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Stepping around the corner, the sight of him hits me, forcing a little gasp. My gaze takes him in hungrily and butterflies flap in my belly, my heart beats faster, like it always does. Tall and so broad, Drew’s muscular arms are straining the fabric of the white shirt he has on under his vest. A tattoo peaks out of the bottom of his sleeve, and I’m dying to know what it is. His stubble looks rough and I imagine him rubbing it against my skin. Shuddering, I take in his chiseled jaw, black hair, and nose that is just slightly crooked. He turns toward me and flashes a panty-drenching smile.
I want him so bad.
“Good morning, Drew. What can I get you?” I ask stupidly, already moving to make his coffee. I know his order by heart.
“Just the usual,” he replies in a deep voice that slides over me like black silk. I can feel his eyes on my ass and catch him looking as I spin to get his muffins. A sense of power rolls through me. Maybe he wants me too…
“Do you want the box for the SAR team today? Or just the coffee and cinnamon roll muffin?” I ask. Glancing up, I see a furry red head pop out of the top of Drew’s green vest, right under his chin. Sweet brown eyes look at me imploringly. “And, of course, a doggie treat for my favorite guy.”
“Your favorite guy? Well, I guess that doesn’t say much for the male population of Lustre Lake,” he says gruffly.
My cheeks heat as an embarrassed flush spreads across my face. Turning, I snag some options for Hot Dog and come around the counter with my offerings.
I hold up the blueberry donut and he turns his nose away. Next the banana-carrot doggie muffin, this one gets a sniff and another polite decline. Finally, I offer him the bacon cookie and his ears perk up, a little tongue darting out to indicate he wants this treat today.
Breaking it in half, I step closer and offer it to him. He gently takes the morsel from my fingertips and I pet his silky ears, trying not to look up at his enticing owner. Drew’s woodsy scent surrounds me, and I can feel his body heat. I want to run my fingers over his stubble, stand on tiptoes and kiss his sexy grin. But of course, I don’t do that; instead, I take a step back before Hot Dogs’ little whimpers stop me in my tracks.
“I think it’s bacon cookies for the win today. Here you go.” Reaching out, I attempt to hand it to him, but Drew’s hand comes up to brush my face instead.
I freeze. My eyes immediately dart to his bright blue ones. Awareness crackles between us as his calloused fingertips wipe across my cheek before sensually sliding down to my neck.
“You’ve got some flour right here,” he murmurs, his voice rumbling in his chest.
“Life of a baker,” my voice sounds breathy, even to me. I tip my head back, inviting him.Kiss me. Please kiss me.
The tension grows thicker, and I think for just one second that his lips will descend on mine, but then…
“Grrrr.” Hot Dog gives a little growl and Drew jumps back, guilt flashing across his face.
“I guess he wants some more. Would you please add some more to the order? And one of those little doggie muffins? We’re heading to SAR Headquarters and Jeremy told me he would be there with Blue. Don’t want that enormous monster getting grumpy.”
I nod and scoot back around the counter, gathering his order and adding a few extra apple pie scones to the box since those are Jeremy’s favorite.
“No charge today,” I say with a false cheerfulness that I hope he doesn’t pick up on.
The chime over the door tinkles, admitting my best friend Blyth, a stunning woman with long silver hair that is dyed blue at the tips. I smile in greeting.
Upon seeing her, Drew drops some cash on the counter and hustles right out the door without so much as a backward glance.
Sighing, I greet my bestie.
“Hey you, are you here for a snack or a visit?”
“Both, of course!” she chirps.
The timer on the croissants beeps in the back, so I head that way, knowing that Blyth is comfortable enough in the bakery to follow me.
Grabbing the familiar oven mitts, a wave of heat hits me as I pull them out of the oven and place them onto a cooling rack. I can feel Blyth staring holes in my back.
“Soooooooo, are you going to tell me what Mr. Tall, Dark, and Broody wanted?” she asks.
“Food and coffee,” I say in a clipped tone.
“Nothing else? It seemed like there was some tension when I came in.”
Whirling to face her, I can’t help it as the words tumble out of my mouth. “There was. We were so close and I really, really thought for a second that he was going to kiss me. But then nothing. He even touched my face.” Throwing up my hands in frustration, I continue to transfer the croissants.
“He should have gone for the butt grab.”
