Chapter 21
To Good Food and Good Women
?Before You Called Me Baby - Caitlyn Smith
Callie
It’s beentwo weeks since I found out Jaxon is my cowboy, and I’ve replayed those memories every day. I can’t seem to forget the way he commanded my body—the way he used those expert hands to bring me so much pleasure. I want more, but I don’t know how to show him I’m ready.
After work, I stop by Lick the Spoon, Olivia's mobile bakery. She’s set up near the big barn where Griffin is giving a tour to some school-aged kids. He waves as I pass.
Olivia beams at me as I approach the window of the bubblegum pink camper. “Hey! What can I get you? It’s on the house.”
“You know I never turn down free treats.” I scan the display of delicately decorated sweets and pastries. It’s filled with a variety of cupcakes, cake pops, and other items I’ve never seen before. “I’ll try the red velvet cheesecake bars.”
“Good choice.” Liv grabs a small pink container and places two bars inside.
She slides the box across the counter, and I shove a five-dollar bill into her tip jar. “Where are the girls?”
“Jax and Wilder took them for a trail ride.”
My heart stutters at the mention of Jaxon. Whatever expression comes over me, Liv doesn't miss it.
She leans across the counter and rests her chin in her hand. “How's everything going with you two?”
I throw my head back and groan. “Ever since I told him I’m a virgin, he’s been treating me like I’m made of spun glass. It's like I’ve ruined his perception of me.”
“Maybe he's trying to ease you into things. Intimacy is complicated.”
“This coming from the girl who jumped into bed with a stranger for some rebound sex.”
Her cheeks flush an adorable shade of pink. “Do as I say, not as I do.”
“That’s all well and good, but if that man doesn’t do something soon, I’m gonna have to take matters into my own hands. He walks around the house shirtless, Olivia! Shirtless!”
She barks out a laugh. “So, do something about it.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Tease him. Make it impossible for him to resist.”
“I’m not exactly fluent in the art of seduction.” I push my glasses up the bridge of my nose and tug on my cardigan. “I mean... look at me.”
“I’m looking, and I see every guy’s fantasy—a hot librarian.”
I lean in conspiratorially. “Ok. Fine. Theoretically, how would I seduce a Hayes?”
She slaps her hand down on the counter, and a bright smile blooms across her face. “Now we’re talking. How do you feel about sexting?”
It takes every ounce of effort I can muster not to overreact. It’s nice to have someone to talk to about these things, but I’m not ready to tell anyone about our online history. “I’m... open... to it. What do you have in mind?”
“Family dinner is tonight. I think you should take some sexy photos and send him one while we’re all there.”
“What?”
She pretends to cast a fishing line and reel it in. “It’s the perfect bait. There’s nothing like an inconvenient boner to hook ‘em. Then all you have to do is reel him in.”
“A fishing metaphor? Really?”
