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Holy hell. She took a deep breath as she got out and unlocked the back door of the bakery. He was so close she could feel his breath on the back of her neck, and her hand shook slightly.
I will not make out with him in my kitchen. I will behave myself. I will…
All coherent thought and good intentions vanished as soon as they stepped inside and Mitch’s arms went around her. He lowered his head and his lips crushed hers without hesitation.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body into his. He felt so good, smelled so good—a combination of strong, manly cologne and sugary baked goods. And his kiss was leaving her weak-kneed and breathless. His unshaven face was rough against her soft skin, and she shivered at the thought of beard burn on her flesh. It had been too long since anyone had her craving more…so much more.
Her hands slid into his hair, her fingers tugging gently as she ran them through the thick locks. Everything about him was perfect—his body, his mind, his heart. She’d found flaws in every man she’d ever dated, but no matter how deep she searched, the layers of Mitch just kept getting better and better.
And this kiss was everything.
He tightened his grip on her waist and moaned against her mouth before abruptly pulling away. “Sorry, I couldn’t wait any longer.”
She laughed, fighting to catch a breath. “No need to apologize.”
“I could see you giving yourself a stern pep talk as you climbed out of the van, but I’m glad to see it didn’t work,” he said with a teasing grin, then kissed her softly again.
She slapped his shoulder playfully. “Well, if you weren’t so tempting, it would help me hold strong to my resolve to take things slow.”
The sound of the front doorbell ringing also helped.
She sighed. “Right. I have to open a bakery now.” Reluctantly, she moved out of his embrace. “I’ll start the coffee, help yourself to anything else you want.”
“Anything?” he asked, reaching out for her hand and dragging her back toward him.
I will not have sex in my bakery. I will think of all the sanitary issues…
His hands sliding over her hips made her want to risk being shut down for a health code violation.
Ding dong!
“Oh my God! Someone better be having a diabetic crash right now.”
He laughed as he released her.
Grabbing an apron from the back of the door, she pushed through with him close behind, then panic filled her chest. Turning back around quickly, she pushed him back out of sight. “Lia’s out front,” she whispered.
“Why are you whispering? She can’t hear you.”
“I don’t want her to know you’re here. Go out the back door.”
He frowned in amusement. “She’ll find out soon enough. We can’t hide forever.” He paused and took a deep breath. “I want you to come to early Christmas with me,” he said, wrapping his arms around her again.
He what? Her mouth dropped and she continued to stare, speechless, at his smiling, gorgeous face.
Ding dong! Ding dong!
Jessica ignored the ringing. He wanted her to go to his family’s early holiday celebration? With him? A date in front of his family? Hisentirefamily? Suddenly Lia finding out wasn’t the most stressful situation facing her.
Air. She needed to breathe. A deep inhale didn’t help.
“Jess? Will you come with me?” he asked nervously.
She wanted to, but she was terrified of his family’s reaction. She knew them all so well, but they knew her as Lia’s friend Jess, Delicious Delicacies Jess, fun, friendly neighbor Jess… Now they’d see her as Mitch’s date Jess? She loved the sound of it—but would they?
He frowned. “Maybe it’s too soon…”
“No!” She flushed as she nodded. “I mean, yes, I’ll go with you, but right now, just sneak out the back. Please.” She needed more time before Lia found out. They were so happy together right now and she wasn’t ready to have anything ruin it.
