Slowly, he touched her shoulder with an awkward gesture of support.
Comforting someone wasn’t something he was used to handling, unlike out-of-controlled fires or the occasional elderly lady needing his help. His normal rigid routine excluded emotions of the heart or outward bursts of happiness.
His hand, however, had a mind of its own and traveled south along with all the blood pumping in his body. She stiffened and peered up at him through lowered lashes when she realized something hard had formed between his legs. Biting her bottom lip, she looked down.
Fuck. He was one hundred percent all American man. What did she expect? She stepped backwards, putting space between them. A little less enthusiastic than before, maybe, but nonetheless happy at the same time. She was leery of him. She should be. If she could read his mind and knew what he wanted in that moment, she would run fast and far.
“You are an amazing man! Thank you so much for insisting on coming with me and introducing me to Tom. If you hadn’t put in a good word, he wouldn’t have given me the time of day. You were right. You have no idea what this means to me.”
Smoky got closer to her and nuzzled her hand with her snout. She hesitantly patted her head, and before long, a genuine smile formed on Elise’s lips.
“Look at you. Look how far that scared little woman has come in only three weeks’ time. I told you she wasn’t that bad once she gets to know ya.”
“Whatever, Caden. She’s still a big-ass dog.”
“Just like her owner,” Caden chimed in with a knowing smirk. “Wanna grab a cup of coffee or something? The Purple Polka Dot is just around the corner. The owner, Amy, makes some of the best chocolate eclairs this side of the modern world, and she even knows how to brew a mean cup of coffee to go along with it.”
“Are you kidding me? I would love something sweet right about now. You buying?”
“If that’s what it takes to get you to agree, then I guess so.” Caden grinned and released a shrill whistle. Smoky ran back from the end of the quaint little town’s block. “Let’s go.”
Chapter 6
Fate be dammed.
The weight of his stare heightened the surprise that built on her normally unreadable features. Delight and interest quickly raced across her face, and excitement filled her body.
The Purple Polka Dot was not what she had expected. It was a quaint little bakery tucked back on the corner of the town square. The pebbled sidewalk entrance led right up to welcoming French doors. It felt like you were entering a private home, not a place of business. The complete opposite of the surrounding coastal beach town with old mossy oaks and cattails swaying in the breeze.
Lakeview boasted a hometown feeling to people visiting the area. The cafe instantly transported those visitors to another time and place.
Caden explained how Amy had transformed the town’s soda fountain shop into her dream bakery. She’d blended bits and pieces of the old and created its new hip vibe appealing to young as well as older patrons. Inside the block walls were intricately hand-painted murals that evoked a peaceful atmosphere of stepping into an orchard with rolling green hills.
Elise inhaled a deep, intoxicating breath and drooled. Her nose twitched at the mouthwatering aroma of chocolate filling the air. “Mmmm. Chocolate,” she whispered as they were shown to a table top in the back corner of the shop.
A young woman took their order. Minutes later, a thirty-something stout woman wearing a gingerbread apron bustled toward them carrying cups of delicious-smelling coffee. She beamed at Caden and placed the steaming-hot coffee on the table in front of them.
“Here you go, Caden. I just knew it was you when Jessica gave me the order. You do realize you’re the only person who orders their coffee with goat’s milk, right?”
He chuckled, drawing Elise’s attention. “You messed up when you mentioned it the first time I came in here. It’s something I picked up overseas, and I just can’t go back to drinking it the old way.”
“Nah, I just know what’s good.” Amy lifted her brow inquisitively at Elise. “And who would this lovely young woman you have sitting next to you be?”
“Hi, I’m Elise.” She smiled and offered Amy her hand. “I just moved to town, and Caden is showing me the ropes and introducing me around. He helped get me a gig with Tom at BJ’s, bartending on the weekends. Something I’ve done before. I start this week. Any who, we’re here celebrating.”
“Nice to meet you, honey. Good luck with the job. Tom’s a good man to work for.” She pointed to where Smoky had lain down beside Elise. “I see Smoky has taken to you already. She’s a regular here. I can’t keep enough peanut butter biscuits for the mutt. I’ve told Caden that Smoky eats more than all the other critters I feed around here,” Amy joked and started to leave. “I’ll let ya’ll enjoy your coffee. Pastries are coming up. You are in luck today. I just took a batch out of the oven. It’s like you have a keen sense when it comes to my freshest pastries, Caden. Be right back.”
“You’re in for a treat.” Caden stared intently at her.
Elise had noticed him quietly checking her out the same way during the last few weeks. Positive he was sizing her up. Too bad for him, she was a forward, frank, doesn’t-take-any-flak kinda gal. Nothing he was used to, she was sure of it. She believed life waited for no one. You fight and never stop. You rest when you’re dead.
“You keep saying.” Her gaze searched the exits, rotating back and forth from the windows to the door. Amy returned from the kitchen with a large platter of goodies, interrupting her focus.
“Just like you like them, honey. Hot and fresh from the oven,” Amy boasted. “Y’all let me know if you need anything else.”
“Ladies first. Open up,” Caden ordered and picked the top pastry off the plate.
Baffled and surprised, she froze, paralyzed by his deep, masculine voice. The carnal way he looked at her made her question what had changed between them.
“C’mon, small bite, Elise.” He reached across the tiny space to offer her the first taste. She grabbed his hand, and a spark of electricity passed between them at the touch. Halting midway, they shared a moment of raw, unbridled desire. She guided his hand the rest of the way to her mouth. Her pink tongue peeked out to moisten her lower lip, and she slowly opened for a bite of the flakey delicacy.
Perfect white teeth clamped down on his fingers followed by her plush lips as she got her first taste of him and the sweet treat. The moment the warm delicious flavor touched her taste buds, she closed her eyes and moaned. Chocolate oozed from the center, leaving a trail.
She released his hand but kept her eyes shut until every last bit of the fluffy sweetness was swallowed.
“Fucking hell, you weren’t kidding when you said she made the best stuff. I’ve got a party going on in my mouth, a little bit of heaven on my tongue,” she murmured and licked her chocolate-covered lips. When she opened her eyes, she found Caden offering another morsel, bringing it toward her mouth again. The spark of desire she gave him heightened. His eyes narrowed to focus on her lips as he waited for her response. He licked his lips. Hands down, watching him transform while she enjoyed the mouth-watering desserts was the sexiest thing she had ever seen.
Elise made a bold move when she shook her head, momentarily stopping him, and retrieved a corner piece of the pastry despite his growl of displeasure. Without a mumbled word, she placed it against his lips. Simultaneously, they fed each other, relishing in the other’s response.
Her nipples pebbled under the flimsy material of her shirt, drawing his attention. They finger fucked back and forth, and it had Caden stretching his long legs out under the table. The tightness growing in his jeans was uncomfortable. It begged him for release, begged him to take her as they both wanted.
His thoughts raced as he imagined them naked and tangled in his bed as he thrust his rock-hard cock deep into her. The mental picture of her screaming in pleasure caused from his mouth on her breasts had him shifting further in his seat.
What in the hell was going on? He wasn’t relationship material. Caden was positive she’d just ended a bad one and without doubt wasn’t looking to hook up again anytime soon.
The bell above the door rang and ended the sensual spell. Running his hand over his jaw, Caden silently cursed, angry with himself for losing control. How the fuck did I forget where we are?
Chapter 7
When all else fails, just go with it.
“I wouldn’t have pegged you as a lover of sweet things, Elise.” Caden toyed with a napkin, folding it into the shape of a cylinder, and missed the look of hurt she quickly hid.
She sat back. Her easy-going, sensual attitude from before vanished into thin air. Why did he assume that? She was a red-blooded woman with wants and desires just like anyone else.
Just because she never had a mother in her life, that didn’t mean shit. The bitches at the club had helped her when her body had started changing. Daisy had been a Godsend, teaching her about makeup and what not to wear or say. She’d showed up at the compound one day and never left. Even though she was only a few years older than Elise, there was a deep sadness in her that made her seem so much older.
Elise made a mental note to check in with her friend soon. There hadn’t been time for good-byes before Arrow had hustled her out of town. He’d insisted they hurry.
The sexy-as-hell man who sat across from her was complicated. She knew that if anything transpired between them, she would be lost. Once with the sexy fireman would never be enough for her.
She’d prided herself on not becoming one of those clingy bitches who hung around the compound. Her free will was too important. The few weeks in Lakeview confirmed the need to control her own life.
Something about Caden pulled at her subconscious. There was more to him than met the eye. A contradiction, and yet, still layer upon layer of one hundred percent male. Curiosity had her wanting to find out the truth about him, but the risk outweighed the desire to see it through. She hadn’t stopped with Bowie, and look how that had ended.
Caden was barking up the wrong tree about who she was.
“Why the hell not? ‘Cause I’m a biker chick? You do realize chocolate is universal.” Damn if that isn’t the truth.
“No, I just took you for a vanilla kind of woman. That’s all. Are you always so sensitive about personal comments?”
“When you’ve walked in my shoes, hell yeah.”
“In time, maybe we can rectify your issues.” Caden winked, accepting her burst of anger.
“Why, Caden, you better be careful, or I might get the wrong idea and think you honestly care.”
He ignored her little jab and took a long sip before sitting the cup down on the table.
“What are you thinking about now? Did I say something wrong?” Elise asked with a persecuted air.
He shook his head to get rid of the urge to console Elise that cancelled his usual self-control. The need to soothe her was becoming an automatic response, and he was not sure where the hell it was coming from. He had always taken care of numero uno. Adding someone else into the mix was outside his comfort zone.
“Negative. You’re just different from what I expected…” He added quickly before she got riled up, “In a good way. I like the way you see things. We have that in common.”
“You don’t say?” Elise questioned, her words laced with sarcasm. “Please, do tell me what we share that is the same.” Her shields were up and firmly back in place.
“Smart ass. Here, try this one. Maybe it will bring back your sweet attitude.” He gave her another piece. Satisfied when a moan escaped from her, he continued. “We met because of Arrow.” Caden had always wanted a brother or a sister, but it hadn’t been in the cards for him. “You’re pretty lucky to have someone like him who cares about you the way he does. Plus, you like my big-ass dog now, and I kind of think the tropical weather here in Lakeview is rubbing off on ya.”
“Ah shucks, Caden. You just might be right. Enough about me. Your turn, big guy. Give it up, tell me about yourself. Like, what do you do for fun?”
“Nothing special here. I’m just a run of the mill average guy. I like to do the normal things. Fish... hunt.”
She gasped loudly and with exaggerated actions placed her hands over her heart. “You kill Bambi?” she questioned, her eyes wide with horror.
He belly laughed. “You say the craziest shit. Sure, I guess. It’s a sport I enjoy. I take it you don’t. There’re other things. Are you interested in sports? Football maybe?”
“Not really, although I do like watching all those men run around in tight pants, but the sport doesn’t interest me. I’m more into fast cars. The exhilaration and power you control at your fingertips. Daring the world to catch you if they can.”
“Adrenaline junky much?”
“Guess so. I really haven’t had time to stop and think about it.” She paused. He’d sidetracked her again and turned the focus off himself. “What made you decide to become a fireman? How did you end up in Lakeview?”
He sat back and rubbed his jaw. He would rather not talk about his past because he was curious about her, what made her tick.
Caden studied her closely. He wanted to see her relaxed, enjoying the moment. Not worried someone was sneaking up behind her. He was willing to make an exception for Elise. If she was interested. And by the way she’d reacted to him earlier, he was positive it wouldn’t take much to push those buttons. Something he hadn’t considered before she’d showed up on his doorstep.
She leaned over, catching his gaze. “Earth to Caden. Come in, Caden. Did you hear what I said? I asked why the fireman gig?”
“It was expected. My old man served in the Marines like his, and his before him. When he returned home, he was classified as reserves, so he needed something that would work with his schedule because he never knew when they would call and wasn’t given a lot of time to prepare. The job kind of fell into his lap.” He shrugged. “After I was discharged, I decided to give it a try. It’s in my blood now.”
“How long have you been out?”
“Four years, give or take a few months. I’ve been on inactive duty the last two. Grayson Blackwood realized I was done and contacted me about moving here to work for his security firm. His offer came at the right time. There was an opening at the station here, and Atlanta wasn’t the home I remembered. Lakeview has all the feel of a small town and the conveniences of a city. Win-win for me.”
“Who’s Grayson Blackwood? The name sounds familiar.”
“Your brother served under him.”
“Maybe that’s it. Arrow talked so little about his time overseas. He went over there looking for a way out of the mayhem our dear dad kept shooting our way. He ended up wounded and without the future either of us had hoped for. He had no other choice but to come back to El Paso. So, Blackwood lives here in Lakeview and you work for him?”
“Sort of. He grew up here. His family practically owns the town. Sometimes I do contract work for him. Just depends.”
“Must be nice not having to worry.” Elise’s whispered words irritated him.
“Who says I don’t? Just because things seem one way, doesn’t make them correct. Illusions and shadows are everywhere. You should understand that.”
“It’s not that. I just wish things could have been different for me and Arrow. We really never had a choice.”
“Why did you leave El Paso? I assume it had something to do with Bowie.” A slight twitch in her left eye told him he hit a nerve.
“How the fuck did you know about him? Did Arrow tell you? I’m gonna ream his ass,” she hissed. “It was nobody’s business but mine.”
“Calm down, Elise. I heard you screaming his name one night. Figured you were having a rough time sleeping. Why are you so scared of him?” Caden demanded in an unbending tone. “Who is he to you?”
“He’s nobody, and I’m damn sure not scared of the motherfucker—just cautious,” Elise admitted. “Nothing more. Nothing less.”<
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“You’re a bad liar.” He paused when the defeated expression appeared on her face, and sighed. “For now, you’re off the hook. I’ll let it go, but we will discuss Bowie later.”
“Why do you care, anyway? You’re not my keeper.”
“Don’t push me, or I’ll push back. I’m not sure you want to start a war of wills with me, Lucky. I’ll win every time.” Caden’s comment caused a grin to form on her beautiful face, but then it faded just as quickly.
“You’re so full of yourself if you believe I won’t fight you.”
“I would expect nothing less from you. But try and remember I’m not your enemy here. I’m just trying to understand what happened. I need to know what kind of trouble could be following you to my doorstep.”
Elise pretended to be interested in the empty coffee cup. “Don’t worry. You’re safe.” She couldn’t help but glance up at Caden as he stared intently at her. Trying to avoid his gaze, she looked around and noticed the other women in the restaurant watching him with longing. He was too damn attractive for his own good. He was better off without her hanging around. For a little while, she had forgotten about Texas and the problems chasing her.
“We will see. You ready?” He calmly rose and reached for his wallet.
Caden placed the money on the table and ushered her toward the exit. They left the bakery and headed back to Caden’s house. The entire walk back was filled with an awkward silence.
Her mind raced.
Their time together was coming to an end. Elise waffled between relief and sadness, grateful for his help in finding a job, but the more time she spent with him, the more she realized the risk she ran of wanting more. And fuck it all, she wasn’t sure if she was ready to take that step.
Without looking back, Elise walked into the house and headed straight for her room. Caden’s voice stopped her in her tracks.
Burn Me Anthology Page 4