“Fine,” she ground out. “But I expect mine to be made first, Allie. Am I clear? Oh, and I’ll need you to dress nicely and help serve at the event.”
Dax smirked and pulled his hand away. She tipped her head in impatience, which only got worse when Allie didn’t respond. Allie was staring unabashedly at him. Her beautiful eyes were wide and soft, her lips parted just enough that he could see a distinct line between them. Pink flushed her cheeks and if he didn’t know better, he’d think she was hung up on him right then.
“Yes,” Allie finally said without looking away. Dax couldn’t stop searching her eyes. His brow fell as he tried to sort the myriad of emotions going across her face. The door jingled open and shut and he was aware someone had either come in or left, but he didn’t care which.
His breathing hitched, his hands itching to grasp her face between them and pull her up for his kiss. Allie launched at him, stepping into his arms as she reached up, looped her hands around his neck and pulled him down, her lips crushing to his.
Mind whirling, he pushed his tongue between her lips and groaned as she parted for him. Her face angled so their mouths meshed together, her kiss consuming him with her sweet, intoxicating taste. The bear inside him roared to life. It wanted more.
It wanted its mate.
Chapter Five
“Well, I never!”
Marybeth’s harsh voice sliced through the joy and pure lust clouding Allie’s brain. With a start, she pulled back, confused over what she was doing. She’d had no control of that kiss, as if her body had taken over and was doing whatever the hell it wanted.
Every inch of her longed to be pressed against Dax, her lips on his, her hands wandering his spectacular body. “What are you doing to me?”
He looked every bit as confused as she felt. A pang of regret went through her as she stepped out of his arms and wiped her palms on her skirt to try and steady herself. Afraid to look at Marybeth or Dax, she quickly picked up the paper order book on the counter and cleared her throat.
She’d never felt this muddled in her life.
“Now, what... what exactly did you decide to order, Marybeth?”
A gentle touch on her wrist drew her attention. Her father sidled up next to her and took the order book, with a hushed, “I’ve got this,” and a wink. Mortified that her father might have witnessed her wanton display—Becks too—Allie’s cheeks went hot.
Wordlessly, she slipped into the back. She’d left a saucepan of boiled caramel frosting on the butcherblock to cool. Picking it up, she began to stir it, completely lost in what had just happened. Dax was attractive, yes. He was a woman’s dream; yes. But she’d never acted so boldly, especially in front of a customer! His mouth had tasted so good, so familiar and satisfying as if she’d been waiting to experience him while already knowing how satisfying it would be.
The ache between her legs doubled in tenacity. Pressing her thighs together, Allie took a deep breath. What was wrong with her?
“You know, animals are purely attracted to each other by scent.”
Dax stood at the end of the butcherblock counter, having arrived as silently as before. Allie didn’t acknowledge him, kept stirring. She wanted to throw her arms around him again, but she steeled herself to her spot. And he damn well better stay put, too.
“The bear inside me is very attracted to how sweet you smell.”
