Bed Of Roses (The Five Senses Series Book 4)

by Gemma Brocato

  “You’re staring,” Gunnar said, his voice thick with want. He eyed her body, lingering on her breasts, a leer on his handsome face. “Is that something a friend would do?”

  “Um, yeah. A good friend would.”

  Laughing, he plucked more tissue from the box before stooping to retrieve her sweater and bra. On his way back to the couch, he picked up her jeans and panties. “You’re still wearing your socks. I guess I wasn’t as thorough about stripping you as I thought.”

  She glanced toward her feet, clad in bright red socks, her go-to color for Valentine’s season. “I’m classy that way, you know. Maybe next time, I can wear stilettos, and we can forget to take those off, too.” Grinning, she swung her feet over the side of the couch and sat up.

  Gunnar clutched his chest and rolled his eyes. “You’re killing me, Malin. Just killing me.”

  Accepting the tissues he offered, she took a second to clean up before taking her panties from his grasp. She stood, pulled them on, then held her hand out for more of her clothing. Stepping close to her, Gunnar slid her bra over her shoulders and pulled her against his chest, kissing her while fastening the clasp behind her back. He continued to kiss her while slipping the sleeves of her sweater up her arms. The man had turned the act of dressing her into an erotic adventure that almost equaled his skill at undressing her. He didn’t release her lips until he’d buttoned the sweater up, leaving the top three buttons undone. Slipping his fingers through the opening, he ran them along the top of her breasts. Desire made her tipsy, eager for him to remove the clothing again. After he’d just taken care in putting them back on her.

  Breaking the kiss, he stepped back and handed her the jeans he’d draped over his arm. She gawked at them, befuddled by his kiss, at a loss for what to do next. He laughed and chucked a finger under her chin, exerting upward pressure to close her gaping mouth.

  “Get dressed, Daisy Mae. I’m ready to go watch a movie.”

  Judging by the hard line under the placket of his briefs, that wasn’t what he was really ready for.

  Sitting between him and Gaby while watching movies, distracted by thoughts about his warm, hard body, was going to be torture.

  Chapter 18

  Watching a romantic comedy with Gunnar on Saturday night with her sister acting as chaperone wasn’t as torturous as it might have been. Gunnar slipped easily back into a just friends mode and settled comfortably on the couch next to her. Gaby lay on the floor in front of the television, a pillow under her head. When she teased Gunnar about being a good sport to watch a chick-flick, he dished it right back, chiding Gaby about having a massive crush on Chris Pine and Tom Hardy. He even grunted at her like a pig the second time she dipped her hand into the container holding the popcorn.

  Electricity zipped through Mal as her fingers had tangled with Gunnar’s when they both reached into the bowl at the same time. Gunnar wrapped his fingers around hers, settled their laced hands together on the sofa, and held on, using the oversized bowl as camouflage. When he stroked his thumb sensuously over the underside of her wrist, her heart tripped happily in her chest.

  After Gaby went upstairs to her room, Gunnar finally explained the nature of his emergency earlier in the day. He sought her advice on how to deal with his thieving assistant manager. Although pleased that he confided in her, she didn’t have a recommendation other than to contact the authorities, his attorney, and hire Eileen Kerrigan to work on his books. All things he’d already done.

  The discussion ended in an old-fashioned necking session. They were both breathless by the time he announced he would either have to leave or take her to bed. Gunnar voted for the bed option and ran his knuckles over her breasts suggestively. Her nipples immediately tightened. Regret filled her when she had to decline, citing plans to get a very early start the next morning. The flash of heat in his eyes dimmed a little. He pouted charmingly but she held firm. Although, for the life of her, she couldn’t think why she was sending him away.

  When she walked him to the front door, he backed her against it, pressing his body hard into her. She wavered, almost changing her mind, but Gaby chose that particular moment to drop something on the floor overhead, reminding her of the girl’s presence. Oh, yeah. That was part of the reason. Having an impressionable young teen in the house was a true buzz kill. Gunnar had groaned as he released her. Mottled red colored his cheeks as he shifted the fit of his trousers before he walked out the door and into the chilly night.

  After dreaming about him all night long, heavy throbbing between her legs had awakened her before the sun rose. Once she massaged away her residual sexual ache in the shower, it had still been too early to go to the shop. The Secret Garden was closed on Sundays but she was determined to spend the day getting ahead of the Valentine’s demand, arranging bouquets for the walk-in crowds she knew she’d have for most of the week. Since she was up so early, she opted to use the time to make a new batch of the herbal soaps and lotions before she headed into the shop.

  Gaby joined her in the spare bedroom a few hours later, bearing a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The hazelnut aroma complemented the scent of fuchsia oil she was stirring into the pot of glycerin. Grateful for the caffeine, Mal set aside the whisk and accepted the cup. After taking a sip, she invited Gaby to help with the final stages of her project...packaging everything up.

  “Are you nervous about starting your new school tomorrow?” Mal asked after she showed Gaby how to wrap and bundle two pieces together.

  Gaby didn’t respond right away. The tip of her tongue slid between her lips, her brow furrowed in concentration.

  After she tied a string of raffia around the bundle, she glanced at Mal. “A little,” she said. She snapped open a cellophane bag and put the soap and lotion into it.

  “It’s never easy starting over in a new place. You’ve had a lot of new beginnings in the past two weeks.” Mal wanted to call her words back immediately. Gaby certainly didn’t need to be reminded of everything that had changed in her world. A shadow flickered through the girl’s eyes before she averted her face and picked up a second bundle.

  “I’m sorry, Gaby. That was callous of me.”

  “It’s okay. You’re right.” She gusted out a breath. “If it’s any consolation, I’ve had a good weekend. After the movie last night, I got to FaceTime with Gillian. I think starting a new school will be easier for me than it will be for her. She’s kind of shy. And at least I have track to look forward to. Gillian isn’t athletic at all. She was only on the yearbook committee, and she didn’t like that very much. Making a first impression at a new school is important. One wrong move, and you could end up with a label you don’t want.”

  It had been so long since Mal had been in high school, she couldn’t offer much more than platitudes about how everything would be fine. While she doubted the kids at Granite Pointe High School would be mean, she simply didn’t know. Sam Kerrigan had run up against bullies last year. It had almost ruined his career. The incident had made an impression on Mal. And now she worried it might have been better to encourage Gaby to stay at her school in Boston through the end of the year.

  Seizing on Gaby’s comment about first impressions, Mal turned the conversation to the safer territory of what outfit the teen might wear for her first day and the best route for her to use to get to her new school in the morning.

  They spent the rest of Sunday at the shop. She even managed to get Gaby to laugh a little over an arrangement a customer had ordered for a dog. Once finished with Mal’s list for the day, they went for an early dinner. Gaby’s mood had remained positive and upbeat while devouring fish ’n chips at Red’s Tavern.

  * * * *

  Things were hectic for Mal once she’d roused Gaby to get ready for school this morning. The new morning routine was easier since she wouldn’t have to drive into Boston, but it was still taxing to get both of them fed and out the door on time. The dark circles under the girl’s eyes while they ate breakfast were damning. It was clear that she
’d spent a restless night. Gaby voiced her concern about making new friends over juice and coffee. And that was understandable. Malin hoped Gaby considered her a friend now. They seemed to be headed that way.

  When Mal walked her the ten blocks to the high school, Gaby seemed almost eager. They stopped at the administrative office and met with the assistant principal to obtain Gaby’s class schedule. Gaby greeted the student assigned to escort her for the day with a confidant smile. The pair chatted away like old friends as they walked out of the office.

  The pace of Malin’s day escalated to insane once she arrived at the shop. This close to Valentine’s Day the phone didn’t quit ringing with orders, and the bell above the front door was in constant motion as customers traipsed into the shop to purchase everything from a single rose to elaborate arrangements.

  They finally had a lull in activity at one-thirty. Mal eyed the scads of arrangements waiting to be delivered and missed her dad. With only a week until the big day, he’d have been in the van most of the day dropping flowers by offices and residences. He’d have also brought lunch back from one of his trips. How in the world was she going to get through this? Even with Selma’s help, the choreography of taking the orders, making the arrangements, and delivering them on time was going to be a nightmare. Shaking her head, she scanned the remaining orders. Selma had been a huge help, and they were down to only two more arrangements. For now.

  “I’m going to the café to get some lunch,” Mal announced. “Who wants something?”

  Chloe and Selma both placed orders for to-go food. Jem’s café had a variety of options on the menu each day, but everyone’s favorite was the gourmet mac ’n cheese. Selma promised to finish the last two orders while Mal took a break to pick up food. She should be able to start delivering bouquets by the time Gaby arrived to help.

  A silver bell tinkled prettily when Mal walked through the door of the café. Jem was in the otherwise empty dining room, cleaning the counter.

  A smile lit her face as she greeted Mal. “Hello. You’re getting a break today? I was just about to walk over with coffee and some food. I bet you guys are swamped.”

  “It’s been crazy. I needed a breath of fresh air so I volunteered to pick up lunch for the crew. Can I get three orders of mac? Seems we all need comfort food.”

  Jem grabbed two mugs and the carafe and gestured to Mal to take a seat. She walked over, set the cup in front of Mal, and poured the fragrant brew for her before adding some to the other mug. “I’ll tell Avery to get your order ready.”

  Happy to be waited on for a change, Mal settled on the chair and wrapped her hands around the mug, welcoming the relief in her back and the warmth on her fingers. Standing for hours on end and shoving flowers into a container in an artistic manner was hell on the body. But very little in the world made her happier. Although, spending time with Gunnar was climbing the chart of her short list of happy activity.

  Jem returned to the front and stopped behind the counter for a plate from the pie case. Dropping into the seat across from her, Jem pushed a delicious smelling bowl across the table.

  “Oh, God. Is this Elizabeth’s cherry cobbler? The one she only makes in February?” Mal forked a bite into her mouth and moaned as the sweet-tart cherries exploded on her tongue.

  Jem relaxed against the back of her chair. “Yep. We sold out by eleven this morning, but I saved you a piece. Knew you’d need it today.”

  “You’re an angel,” Mal said around a second bite of the cobbler.

  “Wanna play good news, bad news today?”

  “Sure, you first.” Mal let her fork clatter on her plate then dragged her finger through the sticky cherry compote remaining on the plate.

  “My parents are coming for a visit.” Jem tossed out her tidbit, then waited for a response.

  Mal canted her head to the side and thought a moment. “Bad news?”

  Her friend grimaced, then shrugged. “They want to stay for a week and don’t like dogs. Not sure what to do with Clooney.”

  “Solution. I’ll take the dog while they’re here. I’ve been thinking about getting one anyway, so it will be good practice. My turn?” When Jem nodded, Mal went. “Dad checked himself into rehab Saturday.”

  Jem clasped her hands together. “That’s good news, isn’t it?”

  “Great news. But, I’m stuck for a delivery driver. This is the busiest week of the year. I have twenty bouquets waiting to go just today. Gunnar said he’d help, but I hate to take him away from the gym.”

  “I’ve got this one.” Jem smiled. Glancing over her shoulder she hollered, “Hey, Avery! You got plans after you’re done here today?”

  “Just going upstairs to chill on the couch until Marissa gets home.” The answer floated out the door, followed by Avery, wiping his hands on a towel. Avery and his girlfriend rented the apartment above the café.

  “Want to make some extra cash delivering flowers?”

  “Sure.” Avery nodded and headed into the kitchen again.

  Jem looked back at Malin and jerked her thumb up toward the ceiling. “Solved. My turn? I’m going with Jack to Vegas next week. I didn’t think I could get away, but Elizabeth and Eileen are both going to fill in for me. They insisted.”

  “Oh, Jem. That’s good...no, really excellent news. You deserve a vacation. While you’re there, you guys could get married.”

  Jem didn’t have a very good poker face. If she’d meant to keep it a secret, she failed miserably. The happiness in her expression was a dead giveaway that a visit to a wedding chapel was on the list of planned activities.

  “Please don’t tell anyone. We don’t want any fuss. I tried to tell Jack his mom’s feelings will be hurt, but he thinks she’ll be fine with it, once she gets over the shock. She already considers me her daughter.”

  Mal grabbed Jem’s hands and squeezed. Her closest friend was going to marry the man of her dreams. Mal’s belief in happily-ever-afters pounced on her shoulders and purred. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “We’ll plan a big party for when my folks are visiting. I hope you’ll let me hire you to plan the event.”

  “You’d better not hire anyone else.” Mal grinned. “My turn. Got a call from Mrs. Aubrey-Smith this morning. The wedding is off. She didn’t say why, but I’m guessing the future groom got wind of Ashleigh’s extra-curricular activities and bailed.”

  “Oh, bad news.” Jem’s voice was tinged with sympathy. “You’ll lose the commission on the event.”

  “Not really. I have a signed contract, and she’ll still have to pay a percentage. But, I think the bad news will be once the pair reconciles, which if Mrs. A.S. has her way, will be soon.” Mal shuddered. “Imagine having her for a mother-in-law. I’ll probably have to come up with an entirely new theme. Maybe we’ll go with a Groundhog Day theme. We keep replaying this wedding.”

  Jem chuckled. “Good one. So far, you’re winning. What else have you got?”

  Mal sucked in a deep breath, her cheeks heated. She let the words out with a rush. “I slept with Gunnar.”

  The sound of Jem’s palm slapping against the table about drowned out her pleased laughter. “Bam! You win. I have absolutely nothing to top that.”

  “Well, you are getting married.”

  “That’s expected. I never thought you’d move Gunnar out of your self-imposed friend zone. Besides, first time sleeping with someone trumps two-year-old sex, no matter how good it always is.” Jem sat up and leaned forward conspiratorially. “It was good, wasn’t it?”

  “It was great. And oddly enough, I still consider him my friend. I thought it would be awkward between us, but everything is still normal. We’re just communicating a little differently. With our hands.” Her face felt like she’d stuck it in a sauna. Oh, jeez, she couldn’t believe she’d said that.

  Avery picked that moment to walk through the swinging doors from the kitchen with a large to-go sack in his hand. “I get off in an hour, Malin. I’ll come over as soon as I gas up my car, ok
ay?”

  She nodded and dug her wallet out of her purse. She pulled a twenty out and handed it to him. “For gas. I’ll have cash for you after you finish the deliveries.” As soon as Avery took the bill from her hand, she pulled another out and handed it to Jem to pay for the meals in the bag.

  As she walked between the café and her shop, she noticed Gunnar’s truck parked at the curb. He’d kept his promise. He’d shown up to help. Happiness zipped up her spine like sparklers on the Fourth of July. As she approached, he walked out of the shop carrying a large cardboard box. Chloe followed behind with a clipboard. After trading the delivery manifest for the food sack, the shop assistant raced back into the building.

  Gunnar bent to deposit the box on the floorboards in the back. Tight jeans molded his butt to perfection. It was close, but Mal refrained from reaching out to touch. He shut the door before turning to greet her. He let his gaze rove over her body before settling on her chest. Desire flashed in his eyes when he raised his gaze to meet hers. Butterflies fluttered to life in her belly as he leaned over, kissing her soundly.

  Mal put a hand to his jaw and kissed him back, their lips a perfect mating of want and need.

  “Hi,” he said once he’d thoroughly worshipped her mouth.

  “You didn’t have to come today. I know you’re busy with...stuff.”

  “I promised to help. I don’t break promises. Besides, I needed to get out to clear my head.”

  “How are things going?” she asked.

  “Not great. Eileen Kerrigan has been working all day in my office. Except for the twenty minutes she took off to go play with her granddaughter, Amelia, in the kids’ area while Rikki ran on a treadmill, she has barely surfaced for air.” His laugh was filled with rancor. “I couldn’t sit at my desk much longer when she kept gasping and muttering under her breath.”

  She trailed her hand down his arm and laced their fingers together. “That bad?”

  “Worse than I’d anticipated. Dammit, I’m not sure how I didn’t see this sooner.” His grip tightened to the point of pain, a true indication of his level of upset.