Stud Muffin (Donner Bakery #2) - Jiffy Kate Page 0,66
Jenn… she’s the Banana Cake Queen.”
I can’t help the laugh that bursts out of me. “Only in Tennessee.”
“She’s a big deal,” Tempest says, nodding her head. “Not just a local celebrity, either… like, national. It’s why the bakery is so popular. People drive from a hundred miles away just to buy our baked goods.”
“I’ve noticed,” I tell her, my focus going to her lips. I can’t help it. When she talks, the way they move mesmerizes me. “And rightfully so… those muffins.” Whistling under my breath earns me a smile from the Duchess of Muffins.
“What can I get for you?” our waiter asks as he walks up to the table.
Tempest and I order—me sticking with my decision on the fajitas and her going with the “world famous” enchiladas. After he comes back with our drinks and lets us know he turned our order in, she looks at me pointedly. “So, what do the other Vikings do, if they’re not fighters?”
“Well, my older brother Viggo and my younger brother Vali own a gym. It was where I used to train and I worked there, conducting kickboxing classes. My other younger brother Osmond… Ozzi… he works there too, mostly training with young fighters. And my youngest brother, the baby of the family, Gunnar, is the one who will probably pick up the gloves.”
She smiles and I feel it deep down in my chest… every time. “He wants to follow in your footsteps.”
I shrug. “I’m not so sure it’s me he’s trying to emulate, but he definitely has the fighting gene… and he’s good. He’s got great potential.”
“Do you miss them? Are y’all close?” she asks, dipping a chip into the salsa and popping it into her mouth, drawing my attention back to those damn lips.
“Sure,” I say, forcing my attention to the chip basket. I usually don’t eat carbs, but I think I’ll make a concession. Needing the distraction, I dip a chip. “I talk to them almost daily… and things have been a little… stressed since the injury.”
Tempest frowns. “Why?”
“Well, the gym really depended on the publicity it gained from my appearances and fights.”
“So it was riding on your coattails?” she asks.
Cringing a little, I clear my throat, feeling a little uncomfortable talking about it. I never speak about the gym with other people, at least not like this. If I’m not discussing the business side of things with Viggo or Val, I’m promoting it to a camera or people in the industry. Never do I get a chance to just voice my opinions without fear of repercussions.
“It might sound that way, but it was mutual,” I tell her, being completely honest. “I benefited from the gym just as much as it benefited from me. By being so connected to it, I had opponents to spar with at the drop of a hat, access to one of the most elite training facilities in the Dallas area, and the best support system.”
“I bet they really miss you,” she says thoughtfully, something in her gaze shifting.
I shrug. “I guess… yeah.” Grabbing another chip, I dip it and shove it in my mouth to buy me a few seconds to think about my response. “They miss the notoriety and the opportunities… but things change. It’s not like I planned on getting injured, and regardless of my involvement, Erickson MMA is still an elite facility in the southwest.”
“Impressive,” Tempest says, nodding her head.
The waiter steps up to our table about that time, a sizzling plate of beef fajitas with my name on them and a plate oozing with gooey cheese for Tempest.
“Yum,” she says, inhaling deeply as she closes her eyes.
Mexican food is like a religious experience for Tempest and I’m feeling so fortunate to be along for the ride. As we get down to business with our food, the conversation shifts to lighter topics… how amazing the side of guacamole is and how we both love sopapillas. And Tempest wasn’t wrong, this is some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever had.
The surprises in Tennessee just keep coming.
On the drive home, I find myself wishing I could call in sick and find a way to spend the rest of the evening and night with Tempest. But duty calls. So, as we make our way back to Green Valley, I just enjoy the view, both inside and outside of the truck.
The scenery in this part of the country is hands-down some of the best views I’ve ever witnessed, and I’ve been everywhere. The Appalachian Mountains