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He arched a brow and crossed his arms over his chest. “Should I be worried?”
“Now that all depends on how obedient you can be, doesn’t it?”
Jake bent at the knees and picked her up, holding her against his chest as he started toward the bathroom. “You have a mean streak in you, princess, but you aren’t a dominatrix.”
“What makes you say that?”
“According to my research, and I had a lot of time this week to research, you’re a switch. Someone who likes to both submit and dominate.”
“You’re right, but you’re the first man I’ve ever submitted to.”
Jake stopped in midstride and stared down at the woman in his arms. “And I’ll be the last,” he murmured before kissing her once more. As she melted against him, peace stole through him. Yeah, this is what he’d ached for all week.
“Jake?”
“Hmm?” he mumbled as he walked into the bathroom and placed her on the counter, then turned and flipped on the light.
“That bird you showed me. The hawk. Did you call the park ranger?”
He nodded, hating to have to tell her something that was sure to upset her. “They can’t let the bird go. She’s healed, but she can’t fly.”
She slumped and crossed her arms over her middle. “I see. Thanks for asking.”
Jake went to her and wrapped his arms around her shoulders, holding her close. “I’m sorry, baby.”
“It’s okay. Maybe we could visit her again though.”
“Of course. We can go over there tomorrow, after the barbeque.”
She pushed at his chest and he relaxed his hold enough to see her looking up at him. “I forgot to tell you. They caught the guy using my computer. Or the kid rather. He’s the son of one of the janitors. He’s only sixteen, but he’s been breaking into some of the other offices, stealing money and office supplies. When some pretty expensive stuff went missing, one of the business owners decided to set up a hidden camera. They caught him stealing a few thousand dollars worth of office equipment. He’s in quite a bit of trouble.”
Jake kissed the top of her head. “I’m damn relieved it’s over.”
Roni smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Me too.”
“Now,” he growled, “back to us.”
She snuggled closer and sighed. “Yeah, back to us.”
“First I’m going to wash every inch of this hot little body,” he promised, “then I’m going to let you use me.”
“Mmm, I can’t wait.”
He winked. “Me either, princess.”
Jake stepped out of her arms, then turned to adjust the shower. When he stepped inside and held out his hand, Roni slid off the counter and came toward him, a wicked gleam in her eyes. Jake knew if he lived to be a hundred years old that look would still drive him wild.
Tasty Treats
1
When the chimes over the door jangled, Jeanette’s gaze darted to the front, anticipating the arrival of
Mr. Motorcycle Man. Disappointment rocketed through her when a couple of teenage girls pushed through the door instead, giggling while they texted. I’m pathetic. Every morning the hunk came into her café, sat at the same table, and drank the same thing, and yet she couldn’t bring herself to even ask his name.
Cory, the new waitress she’d hired a few weeks ago, went over to take the girls’ orders and Jeanette went back to writing checks. She loved her coffee shop. When her Aunt Rhonda had died and left her a sizable inheritance, Jeanette had been dumb-founded. She hadn’t gotten to know her reclusive aunt well and she’d felt terrible. She couldn’t imagine why, of all people, her aunt had chosen her as the beneficiary.
The idea to open her own little café had sprouted when she’d talked to Roni and Lydia. They’d encouraged her to put her baking skills to good use. As she looked around The Coffee House, a spurt of pride shot through her. She’d taken her time deciding how to decorate. From the very beginning she’d known that it would need to have a trendy art deco feel, but she also wanted to use the small space. She had a few corners set up as conversation areas. Situated in one corner was an old, rust-colored love seat and matching chair she’d found at a garage sale. In another corner stood a bookshelf, filled with everything from poetry to romance to English mysteries. A pair of wingback chairs and a little round walnut table between them made for the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a good book with your coffee. A mishmash of tables and chairs were scattered throughout the main area. She’d hung paintings by local artists on the walls and added Wi-Fi, because really, what would a coffee shop be without it? The look she’d envisioned had come together brilliantly.
