Chapter 109

EMILIA

Once Liam and I hang up—him off to his team meeting to dissect their next opponent, me left behind with a heart doing pirouettes—I realize I no longer have an excuse to slack off.

So I roll up my sleeves and dive into work.

By the time the clock hits 6 PM, I feel like I’ve aged a year. My arms ache. My feet are furious. My hair smells like three different types of frosting.

Honestly, I should really start thinking about hiring staff. It was easy running this place when the Becketts were basically my only regulars. But now? Ever since Liam started dropping by, word’s gotten out—and so have the fans. Hockey jerseys, custom cupcakes, suspicious giggling near the counter. I don’t mind. As long as they buy a treat or two, they can camp out all day for all I care.

Someone even suggested I get a TV installed so customers can watch the Titans’ games live while they sip their overpriced lattes. I’ve been mulling it over. I mean, I can’t charge people to s