Amber and Boomer walked into the kitchen, and Claus shot to his feet to approach her. “I was hoping you’d get more sleep.”
Amber smiled. “Too nervous and excited. I can’t believe today is actually here. The No Phailed Apples Inn is open for business.”
Mara nodded. “And it’s going to be amazing. Are you up for the first taste of a caramel apple muffin?”
Amber nodded. “I think I’m officially done with morning sickness. I hope so anyway. This is probably where I start devouring everything in sight.”
Gray grabbed a muffin and set it on a plate for her. “You’re eating for two. Our bambino needs sustenance.”
Amber laughed. “Our bambino is the size of a plum right now. I don’t think he or she needs this muffin, but I do.”
Claus watched his wife carefully as she ate, and the four of them talked through the day’s routine.
Amber had hired a local woman to do the daily laundry and room cleaning, but she wouldn’t arrive until tomorrow.
Marcia and her husband lived on a small dairy farm nearby, and she was thrilled to have the job to supplement their income and to escape what she called “moo duty” for a few hours each day.
Amber had also asked Marcia and her husband to supply the inn with milk, another plus in Seth's opinion. Between Gray’s garden, their neighbors’ farms, and the soon-to-arrive chickens, the inn wouldn’t lack for freshness.
He searched Mara out again to see that her color had returned to normal. Her eyes sparkled when they locked gazes, making him want to devour her, regardless of their companions.
He wanted a long stretch of time to explore every last inch of her. If she hadn’t been exaggerating, and that had been the best orgasm of her life, he couldn’t wait to watch her soar higher and higher.
She hadn’t seen anything yet.
Chapter 14
Journey To The Past
Mara hadn’t expected to get so caught up in the opening of the No Phailed Apples Inn. She’d thought she’d bake her goodies, then show back up to help serve the evening meal.
But Amber’s excitement drew Mara out of her new living space. Or maybe it was the fact that she couldn’t stop imagining Seth in the bedroom with her, and she wanted to seek him out.
He’d sent her flying into the most intense orgasm of her life, and they’d both been wearing all their clothes.
Sure, it had been a while, but she would have remembered an experience like that. Nothing else had come even close.
She hadn’t been able to return the favor. Poor guy. He’d handled the interruption better than she had.
Her body was revved. She played with Fritter for a while, but when he hit a sunbeam for a snooze, she left him and went in search of a distraction.
Amber had turned half of the inn’s front room into a graceful reception area and gift shop, with a cozy seating area in front of the fireplace, using the rest of the space.
Amber had included pieces of fun Phail merchandise from Piper’s Phail Central. There was a display of Nimii’s moccasins and books by Olivia and Addy Syrette, another local children’s author. The walls held artwork by other locals such as Josie Ellis, and older photographs showcasing the area and local families. Mara knew the entire town had scoured their attics for Amber, and the effect was homey and eclectic.
Bottles of the farm’s cider and honey sat on another shelf beside an espresso and latte machine that looked like something NASA might use in the space station.
A refurbished roll-top desk acted as the hub. Modern technology for check-ins and purchases was hidden in the graceful lines of the desk that had to be a hundred years old.
Mara brought a small basket of fresh apples, apple tarts, and mini fritters to leave on top. “I’ve got one of these for each of the rooms. I’ll get them out of the fridge and run them up when the guests arrive.”
Amber smiled. “You’re amazing, Mara. I’m so glad you moved to Vermont with us.”
Mara grinned. “Me too. I never expected to enjoy living anywhere other than a big city, but this is more like home.”
Amber’s eyes twinkled. “I’m guessing a certain sexy chef has something to do with that.”
Mara flushed right down to her toes, the memory of the morning’s orgasm sending thrills along her skin.
