Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82165 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
I reached up and ran my finger down his jaw. “Well, you are.”
His smile faded some as his gaze searched my face. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” I said, giving him a teasing wink.
He took my hand again and brought it to his mouth, gently kissing along my knuckles. The moment was so tender and beautiful. I felt…cherished. Then, a loud noise from off in the distance brought me back to reality. I jerked my hand away and stepped back, looking around us to see if anyone had seen what happened.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” Kian asked, taking my hand and drawing me back in.
I swallowed and glanced around. “What if someone saw that?”
He shrugged. “Who cares. I don’t. Do you?”
Looking up at him, I replied, “If I’m being honest, I’m not sure. I mean, I didn’t come here to find a relationship, I came to start over.”
“I didn’t come here for that either. But is it so wrong to start over in all areas of your life?”
I thought about his question. Was it? Could I see myself settling down and staying in this small town? What were the chances I’d be found? I’d changed my identity, but not my looks. What were the odds he’d find me here?
For the first time in months, I felt my body relax a bit more as I slowly started to let my guard down. I could do this. I could start a new life and put my past behind me as much as possible. I’d still be looking over my shoulder, there was no way around that. But I could open my heart and let in this amazing, kind man. I could do this.
“No, it’s not wrong at all.”
Kian smiled down at me. I lifted up, and our lips brushed lightly. When we broke apart, I giggled. “I’m nervous.”
“Why?” he asked as he took a piece of my hair and ran it through his fingers.
“Small town. Gossip.”
He placed his finger on my chin and lifted so our eyes met. “The only thing that matters is you and me.”
“Okay,” I whispered.
Kian kissed me again, soft and gentle. “You know what I could go for?”
I raised my brows, causing him to laugh.
“Yes, I could go for that, but I am a gentleman who won’t drag you down an alley and have my way with you. I want something with chocolate.”
“Really?” I asked as I looked up as if I was thinking. “I’ve got it. I know of this bakery that isn’t far from here. The owner has entrusted me with a key. I bet I can make you something with chocolate.”
“Is that so?”
I nodded.
Kian pushed me out gently, spun me, and said, “Lead the way.”
Kian
Kissing Cadie Waterford had become my new favorite thing, well, after watching her have an orgasm. I could kiss her for hours. Smell the vanilla and slight hint of chocolate that always seemed to be on her. Get lost in those green eyes of hers.
I had never felt this way about any other woman before. Sure, I’d been attracted to plenty of women. But something was different with Cadie. She was strong, but there was also a vulnerable side to her. She had secrets, but didn’t everyone?
As we walked down Main toward Batter Up Bakery, Cadie texted Opal, asking if we could stop in since I was in the mood for something chocolate. Opal instantly texted back yes and reminded Cadie to turn the alarm off.
Once we were in the bakery’s kitchen, I pulled Cadie to me and kissed her. She wrapped her arms around my neck, and the kiss became more passionate. I had to force myself to keep my hands from ripping off her clothes and making love to her right there. Opal was cool with us baking, but I highly doubted she would be cool if we had sex on her work table where she made her pies.
I pulled my mouth from hers and nearly dropped to my knees when she let out a moan of protest.
“As much as I want to keep going, I think we should stop before we soil my aunt’s kitchen.”
Cadie giggled and patted my chest. “You’re right. Okay, so you want something with chocolate, huh?”
“I do.”
She nodded and looked up in thought.
“So what are you going to make me?”
She walked to the large pantry and took out Oreo cookies and a semi-sweet chocolate baking bar.
“Are you making chocolate-dipped Oreos?”
She chuckled. “Nope, I’m taking it one step further.”
“What could possibly be better than Oreos dipped in chocolate?”
Turning to face me, Cadie’s eyes went wide. “Have you never had Oreo balls?”
“Can’t say that I have. What are they?”
“Oh my gosh, Kian, are you serious?”
I shrugged. “I don’t think I’ve ever had them.”
She smiled. “You’re in for a treat then. Can you get me a package of cream cheese, please?”
“Sure,” I said, making my way to the refrigerator. I took out the cream cheese and handed it to her. “What can I do to help?”