Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78237 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78237 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 313(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
“You’re young,” I say again as if it’s some kind of spell that might keep me and my heart safe. “You might, probably will, change your mind at some point.” My heart slams against my chest in anticipation of the inevitable.
“Maven, trust that I know my own mind, my wants and needs the same way I trust that you know yours.”
“You’re right, and I’m sorry.”
“I know. All I’m saying is that if either of us changes our mind, there are options. Let’s not borrow problems right now when things are going so well between us.”
To punctuate his point, Wilder pushes his pelvis against my backside so I can feel the chubby springing to life against my ass.
“Does this mean you want me here again, in your bed?”
I nod. “I wouldn’t say no.”
He laughs, and the sound reverberates against my body, leaving a delicious wake of shivers up and down my spine. “That’s good enough for me. For now.”
“You say that now, but I think you might change your mind soon. Very soon.”
I smile when I feel him freeze around me, his mind probably racing to figure out what I’m about to request of him. “I’m listening.”
“Good because it’s serious. Really serious. Some might even say it’s life and death kind of serious.”
His brows dip in confusion. “All right, babe, you’re kind of freaking me out. What the fuck?”
I bite back and smile and cup one side of his face. “I need clothes. And a bunch of other stuff since it’s all ruined.”
After a beat, Wilder’s shoulders relax, and a smile splits his handsome face. “Funny. You nearly made me have a panic attack because you need to go to the fucking mall?”
“The mall?” My tone is incredulous, and I shake my head. “Not at all. There are a few stores I like, and I can dip into my savings for a few wardrobe staples.”
He lets out a long, put-upon sigh. “If you really need to go shopping, we can do it tomorrow when the bakery closes.”
I hear his words, but I’m no fool. I’m sure he absolutely does not want to go shopping.
“So, what’s the problem?”
It’s easier, better, to face this difference head-on. I quirk a brow and grin. “I’m willing to go by myself if it’s that big of a deal to you.”
“Yeah, I’ll bet you are, but that’s not an option.”
I push away from him and sit up, arms folded over my bare chest.
“Don’t do me any favors, Wilder. I need this. It’s not some whim or a way to waste away a few hours. All of my things got destroyed.”
“I know,” he sighs and shakes his head before his chin drops to his chest. “It’s just that I like you so much better in nothing at all.”
His words catch me off guard and surprise a laugh out of me. “Sorry, but the food inspectors might object to a naked uniform.”
“Assholes,” he grunts, and I laugh again. “Tomorrow, after your shift, we’ll go shopping. Cool?”
Very. I nod. “Works for me.” I lean forward and press a kiss to his mouth that starts the fire all over again, and soon enough, I’m on top of Wilder, riding his cock to another orgasm.
And then another.
And another.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Wilder
The oven timer sounds, and Maven is elbow-deep in dough with flour all over her hands and arms and even a bit on her nose. It’s adorable, but I don’t think she’ll appreciate me saying that, so I try something else.
“Need help with anything, sexy lady?” Standing around and watching her work all day doesn’t feel right, and I want to help.
“Yeah, can you take those trays from the oven and put them on the racks on that table over there?”
She’s barely looking at me, just pointing one flour-covered finger.
“Sure, no problem.” I grab her girly oven mitts and open the oven, and instantly the scent of brown sugar and cinnamon hits my nose.
“Damn, that smells good. What is it?”
She smiles. “You’ve never had a ginger snap before?”
“Uh, no. At one of the foster homes I lived in, close to the holidays, I helped some of the little kids with gingerbread houses. They were hard as fuck.”
Maven laughs and shakes her head. “Let them cool for a minute, and then try one. Gingerbread isn’t the same as ginger snaps, I promise. Houses need to be sturdy and stable. Cookies are meant to be soft and chewy.”
“You mean they were nasty on purpose?”
She laughs again, and the sound is pretty and melodic, just like the woman. “I take it that means you’ve never baked before?”
“Nope. I mean, I’ve popped some garlic bread or toast in the oven before, helped out in the foster homes when I was asked, but nothing like what you have going on here.”
I look around at her professional kitchen setup and all the baked goods ready to go into the display cases.