Read Online Fight or Flight by Jamie Canosa - Free Book Online Page A

by far the warmest thing in either of their wardrobes. Still, Jay noticed the way she shivered and wrapped her arms more tightly around herself. They were going to have to do more than just get breakfast today.
                 

 
     
    Chapter Fourteen
     
     
    Em
     
    At the end of the block, a good fifteen minutes later, Em spotted a small shop with a hand painted wooden sign hanging over the door. It had a smiling cupcake on it and ‘Cathy’s Cakes’ scrawled in pretty handwriting. It was old and faded, but in a warm, welcoming sort of way. 
    Em found herself drawn to the shop, though that may have had something to do with the unbelievable scents wafting out the door each time it opened, something it seemed to be doing a lot. Lots of people coming and going, and most of them, Em noted, looked as disheveled as her and Jay. These weren’t customers. These were street kids.
    “Here we are.” Jay pulled open the door and waited for Em to step past him. The first thing that hit her—besides the wonderful smell of the place—was the warmth. The whole place was sweltering. Behind the counter, the ovens were all cranking and it felt great.
    A deep laugh floated over the continuous ringing of the bell tied to the door handle and Em’s gaze drifted to a large, potbellied man with a friendly smile standing behind a folding table near the rear wall.
    “That’s the owner, Sam.” Jay ’s breath stirred the fine hairs near her ear.
    If Sam was the owner, then . . . “Who’s Cathy?”
    “Cathy was his wife. They used to run this place together, but she died a few years ago. At least that’s what I’ve heard. Apparently she started this whole outreach program, but Sam kept it going after she died. He’s good people, Em.”
    Laid out before Sam was an array of pastries. Bagels, croissants, donuts, and muffins covered most of the table top, and her stomach chose that moment to declare how delicious they all looked to the entire shop. Embarrassed and ashamed of her greedy body, Em ducked her head, allowing her hair to shield her face.
    “Ah, Jay. How are you doing this morning?”
    “Fine, Sam. Thanks. How are you?” Em followed quietly as he moved across the shop toward the man behind the table.
    “I’m doing just fine, thank you. And this must be the little friend who’s been staying with you for the past week.”
    Em peeked out from behind her hair and caught Sam smiling widely at her. Surprised—and a little annoyed—that Jay would tell someone about her, she shot him a look.
    “Don’t worry, Sweetheart. Jay didn’t say a word. I just noticed he’s been helping himself to a double portion lately and he’s not the type to take more than his fair share.” Sam smiled at her again and, this time, she managed to return it. She didn’t know why, but she liked that this man had such a high opinion of Jay.
    “I’m Sam.” He offered his hand and left it up to her whether or not to give her name in return. She liked that, too.
    “I’m Em.” His hand felt warm against her cold one and she fought the urge to flinch, only partially succeeding.
    “Help yourself, Sweetheart. Whatever you’d like.” He waved his hand over the vast spread that Em was barely keeping herself from drooling on.
    She picked up a blueberry muffin that smelled like heaven and stepped aside to wait for Jay. After relishing in the scent for as long as she could stand, she took a big bite of sweet deliciousness. A groan she couldn’t suppress slipped out Just as Jay rejoined her.
    “That good, huh?”
    She felt her cheeks flame at Jay’s teasing, but chose to ignore him. The muffin was too good to be distracted from enjoying every last bite. Whatever Sam’s recipe was, this was the best muffin she’d ever had in her life and she told him so.
    “I’m glad you enjoyed it.” The way his belly shook when he laughed reminded her of Santa Claus. A Santa Claus who brought hungry kids pastries. She couldn’t think of a better