But the tarts are beautiful.
Wren stares at them on the baking tray like we’ve performed a miracle.
“We made those.”
“We did.”
“Well, you mostly made those. I made sure the cherries weren’t poisoned.”
“You did more than that.” I bump his shoulder with mine. “You did good.”
His smile goes shy in a way I’ve only seen a handful of times. “Yeah?”
“Yes.”
I slide the tray into the oven and set the timer. The bakery falls quiet around us, all warm lights and sugar scented air and the soft hum of the refrigerators.
Wren leans against the counter beside me. “What do we do while they bake?”
I think about all the things I want to do while they bake. None of them are appropriate for the middle of the bakery.
So I choose the safest option.
I hook my finger through the belt loop of his jeans and tug him between my legs where I sit on one of the prep stools. He laughs softly and settles there without hesitation, hands landing on my shoulders.
“We wait,” I say.
“For the tarts?”
“For the tarts.”
“And not for you to kiss me again?”
I look up at him. “Both.”
Wren smiles. It’s softer than I’ve ever seen him. “That’s a much better answer.”
Then he bends and kisses me while cherry tarts bake in the oven behind us. For the first time in my life, I have everything I’ve ever dreamed of. A handsome man in my arms willing to bake with me.
19
WREN
We decide to stay at my place above the bakery instead of going back to Talon’s house. We’re both exhausted from averyfull day. I regret nothing and will happily do a repeat.
Talon steps out of the shower with a towel around his waist. His glorious hairy muscular chest is on full display and I want to run my fingers through the fur. I keep my eyes above the belt, but I want to see those thighs so damn bad. We both didn’t think about clothes until now. “Give me a few minutes. I’ll be back.”
I nod, and he blinks out of my kitchen. I let out a breath. Before I can think even one naughty thought, he’s already back and fully dressed in nightclothes. The sleep pants hang low on his hips. The shirt pulls across his chest. It’s unfair the clothes are so close to him and I’m not. He rubs the towel through his hair and I rip my eyes away from him.
“The bed isn’t very big unfortunately,” I start.
“I’m fine on the couch.” Talon tips his head to the couch.
I nod and swallow. “I don’t mind if we have to cuddle up super close. We’ll both be clothed.” Unless he wants to be naked. I wouldn’t mind. “After all the kissing in the kitchen, I sorta hoped we’d be comfortable enough to sleep in the same bed together, but I don’t want to push things either.”
“Oh.” His cheeks go pink. “Right. That makes sense.”
I take a quick shower, then find him half asleep on the couch. “Come on, the bed will be more comfortable.” At least I hope.
