Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

Instead of offering me a hand, Jax stands there looking at me as if I’ve committed the biggest crime of the century. “Dammit, Daisy. What the hell did you do? You wrecked the poor guy’s hours of hard work in an instant.”

“I…I’m sorry.” My throat tightens as I struggle to rise, the buttercream frosting making it difficult. Thankfully, my skirt is long enough to spare me from flashing anyone as I try to find my footing, feeling like a newborn baby goat.

“My chef will kill me!” The young server snaps out of his shock and dashes back through the door he came out of.

I grapple to rise up unsuccessfully, while Jax is fully immersed in conversation with the man who threw the door open carelessly, without bothering to check if anyone was standing on the other side. My ex, of course, has lots to say about how clumsy I am.

Right now, I want to hurl all this icing on him.

Did he really come here to patch things up between us?

“Let me help you, Daisy.” Like a gentleman, Steve extends a hand, pulling me up. “Mr. Hawthorne has reserved a room for himself. There’s a bathroom in there.” He hands me the key card, gesturing to the right.

“Thanks, Steve. Could you please also make sure that this man is no longer here?” I nod toward Jax, who finally pays me some attention.

“You got it!”

As I exit, I catch a proud smile on the bodyguard’s lips. Jax calls after me, but I tune him out. I was afraid he’d make a scene, but nothing could top what just happened.

I quickly locate the bathroom upon entering Charles’ lounge. Glancing in the mirror, I realize I look even sillier than I imagined. Pink glittery frosting clings to my forehead and the left side of my cheek.

I run my tongue over my lip, and a groan leaves my mouth as the delicious buttery cream dances on my palate.

So, so delicious.

I feel bad for the baker and her hard work, and all the people who will miss out on this slice of heaven.

After shedding my icing-covered shirt and skirt, I hastily text Willow.

Me: How quickly can you get to the town hall?

Willow: How soon do you need me?

Me: I’d have preferred if you were already here. But I’ll manage if you can make it within the next fifteen minutes.

Willow: You got it. Anything else?

Me: Yes, please bring me a change of clothes.

Willow: What are you doing naked in the town hall?

Me: I’m not naked. I got caught in a cake catastrophe—a door slammed me into a cake. Now I’m covered head to toe in icing.

Willow: Yikes! I feel for the baker.

Me: Me too. I’ll apologize once I’m properly dressed.

Willow: Where are you now?

Me: I’m in Charles’ lounge while he’s at the interview. I should have been in that room with him an hour ago!

Willow: Got it. I’m wrapping up a shoot. Will be there soon.

Me: You’re a lifesaver, Wills.

After resolving my clothing crisis, I rush into the shower to scrub away the clinging cream frosting from my hair and face. I step out from the glass door, then slip into my undergarments and immediately realize there’s no bathrobe and the only towel isn’t big enough to be wrapped around a human body.

They probably weren’t expecting a cake catastrophe like yours, Daze.