The Chocolate Touch (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 8)
Page 19
“Your parents looked so proud and happy today.”
“Not just because of Dakota and Bryce’s wedding.” York gave her a squeeze. “The colonel thinks you’re the bee’s knees.”
“Yeah, right.”
“I’m not kidding. He likes you so much he didn’t mention me leaving the air force once.”
“That has nothing to do with me. You’re killing it as a consultant.”
“How would you know that?” York asked.
She kissed his cheek. “Because I know you.”
“You’re biased.”
“Maybe a little.”
He laughed. “My mom likes you, too.”
“She’s great.” Mrs. Parker had peppered Chantelle with questions. Meddlesome, eh…maybe a little. But she didn’t mind. The woman was only doing it because she wanted her three children to be happy. York, Dakota, and Nevada were lucky to have a mom who cared so much. “Your parents are nice. I enjoyed meeting them.”
“We both like each other’s family. That’s a good sign.”
She hoped so.
The DJ packed up his equipment. Servers cleared the remaining glasses and cake plates from tables. The wedding coordinator made a sweep to see if any items had been left.
York ran a hand through Chantelle’s hair. “I’m glad it’s just you and me right now. I enjoyed today, but I’m tired of making small talk.”
“Me, too.”
She leaned against him. Her sense of belonging and love had only intensified over the past six months. The distance between them hadn’t been easy, but his frequent-flier mileage was adding up. They’d managed a few visits, including one courtesy of her uncle for a birthday surprise.
The time apart hadn’t been all bad. She’d gotten to know her family and felt as if she’d truly come home. She and York had gotten to know each other better via online chats and phone calls. The months away from him had given her a clearer appreciation and understanding of what they had and how good that could be when they were together again.
York nuzzled against her neck. His kisses were lethal, but in an enjoyable way.
She tipped her head back to give him better access. “Ohh.”
“You like that?” He nibbled on her earlobe. “How about this?”
“Mmm-hmm.”
“There will be more of that later.”
“Tease.”
Laughing, he let go of her and picked up the bouquet sitting on the table next to them. A long ribbon hung from the flowers’ handle, so he tied it into a neat bow. “Nice catch.”
“After Nevada and Dustin eloped to Niagara Falls, I think Dakota was aiming for me or her bridesmaid Kelly, who was standing next to me.”
“I’d put money on you.”
Chantelle sniffed the sweet roses. She’d been thrilled when the bouquet landed unexpectedly in her hands, even though she hadn’t been trying like some of the others. Still, she didn’t want York to feel any pressure. They hadn’t been together long, and most of that time had been apart.
“It’s a fun tradition,” she said. “But a little silly.”
He stiffened. “Does that mean you don’t want to get married next?”
“I…” Her pulse felt as if afterburners had been turned on. Chantelle looked up at him. She didn’t see his lopsided smile or the glint in his eyes he usually had when he was teasing. “Are you asking?”
“Maybe.”
“Yeah, right.” She laughed it off because he had to be joking. She wanted that eventually, but no need to rush things. “Like either of us wants a long-distance marriage.”
As he ran the edge of his fingertip along her jawline, sparks of pleasure shot through her. “I’m tired of being apart.”
She wanted York in her life. If long distance was the only way, so be it. “It’s better than nothing.”
“True, but I’m almost through my six-month probation period. That means I can transfer. There’s an opening in our Europe operations. I’m going to apply. And if I don’t get it, I’ll keep trying.”
Her lips parted. “We’d be on the same continent.”
“Better than that.”
She was afraid to hope. “Same country?”
He nodded. “I’d still be traveling, but I could make Bayonne my home base.”
She shimmied with excitement. “Yes!”
York laughed, a sound that wrapped around her heart and squeezed tight. “To my applying for a transfer?”
“Yes to that and everything else that might come with your transfer.” She lost herself in his gaze. “I love you.”
“More than chocolate?”
Chantelle tilted her chin as if she had to ponder the question.
He brushed his lips over her hair. “Don’t make me suffer.”
“Way more than chocolate.”
His gaze darkened. “You’re in charge of Delacroix’s chocolate laboratory. You sure about that?”
“Positive.” She traced the outline of his lips with her finger. The man was gorgeous, but he was so much more than a pretty face. He was a good, kind-hearted, loving man. She kissed him hard on the mouth. “Satisfied now?”
“For now, but I’ll want you to show me how much more later.”
She grinned. “That can be arranged.”
“How about showing me every day after that?”
Chantelle stared up into hazel eyes she knew better than her own. In them, she saw her future. Her family. Her happily ever after. Together with his.
“Every single day,” she said. “No matter what.”
She kissed him again. A kiss that spoke of her promise to do that. That hinted at the life they would share together. A kiss that was…better than chocolate?
Oh, yeah.
The End
You’ll love the next book in…
The Love at the Chocolate Shop series
Love blooms in and around the Copper Mountain Chocolate shop of Marietta, Montana in a twelve book series featuring authors C.J. Carmichael, Melissa McClone, Debra Salonen, Roxanne Snopek, Marin Thomas and Steena Holmes.
Book 1: Melt My Heart, Cowboy by C.J. Carmichael
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Book 2: A Thankful Heart by Melissa McClone
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Book 3: Montana Secret Santa by Debra Salonen
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Book 4: The Chocolate Cure by Roxanne Snopek
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Book 5: The Valentine Quest by Melissa McClone
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Book 6: Charmed by Chocolate by Steena Holmes
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Book 7: The Chocolate Comeback by Roxanne Snopek
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Book 8: The Chocolate Touch by Melissa McClone
View the entire series here!
Book 9: Sweet Home Cowboy by Marin Thomas
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Book 10: Coming soon by Debra Salonen
The rest of the Love at the Chocolate Shop is coming soon!
Find out about the rest of the series here
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About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Melissa McClone has published over twenty-five novels with Harlequin and been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s RITA award. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, three school-aged children, two spoiled Norwegian Elkhounds and cats who think they rule the house. For more on Melissa’s books, visit her website: www.melissamcclone.com
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Melissa McClone, The Chocolate Touch (Love at the Chocolate Shop Book 8)