She smiled. “Wow.” She hung her apron on a hook on the wall and turned her smile on Maurice. “We did it. Now, all I have to do is put things in the oven tomorrow morning. Baked with Love will be open as usual tomorrow morning.” Tired beyond measure, tears welled in her eyes. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Maurice pulled her into his arms. “I have no doubt you would’ve done just fine without me, but thanks.”
She laid her cheek on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his waist. “If you ever want a job as a sous chef, I’d hire you in a heartbeat.”
He chuckled, his arms tightening around her. “Be careful. I might take you up on the offer.” He rested his chin on top of her hair.
“I meant it. It’s been a while since I’ve had help in the kitchen. Actually, since New Orleans almost two years ago.”
“I’m glad I wasn’t in your way. You were amazing. You didn’t let a little setback knock you for a loop.” He tipped her head back.
She blinked back the tears filling her eyes.
Maurice frowned. “Hey, why the tears?”
“I don’t know,” she said and sniffed. “Tired, I guess. It’s the first time we’ve slowed down since the break-in.”
“Let’s lock up and get you upstairs. You need that sleep.” He leaned forward and pressed his lips to her forehead.
Amelie’s pulse quickened, pushing exhaustion to the back of her mind and a different need overpowered her desire for sleep.
Maybe it was delirium from lack of sleep, or relief that she’d managed to pull off a miracle. Whatever it was made Amelie lean up on her toes and press her lips to his.
As soon as her mouth connected with his, heat flowed through her chest, into her arms and legs and coiled low in her belly. Her hands slid up his chest to lace behind his neck, bringing him closer.
She opened to him.
For a second, he hesitated.
Had she made a mistake? Was she pushing for something he wasn’t feeling?
Then he claimed her mouth, swept her tongue with his in a sensuous dance, crushing her to his chest.
What had started as a kiss to her forehead ended in a fiery connection that shook her world.
When at last he loosened his hold, she drew in a shaky breath, her hands sliding down to his chest. “I’m sorry,” she murmured.
“For what?” Maurice brushed a strand of her hair that had escaped the net cap back behind her ear.
“I shouldn’t have...kissed you.” Suddenly embarrassed, she refused to meet his gaze. “I’d better go to bed before I do something else you might regret.”
He tipped her chin upward until she was forced to look him in the eyes. “I think there were two sides to that kiss, in case you didn’t notice.”
“Yeah, but you hesitated,” she shook her head. “You didn’t have to kiss me back.”
“But I did.” He touched his lips to the tip of her nose and set her at arm’s length. “Look, we’re both tired to the point we’re half-drunk. We both need sleep. Let’s get you up to your apartment and sort through all this tomorrow, after we’ve slept and our heads are clear.”
Amelie wrapped her arms around herself and nodded. “You’re right. I don’t know what came over me. I need sleep.” She turned and hurried toward the back door.
Maurice beat her to it and stepped outside first. Once he’d had a chance to look around, he opened the door wider and held it for her.
Amelie exited, turned and locked the bakery with the new key. When she turned to go up to her apartment, Maurice was at her side. “You don’t have to?—”
“Yes, I do. I’m here to protect you. Until they find the vandal, you’re not safe.”
“I have a new lock and key.”
“What if he’s good at picking locks? After I clear the apartment, you can kick me out.” He walked up the stairs beside her and held out his hand for the key.
