went to the bathroom to shower and freshen up. She did the same, which led to a quickie in the shower. While I put on boxers and basketball shorts to lounge around in, I gave her one of my shirts. It damn near swallowed her, and she was even more adorable.

“So,” she said, leaning against the counter. “That bathroom is bigger than my bedroom. And don’t even get me started on the closet.”

I handed her a mug of coffee. “Wait until you see the music room.”

Her eyes lit up. “There’s a music room?”

I nodded. “Want to check it out after breakfast?”

“Hell yes,” she said, taking a sip of coffee. “What are you making?”

“Omelets and bacon,” I said, chopping some vegetables. “That okay?”

Billie’s eyebrows shot up. “Fancy. I usually just have cereal.”

“Really, Miss Baker?”

“Mhm. Life’s so busy I rarely have time. But um… if you had the ingredients… I could bake you something.”

“Really? Well, whatever I don’t have, I’ll order. I’ve been thinking about strawberry cake since we talked about it the other day.”

Her giggle was cute as she kissed my chest. “I’ll make a list of things for you to get after I check out your pantry.”

“Shit, say less.” I wiped my hands and grabbed my phone then opened the grocery store app.

Four hours later we stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby. I really didn’t want to do anything. She’d made both a strawberry and chocolate cake, and as if her looks, personality, and pussy didn’t already have me in love… her baking skills were the icing on the cake. I had two huge chunks of both cakes. She used fresh strawberries and I had to physically stop myself from going in for more.

Billie’s hand was warm in mine. Touching her reminded me that this was real. That she was real. That I hadn’t just imagined her. The doorman nodded as we approached the exit, and I felt Billie’s fingers tighten around mine.

I squeezed Billie’s hand, bracing myself for the onslaught. Sure enough, the paparazzi were still camped outside. Their cameras flashed like strobe lights. While the tenants and citizens of Rose Valley Hills gave me grace and space, the paparazzi damn sure didn’t.

“Mr. Adams! Who’s the girl?”

“Miss, right this way!”

“Are you two an item?”

I felt Billie’s fingers tighten around mine as we pushed through the crowd. Her brows were lifted, eyes wide with panic. I tried to project calm, smiling and nodding at the reporters without engaging.

“No comment, y’all. We’re just heading out,” I said, steering Billie toward the waiting town car.

Billie stumbled slightly. I could practically feel her desire to bolt, to hide from all the attention. It made me feel like shit. Normally I was lowkey with a woman until things got serious, but with her, I wanted to do everything, experience everything. She had no training to deal with any of this. I felt like I was just tossing her into the wild.

“Brax,” she whispered urgently. “I can’t…”

“You got this, sweetheart.” I gave her hand another reassuring squeeze. “Just a few more steps.”

We finally reached the car, and I quickly ushered Billie inside before sliding in after her. As we pulled away from the curb, I saw her slump against the seat, eyes closed.

“Well,” I said, trying to lighten the mood, “that was quite the morning workout, huh?”

Billie cracked open one eye. “Is that what you call it? Because I’d call it a circus that almost gave me a small heart attack.”

I chuckled. “Sorry about that. I should’ve warned you it might be intense.”

She shook her head. “It’s not your fault. I just… I’m not used to being the center of attention like that. In my world, the most excitement I get is when a neighbor brings a new dish to our neighborhood block party or putting glitter on Joe’s—” Her mouth snapped shut. “It doesn’t even matter.”

“Well that… sounds exciting,” I teased.

Billie managed a weak smile. “Hey, don’t knock it till you’ve tried Mrs. Johnson’s seven-layer overnight dip. It’s out of this world.” She laughed genuinely that time, loosening us both up.

As we drove through the city, I watched Billie stare out the window. Her fingers fidgeted in her lap. I couldn’t help but wonder if I was asking too much of her, bringing her into my world so suddenly.

I reached over and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Hey, you okay?”

She turned to me. “Yeah, I’m… I’m fine. Just a little overwhelmed, I guess.”

“It’s okay to be shy. Not everyone’s comfortable with that kind of attention. If it’s ever too much, don’t hesitate to tell me. We can just chill inside.”

Billie nodded, but I could see the tension in her shoulders. I wanted to make her feel better, to show her that my world wasn’t always so crazy.

“Listen, I’ve got this party tonight. It’s on a rooftop, which I’m sure you know means it’s very exclusive. Might help you relax a bit and see the fun side of all this.”

“A party?” Billie’s voice hitched slightly. “I don’t know, Brax. I’m not sure I’d fit in.”

I laughed. “Don’t worry about that. We’ll find you something perfect.”

I took her shopping and to a spa so she could relax, then we went to the hotel she said she was staying at for the weekend so she could grab her things. We went back to my penthouse to freshen up.

A few hours later, we stepped onto the rooftop. In The Hills, most fall rooftop events were invite-only, which was another reason why I loved taking breaks here. Even though I got invitations for several events, I always knew I could come and not have to worry about bringing security or people hassling me. The air hummed with conversation and laughter. I felt Billie stiffen beside me.

“Wow. This is a lot.”

I squeezed her hand. “Just stick with me. You’ll be fine.”

As we moved through the crowd, I noticed Billie’s eyes darting around, taking everything in. She looked beautiful in the dress we’d picked out, but I could tell she felt out of place.

“Want a drink?” I asked, trying to put her at ease.

Billie nodded gratefully. “Yes, please. Something strong.”

I chuckled and led her to the bar. “I got you. And hey, relax. You belong here just as much as anyone else, but if you want to leave, just let me know.”

As I waited for our drinks, I kept an eye on Billie. She was fidgeting with her dress, looking lost among the sea of socialites. I wanted to rush back to her side, but the bartender was taking his time.

Suddenly, I saw Billie’s face change. Her eyes widened and mouth went into an almost flat line. She’d clearly overheard something, and it wasn’t good. I strained to hear what was being said nearby.

“Who is she anyway?” A woman’s voice carried over the music.

“Just some nobody Brax picked up, I bet. Probably won’t last a full week.”

My jaw clenched. Before I could stop myself, I grabbed my drinks and headed in their direction.

“Y’all got some to say?” I asked, looking from one woman to the other. They stared at me blankly as Billie made her way to my side. “Don’t get quiet now. Y’all had a lot to say when I was at the bar. Wassup?”

They eyed me before walking away as my nostrils flared. I couldn’t stand bully type shit regardless of who it was. A lot of fans felt like they could say and do whatever and I’d accept it because I needed the support but that would never be the case. Some things meant more to me than fame and money, and respect was at the top of that list.

I turned and handed my sweetheart her glass. “You okay?”

Billie forced a smile, but I could see the hurt in her eyes. “Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just loud in here.”

I knew she was lying, but I didn’t push it. Instead, I set our drinks down on a nearby table and held out my hand.

“Dance with me,” I said giving her my usual charming smile.

She agreed thankfully. As we started to move, I could feel some of the tension leaving her body.

Her body slowly relaxed against mine. Her dark eyes, usually so bright and full of life, still held a shadow of doubt. I spun her around, hoping to chase away whatever dark thoughts were clouding her mind.

“You know,” I said, pulling her close again, “I think we’re the best dancers here. Trophy level, really.”

Billie snorted with her laugh, and it was a sound that was so natural and unique it made me grin.

“Oh yeah, total pros. I’m sure everyone’s watching us in awe.”

I glanced around the rooftop. “Well, they are watching us, but probably because they’re jealous of my moves and how beautiful my date is.”

She laughed, but it faded into a comfortable smile. “I want to kiss you.”

“Then kiss me,” I granted, holding her closer. I lowered myself to meet her halfway for a sweet, gentle kiss.

“Thank you for taking up for me.”

“You never have to thank me for that.”

“Still… that could have gone wrong. Your reputation—”

I sucked my teeth. “Fuck that. I will always protect you.”

She gave me a quick kiss. “This world of yours is a lot, Brax. The penthouse, the parties, the paparazzi. How am I supposed to fit into all this?”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I’d been so caught up in showing Billie my life that I hadn’t stopped to consider how overwhelming it might be for her. I opened my mouth to respond, but she continued.

“Don’t get me wrong, it’s exciting and glamorous and everything I dreamed about when I was a little girl. But now that I’m here… I don’t know if I can handle it.”

“I’ll lead you,” I said as I guided her movements in our dance. “Just trust me.”

She gave me a small nod and slid her hands down my chest. “I will.”