Heading back to Leah’s for the night, I listen to the other two chat away about the dinner while I am pretty sure a dark cloud is following me overhead. Ava turns to me, at one point, with a concerned look on her face.
“Are you OK, Liz?”
Not wanting to be a whiny idiot the night before our friend’s wedding, I nod.
“Totally. Just tired.”
The wedding ceremony brings me to tears, but that’s nothing new. Every moment Angus and I touch, however, my skin feels like it’s being consumed by an electric fire. I’ve gotten good at side-eyeing my groomsmen whenever this happens. If he feels it, then he hides it well behind his handsome but stoic poker face. His mouth is continually in a tight, neutral look. And I know the man can smile. I’ve observed him with his brothers, enjoying himself, and making my pussy quiver at the sight of his sexy grins.
Oh well. Let that shit go, Elizabeth.
And it’s not like I expected anything. Maybe I fantasized about the hulking minotaur having his way with me in bed, but I didn’t expect it.
Dammit.
4
Angus
With pots and pans covering the counters, I hesitantly taste my fifth batch of truffle sauce.
“I’m sure it’s amazing, bro,” Taurus says, walking by the kitchen.
“This time it is,” I say, excitement clear in my voice. “Come, try it.”
Taurus returns and takes the wooden spoon from me. When he tastes it, his expression tells me he loves it.
“Damn, you nailed it. That’s friggin good.” Stealing another taste, he adds, “So, now what?”
“I am going to bottle it and I’d like to sell it up front in our shop. But I was also thinking of visiting a few stores. Give some bottles as gifts and maybe I can branch out.”
“There’s that Saucy Girls shop in Corvid Valley.”
“Yeah, plus Branwen Beach’s Little Shop of Delicacies. I thought I’d head there tomorrow. With this heat wave, it’ll be nice to spend a day surrounded by ocean breezes.”
“So, it’ll just be me and Serapion here tomorrow?”
“Yup. I hope Thoreau is having a blast on his honeymoon, but I look forward to him coming back in August.”
“Same. I’m going to run to the store. Need anything?”
“Nah, I’m good. Going to start bottling now.”
“Do you want anything from Ranch Hand Burgers? I’ve been dying for their western burger all day.”
“Yeah, bring me the same. And onion rings.”
“You got it. Later.”
The next day, I leave in my truck at the crack of dawn. Our farm is on the Corvid Valley side of Ravenhart Mountain, so the trek to Branwen Beach takes a few hours. With my windows down, the air cools as I ascend the mountain, and the smells of summer fill my nose.
First, I head to Branwen Beach Bakery. I never come here without picking up a bagful of their scones. Large coffee in hand, I chill at their one and only extra large bistro table and take in the sights of Main Street. The town is already hopping with tourists, which is expected on such a warm summer day in Branwen Beach. While I enjoy people watching here, I don't think I’d enjoy living in such a touristy place. At least during tourist season, which is, of course, right now.
Checking my phone for the time, I groan when I see it’s almost dead. I guess I need a new car charger.
Finishing my last scone, it gets caught in my throat when I make a small, surprised gasp. Walking past the bakery window is Elizabeth, the bridesmaid I was paired with last month at the wedding. Chugging my coffee to avoid a coughing fit, I watch her saunter down the sidewalk.
Damn, that woman is just as fine in shorts and a tank top as she was wearing a flowy, pale yellow bridesmaid's dress. Feeling myself harden just by picturing her in it makes me grateful I am sitting at a table that actually covers my lap. The wedding was gorgeous, and I am so happy for my older brother, but interacting with Elizabeth was painful. I was so self-conscious about being around her. And every time we touched, an electric warmth radiated through my body, causing me to become even more self-conscious.
