AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“In a few weeks. I’m pretty much set with equipment and inspections. I have my menu figured out and my first supplies ordered. So I’m almost ready to go.”
The waitress returned with the check and I handed her my credit card without even looking at it. I want to get out of her sooner rather than later. I’d like to continue this conversation in my car or better yet, at her place. I’m not looking for a quick lay here, but it would be nice to be able to hold her and maybe steal a kiss or two.
After adding a generous tip, I signed the final check and stood. Chloe took my proffered hand and I pulled her to her feet. I was happy when she didn’t let go and we held hands all the way out to the car.
The ride back to her house was quiet, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. If anything, it was charged with the attraction arcing between us. I pulled up in front of her townhouse and turned off the engine then shifted to face her.
“If I promise to be on my best behavior, could we continue our conversation inside?”
She nibbled on her bottom lip, seeming to contemplate her answer forever. I was equal parts thrilled and relieved when she finally said, “Yes.”
We walked in silence up the sidewalk to her porch and, with her finger poised over the keypad, glanced over her shoulder at me, seeming to reconsider her decision. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding when she smiled and punched her code in. The door unlocked with an audible click and she opened it and I followed her inside.
She walked into the living room and clicked on a table lamp, giving the room a soft glow.
“Would you like a drink?”
“No, I’m good, thank you.”
I’ve had my one drink for the night. Aside from the fact I’m driving, I don’t want alcohol
to muddy any decisions I might make.
“I’m just going to grab a glass of water,” she said. “Make yourself comfortable.”
The townhouse has an open concept, so I could see her in the kitchen. I walked over to the couch and settled onto one side, hoping she sits next to me when she returns instead of in the chair across from me.
She returned carrying two glasses and set them down on the coffee table and didn’t disappoint when she sat on the other side of the couch.
“I brought you a glass of water, just in case you get thirsty.”
“Thank you.”
Reaching down, she slipped off her sandals and rubbed her toes.
“Sit back,” I said. “Let me.”
She hesitated for a second before resting back against the arm of the couch and swinging her feet into my lap. Setting my hands on her right foot, I began a slow massage.
“So why a bakery?”
“Oh, I’ve always liked baking. My mom taught me the basics and I ran with them. Over the years, I taught myself how to decorate cakes.” She shrugged. “It’s just something I like to do. When I lost my job, the thought of going back to corporate America didn’t appeal to me. Karen’s actually the one who mentioned that I should do something with baking if I didn’t plan on going back to what I had been doing. I thought about starting it from my house to see if it took off but then just decided to jump in with both feet.”
Speaking of both feet, I switched to her left foot, giving it the same attention I’d given the right.
“You’re very good at that,” she said.
“I was a sports medicine major in college, so I learned proper massage technique.”
“That’s interesting.”
“Proper massage technique?”
“No, that you majored in sports medicine.”
“What did you plan on doing with that degree?”
“I planned on playing baseball for a living. Sports medicine was the backup plan.” I shrugged. “If baseball didn’t work out, I would have hopefully gotten a job as an athletic trainer. Maybe at a university.”
