I swallow hard and then smile bravely. “Rain check.”
“I’m sorry,” he repeats.
“Matt, this is just how it is. You’re a cop. I’m proud of you. Go do your job.”
He sighs and hugs me close, rocking back and forth for a moment before planting his lips on my forehead and taking a deep breath.
“I’ll call you later,” he murmurs.
“Sounds good.”
He kisses me once more and then heads out to his car.
“I should probably go, too,” I announce when I walk back out onto the deck.
“Can I have a word with you before you go?” Brynna asks.
“Of course,” I reply and reclaim my chair.
“Do you mind if I stay?” Caleb asks.
I look between their faces, both sober and serious, and I start to feel very nervous. This is where they tell me I’m not good enough for him.
“I don’t mind,” I reply softly.
“I just have to offer you a little advice,” Brynna informs me. “I was married to a cop. The twins’ biological dad,” she adds at my look of surprise. “It’s not easy, Nic. Don’t ask him to choose between you and his job. Neither choice would make him happy.”
“I would never do that,” I reply with a scowl. “And the fact that you’d say that says that you don’t think very highly of me.”
“That’s not true,” Brynna disagrees with a shake of her head. “I’m just warning you that cops aren’t easy to be involved with. And, honestly, I’m not trying to sound like a bitch, which I just realized, I kind of am. Matt is one of the best men I’ve ever known. He’s done a lot for my family, Nic. Including knocking some sense into this one.” She points at Caleb with her thumb and offers me a small smile. “I love him. I just don’t want him to get hurt.”
“He’ll never make you think that you take a back seat to the job,” Caleb adds.
“I have no complaints about Matt’s job,” I reply honestly. “I’m proud of him. He’s a good cop. I know it’s demanding, and I’m sure there will be times that it’s damn inconvenient, but it is what it is.”
I shrug, and both Brynna and Caleb seem to visibly relax.
“I like you,” Caleb comments. “I think you’re very good for my brother.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. “I hope you’re right.”
***
I can’t stop thinking about him. I lay my e-reader on the end table and rub my eyes with the pads of my fingers.
I have no idea how long I’ve been staring at the same paragraph, thinking about Matt. I haven’t heard from him yet, but that doesn’t surprise me. If he got called in, he’s busy.
How is it that I miss having him here in my bed with me and we’ve only been seeing each other for such a short time? Maybe he’d read to me, or watch a movie.
Or make love.
My body flares at the thought, and I shift my hips, rubbing my legs together, trying to ease the ache between them.
I want him.
Finally, I pick up my phone and send him a text.
Please get out of my head. I’m trying to sleep.
I watch the phone intently for several minutes, and finally he responds.
You’re always in my head. Are you okay?
I grin and begin to type.
Yes, I’m fine. Miss u. Wish u were here. I’m naked.
I giggle and roll onto my belly, waiting impatiently for his response.
Killing me. Are you wet?
Been thinking of u, so YES!
I bite my lip, watching my phone. After a few minutes, it rings.
“Hello?”
“You’re killing me, baby.”
“I thought we were going to have fun text sex,” I reply with a giggle.
“I needed to hear your voice.” He sounds tired. Frustrated.
“Tough night?”
“Yeah, and it’s going to be a long one. Asher and I will be working through the day tomorrow, too.”
“Do you still want the cupcakes you mentioned this morning?” I ask and roll back over, staring at the ceiling.
“Definitely. That might be the only time I get to see you tomorrow.”
“I’ll have them ready for you,” I promise him.
“Back to the subject at hand.”
I hear his grin, and I can’t help but smile back and clutch the phone a little tighter.
“You say you’re wet?”
“And horny as hell,” I reply.
“What are you doing about that?” His voice has gone soft as velvet, but it’s also taken on that edge it gets when he slips into his bedroom Dom mode, and heat immediately floods my body.
“I wasn’t doing anything about it yet,” I reply, my voice harsh now.
“I want you to spread those soft thighs of yours and plunge two fingers inside yourself. Now.”
I follow his direction and groan at the erotic feeling of having his voice in my ear and my own fingers deep inside me.
“Matt,” I groan.
“Now rub the ball of your hand over your clit. Hard, baby.”
I moan and rub my clit vigorously as I move my fingers in and out of me quickly. Fuck me, just the sound of his voice sends me out of my mind.
“Babe, I’m gonna come,” I moan.
“I need you to come fast for me, little one, and I’ll finish the job myself tomorrow night. That’s a promise.”
“Oh God.”
“I’m going to tie you up and lick you from head to toe, Nic. Would you like that?”
“Holy shit,” I moan and come apart at the seams, thrashing, my legs rubbing against each other, draining every ounce of pleasure from my clit I possibly can.
“That’s my girl,” he croons in my ear. “Good girl.”
“I miss you,” I choke out. I love you!
“Tomorrow night, I promise.”
“Okay.” I take a deep breath and then laugh. “That was fun.”
“For you. I’m going to have to take a minute before I go back into the office so Asher doesn’t get a look at the wood I’m sporting.”
I giggle and roll onto my side. “If I was there, I could take care of that for you.”
“God, stop talking like that, baby.”
“Are you alone?”
“Yes.”
“Does the door lock?”
“Are you suggesting I jack off in a storage closet?” he asks in surprise.
“I would love to hear you come,” I whisper.
“I’ll come for you all night tomorrow night, sweetheart.”
I grin. “I can’t wait.”
“Good night, love.”
“Good night.” Love.
Chapter Fourteen
“There’s someone at the door,” Anastasia announces as she walks into the kitchen. “We still have twenty minutes before we open, but he says he knows you and to check your phone.”
I pull my phone out of my pocket and see two texts.
Asher and I will be at the shop in 30.
We are at the front door. Your faithful employee doesn’t trust that I know you.
I run out to unlock the door for them, grinning when I see Matt leaning his ass on the glass, dressed in jeans and a blue button-down that I know matches his eyes.
His ass looks amazing in jeans.
He turns and smiles at me as I unlock the door, step back to let him and Asher in, and then lock the deadbolt again.
“Sorry we’re early,” Asher says as he saunters over to the glass case to ogle the treats inside.
“You’re fine,” I reply. “Anastasia, this is Matt and Asher.”
“Sorry.” She blushes and shrugs. “I just don’t feel comfortable opening the door early to people I don’t recognize.”
“You did the right thing,” Asher assures her.
“How are you?” Matt asks softly and cups my cheek in his hand.
“Happy to see you,” I reply and turn my face to press a kiss to his warm palm. God, I’m so mushy.
“Keep that up and I’ll have you tied up in that apron and against the wall of your kitchen in one minute,” he whispers into my ear before kissing my cheek and pulling back, grinning wolfishly.
“Promises, promises,” I tease. “I have your cupcakes ready to go.” Keeping his hand in mine, I lead him to the kitchen, where his boxes are waiting for him. “I hope everyone likes them.”
“They’ll love them. The guys are becoming addicted to these. You just might put the doughnut industry out of business yet.” He winks, and I glow under his praise.
“From your lips to God’s ears.” I nod. “Leo’s article will hopefully draw more people in, too.”
“Leo’s article?” he asks with a raised brow.
“Yeah, he said that he mentioned my shop in an interview. Shocked the hell out of me.”
“Huh.” Matt nods approvingly. “That’s cool.”
“You look tired.” I push my fingers through his soft hair and rub the muscles at the base of his neck. “Did you catch any sleep?”
“Not really.” He sighs and rubs his hand over his face and then studies me for a moment. “I’m sorry about last night.”
“Stop apologizing. Seriously, it’s okay, babe. I missed you, but you have a kick-ass job where you fight crime and defend the American dream.” I grin up at him as he smirks.
“Uh, something like that.” He pulls me into his arms for a big hug.
There’s nothing sexual about this, aside from the sparks of awareness that shoot through me whenever he touches me. Instead, he seems to be soothing both of us. His hands glide down my back and rest at my waist, holding me tightly against him. He buries his nose in my neck and breathes deep. “I’d like to come to your place when I’m done tonight.”
“I’d like that, too,” I agree without hesitation. “I’ll make you dinner and everything.”
He chuckles and kisses the top of my head. “That’s the best offer I’ve had in months. Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me until you’ve had my mediocre cooking,” I warn him. “I can bake like a champ, but cooking isn’t really my strong suit.”
“I can cook.” Matt shrugs, but I shake my head adamantly no.
“No way, detective. You’ll have worked a twenty-four-hour shift. I’ll feed you.”
I pass his boxes to him and lead him out of the kitchen just as Asher hangs up his phone with a curse.
“Abby canceled on me for today. What the fuck?”
“Who’s Abby?” I ask, looking between both men in confusion.
“My babysitter,” Asher replies and swears again, combing through his phone. “She has a family emergency and can’t watch Casey today.”
I frown at Matt, but he shakes his head discreetly, as though he’ll fill me in later.
“You don’t have anyone else to watch him?” I ask.
“Her,” Asher corrects me absentmindedly. “Casey is my daughter. And no, I don’t have anyone else.”
“I can watch her,” I offer.
“You’re working,” Asher replies, frowning as his head whips up.
“Well, the last time I checked, I own the joint, so I can invite anyone I wish.” I offer him a big smile and wink at Anastasia, who nods in agreement. “How old is Casey?”
“Nine,” he replies. “She’s a good kid. She’ll probably just bury her nose in her iPod and stay out of your hair.”
“We’d love to have her. Can Abby drop her off here?”
Matt grins and leans his hip against my counter, crosses his arms, watching us both.
“I’ll text and ask her,” Asher replies, relieved. “Are you sure about this?”
“Of course.” I wave him off and walk to the door to unlock it. It’s time to open for the day. “She’ll be fine here.”
“Abby says she’ll have her here in about ten minutes. Thanks, Nic. Really.”
“My pleasure. I could use the extra help.” I chuckle and am shocked to find myself caught up in a bear hug from a very strong, handsome Asher. “Whoa!”
“Watch your hands, partner,” Matt warns him.
“You’re the best.” Asher sets me back on my feet and kisses my cheek. “Dump that asshole and marry me.”
Matt’s eyes narrow and darken and his lips firm, but he stays where he is, watching.
“Sorry, handsome.” I pat his cheek and back out of his embrace. “I’m content with what I have.”
“Damn.” He smiles ruefully.
***
“You’ll love the strawberry ones,” Casey assures a customer, carefully placing four of the cupcakes in a white box, her tongue held between her pink lips in concentration. Casey is adorable. Where her father has dark hair and eyes, Casey has long, curly red hair, green eyes and freckles all over her perky little nose. Her skin is perfect, soft and pink.
She looks like a porcelain doll and is going to give the boys a run for their money one day.
“Thank you, young lady,” the elderly customer says with a grin and then takes his treats to Anastasia to pay.
“You’re welcome,” she replies politely.
“You’re a natural at this,” I inform her. “Want a job?”
She giggles and pats her white apron that is roughly four sizes too big for her small body. “I’m too young to work.”
“I guess so,” I agree with an exaggerated sigh. “But one day, you’ll be great at this.”
She smiles widely, showing off a missing tooth. “I’m glad I got to come here today instead of staying with Abby.”
“You don’t like Abby?” I ask as I rearrange the almost-empty glass case.
“I love her, but sometimes it’s boring.” She pouts a bit and then jumps in, helping me.
I smile to myself and step slightly to my right, making room for her.
“We just hang out at her house and watch TV all day. Summer is boring.”
“Does your dad do stuff with you on his day off?” I ask. I wonder where her mom is!
“Yeah, Dad’s days off are the best. But he works a lot.” She shrugs and eyes the strawberry cupcakes. She’s already had two today.
“You can take all of the strawberry ones that are left home with you today,” I say, earning a big smile. “We’ll consider it your pay for all of your help.”
“Wow! Thank you!” She hugs my waist tightly. “They are my favorite.”
“I’m going to lock the door, Nic,” Anastasia says.
“Sounds good, thanks.”
“We’re closing already?” Casey asks with a frown.
“Yep, it’s closing time. But I have to mix some frosting for tomorrow morning. Do you want to help?”
“Yes!” She races into the kitchen, eager to help.
“I think you have a new best friend.” Anastasia laughs. “I’ll handle the cleanup out here so you can get prepped for tomorrow.”
“Thanks. Just let me know if you need me.”
I walk into the kitchen to find Casey waiting for me by my large stainless steel work station.
The same one that Matt made love to me on just a few weeks ago.
“Okay, let’s get to work.”
I hand her ingredients and bowls, and she and I work together, measuring and mixing. She’s funny and sharp as a tack, catching on quickly.
“Justin Bieber is so not cool anymore,” she says with an eye roll. “Austin Mahone is hot.”
“He’s hot?” I ask with a laugh. “Aren’t you too young to think that anyone is hot?”
“Yes, definitely,” Asher replies as he and Matt walk into the kitchen.
“Daddy!” She thrusts the bowl she’s holding into my hands and runs to her father, jumping into his arms. “I’m a worker bee now!”
“You are?” he asks with a laugh.
“That’s what Nic said. Right, Nic?”
“You’re an excellent worker bee,” I agree, nodding my head.
“Were
you a good girl?” Asher asks her.
“I helped all day! Nic let me serve customers and make frosting and I met Leo Nash!”
“Leo stopped in this morning,” I add, laughing. “She thought that was pretty cool.”
Casey smiles and nods and hugs her dad, then squirms out of his arms and hugs Matt around the waist. “Hi, Uncle Matt.”
“Hi, munchkin.” He squats next to her and tweaks her nose. “I’m glad you had fun today.”
“Can I come back tomorrow?” she asks as she throws her arms around Matt’s neck, hugging him tightly.
“No, you’ll be back with Abby tomorrow,” Asher replies.
“Oh.” Casey pulls out of Matt’s arms and looks at me with longing.
I’m such a sucker.
“Maybe, if your dad says it’s okay, you can come here once a week, as a treat.”
“Can I, Daddy?” She clasps her hands together over her chest and bounces on the balls of her feet. “Please?”
“Nic, you don’t have to…”
“I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t like having her here,” I reply honestly. “She’s a joy, Asher. I would love to spend a day with her each week, at least until summer is over.”
Asher looks at Matt, who just smiles and shrugs, staying out of it.
“Please, Daddy?”
“If you really don’t mind, Casey would love it,” Asher begins hesitantly. “But I don’t want to impose.”
“Nonsense.” I turn back to my frosting, bag it up and put it in the fridge. “She’s a big help. The customers love her. And”—I hand Casey her box full of leftover strawberry cupcakes—“she works for cupcakes. We all win here.”
“Well, then, I think you two have a standing date.”
“Thank you!” Casey hands her father her box, and I barely have time to stoop to catch her as she throws herself into my arms. She’s so slender, so sweet. She smells like vanilla and shampoo, and I hug her tightly for just a moment.
“You’re welcome, sweetie. I’ll see you next week, okay?”
“Okay!”
“Let’s go, bubba.” Asher takes Casey’s hand and waves to us. “I’ll see you on Thursday, Matt.”
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