Country Wishes

by RaeAnne Hadley

  “I was just thinking the same thing. I’ll get a few loaves of bread in the oven and I think we could discount what we have left from yesterday and start fresh tomorrow. I doubt it’ll be a busy day.”

  “It sounds good to me.”

  We got to work and now that I’m in my happy little bubble, my thoughts are back with Derek. The policemen probably have him in custody already and I hope Jace is safe doing whatever he has to do to stop the fire. It’s scary for me but it’s just a typical day for him.

  He must be so freaking sexy in his gear. I’ve never seen him wearing the full suit. My thoughts of Derek’s misery vanish completely when Jace shows up in my mind. It’s still unbelievable.

  I made out with him. ME! This is insane. Of course, I’m attracted to him but I never thought he could be attracted to me.

  “You have it bad, my friend.”

  “Shut up.”

  “You are smiling as if you had just won the lottery.”

  “Maybe I have.”

  I totally wan the lottery when that fine specimen of a man kissed me under the full moon. It was the best feeling I have felt in forever. He is the icing of my cupcake.

  “You are so falling for him already.”

  “Cecelia, please stop or I’m going to be a blubbery mess if it doesn’t work out. I have to keep things as grounded in reality as possible and not let my heart in too deep.”

  She stares at me for a moment, thoughtful. “I don’t think he’s going to break your heart. He has been coming here for a while, had small talks with you every chance he’s got. King has been planning this for a while.”

  King wears his name right. King of my heart and we’ve only shared one dinner and few kisses. Who am I kidding now?

  “I think he did too and I never noticed it until now. I’m oblivious I guess.”

  “You weren’t ready for it, that’s my guess.”

  I go back to my bread preparations daydreaming about Jace. Will he come over after everything is finished? Will I see his face covered in soot? That would be so sexy and manly. Hell yes.

  I put the bread in the oven and join Cecelia standing by the front windows and looking at the snow falling.

  “Whenever there was a snowstorm like this when I was a kid, I would go outside and cover the front lawn of our house with snow angels.”

  “I used to make a snowman.” I add. “Angels too though sometimes.”

  Opening the front door of the shop, she pulls me outside laughing and at the same time, we flop down on the thick layer of snow.

  “Holy crap, it’s cold out here.”

  We laugh so much my belly hurts.

  “Are you done?” She asks still moving her legs and arms in the cold fluffy snow.

  “I’m freezing. My butt is going to have frostbite.” I giggle and almost pee my pants. “Come on, let’s get back inside and I’ll make us two hot chocolates.”

  She is back up in no time while I can’t manage to get the strength as I’m laughing too much. With her hands locked around my wrist, she pulls me back on my feet.

  “It’s good to be a kid sometimes.”

  The two firefighters left at the Hopeful Fire Department, Ladder 12 are watching us wondering what’s going on.

  “We’re okay, don’t worry.” I wave at them.

  “At least, they are smiling.” Cecelia pushes me inside and it’s so good to feel the warmth seep into my bones again. “Today is turning out a lot better than I thought.”

  “I should send you home to be with your daughter. It’s not busy enough for both of us to have to be here.”

  She shrugs. “I can’t say no to that, but I want my hot chocolate first.”

  “Duh, of course.”

  I get the milk warm enough and add just the right amount of cocoa and sugar and few pieces of marshmallow.

  “There you go.”

  “Thank you, future Mrs. King.”

  I almost drop my cup. “Cecelia, don’t say that. It’s way too soon and I said I would never marry again.”

  “As if you could resist him if he gets down on one knee.”

  “Oh, please stop, we’ve only kissed so far. We didn’t do anything more and I still have so much to learn about him.”

  “You are already considering it though and I call that progress.” She hugs me. “I’m just giving you a hard time but seeing you this happy after only one date is amazing.”

  “Take a cupcake to go for your daughter.”

  “Nice try, don’t change the subject. Why won’t you admit that he makes you feel good?”

  I roll my eyes. She won’t let it go, she wants to hear it from me. “You surely know by now that he makes me feel a good deal of happiness. Isn’t that good enough for now?”

  “Yes.” She nods toward the station across the street.

  One of the trucks is coming back. I wonder if Jace is back now.

  Cecelia grabs two cupcakes. “Put the other one on my tab.”

  “Just take it.”

  We drink our hot chocolate in silence. Well, let’s say that I’m too busy focusing on what’s going on over at the station to keep up an intelligent conversation.

  “I bet he’s going to come running over here the minute he’s back.”

  “I hope so.”

  I never cared much when I saw them leave for an emergency before but now, it makes me anxious. He'd better be back in one piece soon.

  Chapter Five

  It’s getting late and I didn’t have more than two handfuls of customers after Cecelia left. I sold a lot of my discounted cakes and pies and my fresh baked bread was gone in a matter of two hours. This time, I’m bringing home a cake and cupcakes. I haven’t heard from Jace since he called earlier and that’s fine. He was busy working, that much I know.

  The city road crew cleared the sidewalks but snow is already accumulating again. I’m out of breath by the time I reach my apartment. Climbing the stairs with two boxes filled with desserts in more than I can handle. A lack of sleep never does me any good and my legs are starting to hurt from the hiking I did yesterday. I hadn’t thought about that when I tried to prove Jace wrong.

  Finally home, I place the boxes on the counter before removing my boots.

  “Good idea, Bexley, now there’s snow everywhere.”

  I clean up my mess and I’m ready to lay claim to my bed already.

  The leftovers from last night are calling my name, I’m hungry and cold.

  Pastas are going to be perfect if only Jace could show up here to share them with me. I asked for a sign and so far, I haven’t seen one. The legend of the wishing well is probably bullshit anyway.

  Whatever...

  If I learned anything today that is Derek is a lost cause and I hope his family is going to save him rather than inherit him. Deep down, he’s a good man but with the alcohol addiction, he got lost along the way.

  The doorbell chimes, interrupting my thoughts.

  I push the button on the intercom. “Who’s this?”

  “Flower delivery, ma’am.”

  “OK.” I push the button to unlock the door.

  Flowers? The last time I had flowers it was my wedding day.

  “Good evening, Ma’am.” He gives me a large bouquet of red roses and a red box.

  “You deliver flowers after hours now?”

  “Not usually, Ma’am but Mr. King can be quite persuasive.”

  “I’m sorry you had to come here with all the snow out there.” I feel bad for the poor guy.

  “It’s my pleasure. You have a good evening now.”

  “Thank you and you as well.”

  He turns around and goes down the stairs while I lock my door again.

  I remove the wrapping paper around the bouquet and place the bouquet in my largest glass because I don’t have a vase. Why would I need a vase? It’s not like I ever get any flowers? I say to myself remembering the vase I left behind at Derek’s house.

  Twenty-four red roses. It’s too much but they are s
o pretty.

  I take the red card out from the arrangement and tear the envelope to read what it says.

  Bexley,

  Last night was everything to me.

  I hope the feeling is mutual.

  I’ll stop by tonight.

  Jace

  I read the card at least five times in a row and turn it around to see more red roses printed on the card.

  Maybe that’s my sign. It’s red. It has to do with Jace.

  Wow! Could this be it? Is the wishing well real?

  Really?

  I’m in shock. I open the second box and nestled inside are six strawberries dipped in milk chocolate. There’s also a card on it.

  Tonight, I’m bringing dessert.

  “Oh my God!”

  The temptation to eat one, and by one I mean all of them is strong but my mind goes in a different direction. What if I feed Jace a strawberry before kissing him? That sounds perfect. I’ll wait.

  Before he gets here, I’ll try to shower and change into clean clothes. Nothing too fancy because I’m no princess and comfort always wins.

  My phone rings and jolts me from my fantasy. Jace.

  “Hello.”

  “Bexley. It’s Jace. Are you home?”

  “Jace, thank you so much for the flowers and strawberries.”

  “It’s nothing. I missed you and guessed that you probably had a rough day so...”

  “It’s all better now.”

  His voice in my ear is the apex of my day. Amazing!

  “Can you unlock the door? I’m downstairs, on my way up.”

  “Already?”

  “Yeah, I couldn’t wait to see you.” The soft sound of his chuckle melts my heart.

  I unlock the door and wait for him to reach the top of the stairs.

  In a bright red hoodie and dark wash blue jeans, he looks handsome. Sexy as hell, too. And its RED, that’s gotta be another sign, right?

  “Hey, beautiful.” He says and my heart sings.

  “Hey, sexy.” I say back and regret it right away.

  “Sexy, huh? I’m not even trying.” He meets me climbing the stairs two at a time.

  “You don’t need to try, you just are naturally.”

  His lips crash on mine as soon as he walks in. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be here sooner.”

  “It’s okay.” I know what kept him busy all day. This is work for him and it is clear that he has had his hands full with the fire.

  “I’m sorry about the shit day you probably had.” The compassion he shows me in this moment touches me.

  “It’s okay.” I repeat. “You’re here now. Plus, you spoiled me rotten already.”

  “I couldn’t stop thinking about you. All day, when I should have been focusing on work, all I could think about was you.”

  “Sorry?” I bit my lips.

  “Don’t be sorry, please.” He kisses me again. This time, his cold hands come up to cup my cheeks as he holds me in place.

  “Are you okay? You had a long day, you must be exhausted.”

  He smiles. “I’m okay.”

  “I was about to warm up the leftovers from yesterday. Are you hungry?”

  He nods and follows close behind into the kitchen. His arms come around my waist while I place the pasta in the microwave.

  “Do they have him now?” I ask because I need to know.

  “Yes, they do.” It’s all I needed to hear. “Don’t worry about it. He’s taken care of.”

  “Good.” I lean back against him and relax while the food is warming up. “I just want to stay like this.”

  “Then, do.” He holds me tighter. “Is it okay that I’ve missed you today?”

  “Absolutely. Cecelia is pretty thrilled about us. I mean, I don’t know what the future holds for us but she likes the idea.”

  “And, what about you?”

  I take a moment to answer. “The fact that I’m beyond happy to see you here tonight says a lot about how I feel. I know you are a good man, caring, gentle and you have such a sexy voice. I bet you can seduce any woman you want with just your voice and looks. What we have now, I’m interested.” Small kisses pepper my neck. “I'm interested too… Most definitely.” More kisses land on my neck.

  “Jace... the food is ready.”

  He takes the plate and places it on the table. I grab us some forks and we sit side by side at the table. We start eating from the same plate.

  “You’ll be pleased to note I have desserts this time. I’m prepared for your sweet tooth.”

  “Why? Didn’t you like our impromptu visit at the bakery?”

  “I did, very much. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that night but I would rather have privacy now and stay out of the public eye. I may have spies.”

  “I think we do.”

  I sigh. “That’s the only way Derek could have found out.”

  “I don’t regret it, even after the day I had.”

  A wave of joy crests over me. “Am I really worth the trouble?”

  “Yes. Without a doubt.” He feeds me a forkful of lasagna. “I’m here right now with you.”

  “I was hoping you would come over tonight.” I admit with a grin tugging up my lips.

  “Did you bring cupcakes?”

  I start laughing even with my mouth full. I nod. “And more.”

  He kisses my cheek. “You’re a keeper.”

  “So are you.” So far.

  Out of nowhere, Jace gets his sexy booty up and take his hoodie off. All I’m thinking is please God, tell me he has a shirt on underneath or I’m going to choke on this pasta or pass out. “It’s really hot in here.” At least I’m certain he is capable of doing lifesaving mouth-to-mouth breathing if necessary. Jesus Christ, I’ve got to steer my thoughts in a different direction before my ovaries implode.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Maybe I shouldn’t dress so sexy. It would give you a break.” Not a second passes before I regret saying that. That should have stayed in my head. I’m wearing the bakery shirt and black jeans, this isn’t sexy. It isn’t even casual.

  Laughing out loud, Jace is losing a battle between his hoodie and T-shirt which doesn’t seem ready to part ways.

  That’s it, he’s going to end up shirtless in the middle of my kitchen and I’m going to have so many dirty thoughts in my head. I have to look elsewhere but I can’t. My neck is locked in his direction.

  “Do you need help?” I offer. Any reason to touch him is good.

  “Oh fuck it.” He says removing both tops at the end.

  Shirtless firefighter alert! Tattoos, muscles, abs, muscles, abs, tattoos, muscles, abs...

  “Bexley, are you drooling?” He lowers his eyes to my level. “You’re cute, you know that?”

  “Cute? I look like a grandma next to you. What are you saying, abs of steel? I don’t understand how you can eat all those cupcakes and still look this way? Are you even eating them?” I ask giggling.

  “I’m saying I don’t want a woman with abs of steel. I want a woman who’s real, soft and with curves. You are the woman I’ve been desiring for a long time now.”

  “You are in a really good shape.”

  “I work out a lot when I’m at the station, there’s a lot of downtime when we are on call. That’s all.” He pulls his T-shirt from his hoodie and hides all the perfectness from my amazed eyes.

  “Stay like this.” Wait, what? “If you’re too hot I mean.”

  The pink on his cheeks is turning into a rosy glow. “It’s okay. I’ll be all better now.”

  I manage to get more pasta into my mouth before my brain decides to add more stupidity to our conversation.

  He sits back next to me and this time, I feed him a bite.

  “Do you have any plans for after dinner?” He asks.

  “No, I mean, it’s not like we could go anywhere. It’s like the North Pole out there.”

  “It is, but we can’t let that stop us from having the time of our life.”

  “Jace.” I say his name out of spe
echlessness.

  “The bowling alley isn’t far.”

  “Why not stay inside tonight?” More snow is coming and I prefer to stay warm for now. “I have more sweets if you want more later.” The fact that I’m a baker might ruin his perfect silhouette. I might have used a different approach if I don’t want to make a Homer Simpson body out of him.

  “If one day I’m diabetic, it’s on you.” See? I think he sees right through what I’m doing.

  “Jace, control and moderation is everything in life.” That makes me sound like such a grown-up. It’s unreal.

  “What if I can’t keep it when I’m around you?”

  Does he mean control? Jace can’t control himself when he’s around me? Is that right or am I going insane?

  “Oh, you are a strong man, King, I’m pretty sure you can control yourself around me.” My face heats up. He affects me as well.

  “You make me want to live and do crazy things.”

  I smile because it flatters me. “You are a firefighter, you do crazy things every day, I bet.”

  He shrugs. “Take the compliment. You are driving me crazy.” Jace looks away for a second and then, looks back into my eyes. “Pack a bag, and bring the dessert. We’re going to my place.”

  “What?” I feel the panic rise down in my heart. “I’m not sure I heard you right.”

  “Pack a bag, the weather’s bad. If it gets worse, you can sleep over at my place. I have a comfortable couch or a guest room.”

  I nod and stay at the table as if both of my legs were paralyzed. This is major. By asking me to pack a bag, we’ve skipped at least 5 steps. This is living dangerously. Hello Bexley, it’s the age of dangerous. I’ve been locked in a home taking care of an alcoholic most of my life. Now, it’s time I take some risks. “O-Okay. Sure. Pack a bag. That’s simple enough.”

  I get up from my chair and almost fall flat on my face.

  “Bexley, we can stay here if you prefer. Going to my place isn’t worth a panic attack.”

  “I’m not having a panic attack, you simply took me by surprise.” I manage to shake it off and pack the damn bag. Cute pajamas and a change of clothes for tomorrow. “You do realize that I have to be at the bakery in the morning?” I say out loud from my bedroom.

  Steps echo through the living room and I see Jace come down the hallway and then, lean against my bedroom doorframe smiling like he’s some kind of romance novel cover model. “I think I know, Bexley and I do have an alarm clock.”