The two men gave her a friendly wave before going back in.
"It was a nice party. Bob seemed to enjoy himself," she said.
"Yes." He stood in front of her, his tongue tied up in knots. "Your pastries were well received. Thanks."
"Wait until you get my bill," she told him saucily.
"I think we can manage to settle without being bankrupt."
"I have no doubt. Well-"
"What are you doing tomorrow?"
Althea felt her heart slam hard against her ribs. She should rail at him for avoiding her but did not have the heart.
"I have a birthday party for the sixteen-year-old daughter of Senator Holbrook, but I'm just making the desserts, and they will be sending someone to collect it. I should be finished at eight."
"I want to come over." He did not dare touch her, even though he was dying to. "David will be spending time with Lizzie's parents for the weekend."
She swallowed. "I see."
"In case you did not get it, I want to see you. I want to-" He pressed his lips together. "I want you. So, what do you have to say about that?"
It was posed as a challenge, and they both knew it.
"I'm free." She picked up the challenge and ran with it.
"Good." He nodded briskly as if she had just agreed to a game of tennis. "Good. I'll see you then."
"Yes, you will."
"Drive safe."
"Thanks."
He had to end up opening the door for her as her hands were trembling so badly. For a minute, he stood there with his body pressed against hers, his breathing increasing.
"Thea," he groaned. Unable to stop himself, he tipped her chin up, eyes darkening as he took in the parted lips. "Thea."
Bending his head, he brushed his lips back and forth on hers, catching her sighs. Letting go of her, he stepped back reluctantly and watched as she entered the vehicle and closed the door. And had to fight not to wrench it open and haul her out.
Shoving his hands into the pockets of his dress pants, he rocked back on his heels and watched until the taillights disappeared. Another sleepless night, he thought grimly. But at least he knew what would happen tomorrow.
*****
She rose early in the morning after a very restless night. She had come back last night to do her prep for the Senator's daughter's desserts, which included a four-tier strawberry and cream cake mixed with raspberries, the girl's favorite. She had tumbled into bed near midnight after a soak in the tub, but sleep had eluded her.
It was finally happening. He wanted her. After ignoring her and breaking her heart again, he had finally succumbed to the emotions that had been flying back and forth between them since she returned. And he was coming to her tomorrow. And he would be spending the night, if not the entire weekend. She was going to make sure of it.
She could still feel his lips on hers. Oh, it had been a light kiss, but that had not mattered. She could feel the shape and outline of his lips on hers. His breath, his long, lean body pressed against hers. She could not wait. And she would prepare.
Just like with her baking, she was going to even the odds. A long hot bath with the necessary oils and a shave. She hadn't shaved her legs since she returned. Sighing softly, she wished she had time for a pedicure. But she didn't.
Mrs. Bennett did not work on the weekends unless she specifically requested it, so it was left up to her to do up the invoice and write out receipts. She was also expecting her brother. She was going to have to let him know she would be busy, so he would not be coming over.
And knowing him very well, she realized he was going to ask questions. Ones she was not prepared to respond to.
She wanted it kept between her and Vincent. Just them for now. Climbing out of bed, after realizing that she would not be getting any more sleep, she slipped on her robe and was passing the full-length mirror when she stopped.
