The Baker's Touch (7 page)

He grabbed the clipboard for tomorrow’s production. Raised dots ran below the printed words. That was his doing. Every piece of paper that came into the shop, he wanted to be sure Penelope could access it.

He’d worked with Penelope for about seven months now and not once had she noticed him. To her he was just her seeing eye person, her right hand, her assistant, but he wanted more than that.

He’d wanted to tell her how he felt on New Year’s Eve, but after the fiasco with Sam, Avery didn’t really see a way to tell her. He wanted her to have the time she needed, but working with her and after the first kiss they’d shared, that was becoming increasingly difficult. All he wanted to do was get her alone and whisper what he wanted to do to her. And kissing her...

The kiss in the consult room had been unexpected, but the way she touched him... A sigh left his lips; he wanted to feel her hands on him again. If they hadn’t been interrupted maybe he’d have learned what it was like to feel her fingertips roaming over the rest of his body.

His groin tightened as desire pooled. He was sure of one thing; she was no longer oblivious to him. A smirk curved his lips, but he needed to be sure she wanted him for what he could give her and not because she was looking to fill a void in her life. There were still two more days before Valentine’s Day and while he wanted to profess his love for Penelope, he would wait.

A loud crash followed by muffled swearing drew his attention. Sounded like Penelope knocked something over.

“I’m fine,” she called.

He strolled to the back room and stood in the doorway of her office. Several books had toppled to the floor. She was on her hands and knees, her voluptuous derriere tempting as it wiggled in the air. She patted the floor in front of her, moving in a slight circle, presumably searching for the fallen books. She stacked them in a small pile.

When she’d gathered all the books, she cradled them in her arms and pushed to her feet.

“Are you done staring?”

The amusement in her voice startled him from his reverie. “No, but I enjoy staring at you.” He leaned against the doorjamb and drifted his gaze over her. She had such beautiful flawless skin, the color of rich pastry cream or a pale vanilla custard and her hair was red. Not any red, but a dark ruby. Out of all the hair colors she’d had since he’d known her, he had to say he liked this one best. He longed to plunge his fingers through the silky strands again and plunder her sweet soft lips.

He straightened. She’d discarded her chef’s coat to reveal a low-cut black tank top. The scoop-necked blouse allowed him a generous view of her breasts. Such delight, he longed to hold their soft weight in his palms.

She was lush and curvy, just the way he liked. No tightly toned arms or abs, just delicious sexiness poured into a sinfully voluptuous body. He’d lost count of the number of fantasies he’d had about her.

“You’re staring again.”

Avery chuckled. “Your ability to know what I’m doing is uncanny at times.”

“We’ve worked together a while now.” She carefully lowered the books to her desk. “Why did you kiss me?”

A tiny bing-bong chimed, signaling that someone had entered the shop. “Hold that thought.” He spun on his heel and hurried to the front of the shop. Equal parts of dread and pleasure flowed through him at her question. Kissing hadn’t been part of the plan, but seeing the hurt on her face sparked his need to take it away. He wanted to let her know someone was interested in her.

He smiled at the customer standing at the counter, quickly made change and hefted the box of candies. The least he could do was carry them out. By the time he returned and locked the door, Penelope stood at the cash register, her brows knit together, while a frown tugged at pouty lips.

“What’s wrong?”

“I found an envelope on my chair.”

“Oh?”

She placed the stiff white paper on the counter. “It told me to wait right here.”

Avery stood on the other side of the divide. “Did it?”

She tilted her head to the side, a curl slipped over her shoulder, just brushing her breasts. “Is there someone else here?”

“We’re the only people in the shop.” He covered her hand, drawing tiny circles on her skin with his thumb. How did she manage to keep her hands so soft?

“Oh.”

“Something wrong?” He studied her, noting the slight inhale and how her eyes widened just a bit at his caress. “Your skin is so soft.”

She shook her head. “Avery?”

“Hmm?”

“Did you send those gifts?”

“What do you think?”

A smile creased her lips. “Why?”

“I thought it was obvious.” He moved from her hand to her wrist. “I like you, not just as my friend, but as something far more intimate, Penelope. You have strength and vibrancy and all I want is a chance to prove that I can be your lifetime Valentine.”

She ducked her head, her hair hiding her face. “I don’t even like that holiday.”

“Yeah, you do. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be out here wanting to know who sent you those gifts.”

“You made sure I could read the cards,” she said, a catch in her voice.

“Of course.”

“Why didn’t you say something before?”

“That’s what I was going to do New Year’s Eve, but things didn’t work out so well.”

“Did you know what was going on? I mean with Sam and Sheila?”

“No.” He twined his fingers with hers. “I realize this isn’t the ideal situation, but I can’t let another day go by without you knowing how I feel about you.”

She inclined her head. “You never said.”

“I’m saying now.”

She was silent.

“P?”

“Every night since New Year’s all I could think about was that moment when my mystery man—you—kissed me. I’ve been looking for you.”

He leaned across the counter. “Well, look no further.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I’m right here and not going anywhere.”

****

“You don’t have to wait with me, James,” Penelope said as they stood in the vestibule of Avery’s building. “I’m perfectly capable of standing here by myself.”

“Have you ever been here before?”

“No, but—”

“After what Kassie said, I think it’s best if I wait with you.”

She narrowed her eyes. “What did Kassie say?”

“Sam was making a nuisance of himself.”

“Yeah. He’s trying to buy the bakery.” Footsteps echoed on the tile. “As long as he stays away from me, the business and home, I’m fine.” Crisp woodsy smoke with a hint of chocolate wafted to her nose.

“Thank you for bringing her, James. I’ll make sure she gets home.” Avery slipped an arm around her waist.

James coughed. “The uh—yes. The missus wanted me to give you this.”

Fabric rustled and the faint chime of metal on metal reached her ears. What was going on?

“Oh. Oh.”

Even Avery sounded a bit surprised to her ears.

“Tell Mrs. Tilman I said thank you. Penelope’s in good hands.”

A hand touched her sleeve. “Enjoy your evening, Miss Penelope.”

Before she could answer, Avery propelled her forward. Their footsteps sank and were muffled in thick carpeting. “What did he give you?”

“Something for tonight.”

“Well, that’s helpful.”

He chuckled. “Stand here for two seconds.”

“If your intention is to blindfold me, I’m already blind.”

He swung her around and pressed her back to a cool, solid surface. She rested her palms on his chest. The silk of his shirt was smooth beneath her fingertips and she lingered, relishing the softness of the material. With reluctance she moved on, finding his tie. She longed to explore more, but decided she may not have the willpower to stop.

His breath mingled with hers as he moved closer. “You’re rather incorrigible too.”

She wound his tie around her hand and held him in place. “You started this, remember? All you had to do was tell me the truth while you were waltzing me around the dance floor; instead, I’ve had hot, steamy sex dreams and no relief for six weeks.”

Avery swept his lips over hers in a barely-there kiss. She felt the brush of his mouth as if he’d lingered and nibbled. “Is that all?”

A click sounded to her left and she was hauled forward. The door to his condo closed behind them. Rosemary and chocolate scented the air. He pressed closer and the spiciness of his cologne wrapped around her, dragging her attention back to him.

“That’s more than enough.”

“Imagine how I’ve felt, watching you every day.” He unbuttoned her coat and brushed the garment from her shoulders. “Wanting to hold you close.” He trailed a finger along the swell of her breasts above the low neckline of her dress. “This shade of blue compliments your hair and your skin.” His lips followed the same path his finger had.

Shivers of want rippled through her and dampened her panties. Desire made her voice breathless. “Thank you.”

“Do you trust me, Penelope?”

She lifted a hand and palmed his cheek. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t.”

He threaded his fingers through her hair and tilted her head back. “Your kiss has haunted my dreams.” He moved her hand and placed it on his erection. “You’re not the only one wanting here.”

“Ave—” His mouth dropped on hers, demanding all she had to offer. She sank into his kiss, opening for him, sighing when he deepened the kiss. Penelope learned the shape of him through his slacks, but it wasn’t enough, she needed no barriers.

With practiced ease, she unbuckled his belt, unhooked his pants and fumbled with the zipper on his fly.

“Be sure,” he murmured against her cheek, before trailing kisses along her jaw and to the sensitive hollow of her shoulder.

Her answer was to plunge her hand down the waistband of his boxers and curl her fingers around his shaft. Such a contradiction. Velvet encased iron. There were some fantasies that needed to be lived.

She tore her mouth from his and dropped to her knees, shoving his underwear down as she went. A couple of shimmies later and his pants were free of his legs. His fingers tightened in her hair when she blew a stream of air across the broad smooth head. She brought the tip to her mouth and curved her tongue around it. His taste exploded on her tongue. Crisp, clean and all male. An addictive aphrodisiac and she had to have more.

A tremor ran through his body as she moved her head back and forth. She gently cupped his sac. Above her, Avery went still.

She continued her slow exploration, licking and sucking. His guttural noises and his fist in her hair, spurred her on. She wrapped a hand around his now slippery cock, timing her strokes with each intimate kiss, then drifted the other hand between her thighs, and shoved her panties aside. Her fingers delved between her dewy folds, finding her little pearl hard and ready.

She made a noise in the back of her throat as she swallowed him and flicked her fingers over her clit. He held her in place; her nose buried in the fine tangle of pubic hair before he released her and withdrew. Reluctantly, she allowed him to slide from her mouth with a final lick and kiss.

He helped her to stand, before claiming her lips. He nibbled from corner to corner leaving no doubt his intention for the evening. She opened to him, meeting and dueling with his tongue, sucking it a moment before submitting to his dominance.

“Wrap your arms around my neck, P.”

She rushed to comply, allowing her head to fall back as he kissed the slope of her throat. He lifted her, cradling her to his chest and moved forward. A moment later she was settled on a bed. Avery’s scent rose around her and he followed her down.

He swept her dress and bra strap from her shoulders, his mouth warm and moist on her skin as he kissed his way from shoulder to shoulder. For once, she was glad she wore a wraparound dress. Easy on, easy off. And he was taking his own sweet time peeling her clothes off. She moved to unknot the belt and he shackled her wrists.

“My treat. I get to unwrap the goodie,” he murmured.

A ripple of anticipation sizzled through her body, tightening her nipples. With his free hand, he untied the belt at her waist. When he jerked on the end, she shifted and felt the material pull free of its loops. She pulled her arms from her dress and it was removed from her fingers. A moment later the cloth was being wound around her wrists.

She swallowed hard. Her hands were her way of exploring the world around her. If she couldn’t touch anything, it didn’t quite exist for her.

“Do you trust me?”

He straddled her thighs, the smoothness of his slacks tickled her skin while he cupped her breasts and swiped his thumbs over her nipples. He’d asked her that before he carried her into his bedroom. She did trust him. Always had. She allowed the tension to seep from her body and settled into the bedding.

“I do.”

He leaned forward, his erection brushing her abdomen. His tie skittered over her flesh only to rest across her lips and nose as he raised her arms above her head. The slip of silk lifted from her face and he sat back. A moment later his weight left her completely and she shivered without his heat. She wiggled her legs, drawing her knees up and planting her feet on the comforter.

She could feel the weight of his scrutiny as it drifted down her body. She wondered how she looked to him? Did he find her curves sexy or wished she were thinner? She tugged on the restraints.

“What’s the matter, Penelope?”

His voice came from her left and she turned her head in that direction. “N-nothing.”

“Liar.”

Heat cruised her cheeks.

“Tell me.”

“Do you like what you see?” She held her breath, waiting for the answer. Hoping it was what she wanted to hear.

“Immensely.”

A frown tugged at the corners of her mouth. Was that enough? Somehow she expected him to elaborate. He laughed.

“And now you’re making fun of me.”

“I can show you better than I can tell you.”

“Why not do both?” The mattress dipped beside her. His hand rested on her knee before sliding down her thigh and back again. Everywhere he touched, her skin tingled. She craved more. His fingers skimmed the waistband of her panties, then trailed over the crotch. Desire danced along her damp folds and pulsed within her core. The light stroking continued and she squirmed.