“I had a wonderful time, Amy,” he said honestly as he walked her to her door later that night. “Thanks for going with me.”
Her gaze lifted to his. “I had a great time, too. And I’m proud of you.”
“Proud of me?” he echoed. “Why?”
“Just a hunch that the Toxic Hammer and funnel cakes were outside of your comfort zone, but you did them anyway.”
She was right. All he could think about when he saw the carnival ride was to question when the last time was it’d had a thorough inspection. But then her eyes had lit up with excitement and she’d asked, “I love this ride. Go on with me?” He hadn’t the heart to say no.
And when they’d passed the stand with the deep fried batter, he’d actually heard her stomach growl in anticipation. He figured if she could add a healthy breakfast choice to her menu, he could try some funnel cake. It had been delicious, even if it was still sitting in his stomach like a lead pipe. Watching her lick that powdered sugar off of her lips had been worth every deep-fried bite.
“Amy?”
“Yeah?”
“If you don’t want me to kiss you again, you’d better tell me now.”
“I want you to.” The words were whisper-soft, but he heard them as clearly as if she’d shouted into his ear with a megaphone. He lowered his head. This time, she was ready for him. Lips moist and slightly parted in anticipation, her dark chestnut lashes fluttered down with his approach.
It started as just a brush of lips, but it wasn’t enough. Jamie wrapped his arms around her waist and deepened the kiss; her hands snaked up around his neck. When her tongue peeked out and ran lightly along his, his knees nearly buckled.
They made out like teenagers right there on the front stoop until his erection was something neither of them could ignore. Amy licked her lips, now slightly swollen, while he drew a deep, ragged breath.
“I’d better say goodnight while I still can,” he breathed.
“Yeah. Me, too.” Thankfully, she didn’t sound any happier about it than he did.
The taste of her stayed on his lips as he made the drive back to his place. While the sense of urgency eased, it kept his arousal from relaxing completely. It had been a long time since he’d been so jacked-up. A long time since he’d gotten so hot and bothered. And from nothing more than some open-mouthed kissing and PG-rated caresses.
He had never been like this before, even with Celina. Sure, he’d wanted to sleep with her, enough that he’d gone to Kyle for brotherly advice. Six months of chaste pecks on the cheek were as far as they’d gotten.
Because Celina wasn’t the Right One.
The realization was like a smack to the forehead. He’d heard the words enough times before, even said them to himself. But hearing and truly believing what the words meant were two entirely separate things.
He finally understood. Still, he had to be sure. The moment he got back to his place, he called Amy. “Can I ask you something?” he asked without preamble.
“Sure.”
“Do you want to sleep with me?”
There was a distinct pause before she said, “Excuse me?”
“I’m not asking if you would. I’m asking if you want to, or think you might want to, sometime in the future.”
“Why are you asking me this?”
“Because... it matters.”
Silence stretched between them. It felt like minutes, but it was probably only a few seconds before she said quietly, “Yes, Jamie. I do want to. But it’s not going to happen any time soon.”
Jamie exhaled in relief. That was good enough for him. In fact, he couldn’t think of a more perfect answer.
“Thank you, Amy. Pleasant dreams.”
“You too, Jamie.”
Three Months Later
“Wake up, sleepyhead,” he teased, running his lips over her shoulder, delighting in the soft protest.
“Ugh, morning all ready?”
He chuckled softly. Their first night together had far surpassed his expectations, even his wildest dreams. Worth every agonizing second of waiting.
“Yep. The bakery delivery will be here any minute.”
She moaned, snuggling her behind into him.
“Not fair, baby,” he whispered. “Do that again and you won’t be opening your store anytime soon. You’ll disappoint your loyal customers.”
“I asked Peggy to handle the delivery this morning.” Amy turned in his arms, tossing her leg over his, fitting their bodies together.
“You did?”
“Yep. I have other business to attend to this morning.”
“You do?”
“Uh-huh.” She nuzzled his neck.
He lifted his chin to provide better access while he hand cupped possessively over her rounded bottom.
“What business is that?”
“Very important business,” she murmured. “It involves a collaboration and sharing of assets. Let me show you...”
Jamie inhaled sharply as she began to kiss her way down his body. As Saturday mornings went, this one was undisputedly the best one ever.
The authors – his team of personal Cupids, Amy called them – showed up just after lunch for the big signing event. Jamie picked them up from the airport while Amy remained at the shop, pulling together the last of the preparations. They’d been promoting the event for weeks and were expecting a good turnout.
The trio took one look at him and beamed.
“I knew it!” Rosemary proclaimed excitedly, giving him a hug.
“You are glowing, my dear,” tittered Cora. “You sealed the deal, didn’t you?”
Jamie choked a little, embarrassed but pleased.
Bea, who topped out at around four feet, ten inches, smiled, but said nothing.
“What, no comment from the peanut gallery?” he teased.
“You do look good,” Bea said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, “but it’s your woman’s face I want to see.”
Given the morning he and Amy had spent in her bedroom (and her bathroom and the kitchen), he felt more than confident about what Amy’s radiant face would reveal. In fact, he was downright smug.
The women loved Birch Falls. “It’s like a modern day Mayberry,” mused Rosemary as Jamie chauffeured them to their hotel, then to Amy’s Book Shoppe.
“But in the northeast,” added Cora.
“And with mountains,” Bea chimed in.
They loved the Book Shoppe, too, commenting on the cozy, Colonial look and feel of the place.
“What a lovely place!”
“Like stepping back into time, but with electricity.”
“Oooo – pastries!”
They absolutely adored Amy. At multiple times throughout the afternoon and early evening, they took advantage of every possible opportunity to voice their approval. He was feeling pretty damn good about everything, too, until...
“Hi Jamie.”
Jamie stiffened at the sound of the familiar voice. He finished pouring the fresh coffee into the thermal carafe, then added it to the steaming pot of tea and plate of finger foods on the tray before turning around.
“Celina.”
He hadn’t seen her or his brother since the county fair; hadn’t spoken with them since that fateful day months earlier. He knew that Amy and Celina were still good friends, and that Celina even worked part-time at the shop. Usually weekday afternoons, when he wasn’t around.
Amy occasionally broached the subject. The more time he spent with Amy, the more he realized that what had happened wasn’t such a bad thing. If it hadn’t, he would still be spinning his wheels in a dead-end relationship instead of experiencing the real thing with Amy, and that would have been a damn shame. Maybe it was time to let his brother know that, too.
“Where’s Kyle?”
“He dropped me off, then went over to Mo’s,” she said. “Book signings aren’t really his thing.”
Jamie nodded. Kyle never had been overly fond of reading, except when it came to cycle magazines a
nd engine manuals. He preferred working with his hands.
He added the refilled sugar bowl, a small pitcher of half-and-half, and some napkins to the tray. Had Amy told Celina about them?
“So... you’re helping Amy out today, huh?”
“Yeah.”
“You’re a good man, Jamie.”
Apparently not good enough. He bit off the childish retort before it could make it past his lips. It was nothing but a knee-jerk reaction to an old pain; an echo of sentiments no longer felt.
The truth was, he and Celina could never have been anything more than good friends. The spark just wasn’t there.
Not like it was with Amy.
All he had to do was think about Amy and his heart beat faster, his breath came quicker. She was the first thing he thought about when he got up in the morning and the last thing before he went to bed at night. Last night they’d taken things to a new level, and it had been amazing. Fantastic. Better than he’d ever hoped.
Now, looking at Celina, he was glad things had worked out the way they did. Celina was still beautiful, but she wasn’t Amy.
“I’m happy for you,” Celina said. “And I hope someday, you’ll find it in your heart to forgive us. Kyle is your brother, and, well, I miss my friend.”
He nodded. Nothing would ever be the same, but it was no one’s fault. The heart doesn’t care what the mind says, his Cupids had said so many times the sentiment was forever etched in his brain. Kyle and Celina were meant to be together.
He was pretty sure he and Amy were, too.
“Nothing to forgive,” he said. “I’m happy for you, too.” And for the first time, he meant it.
“Come on. The signing’s in the Romance Reception Room.”
“The Romance Reception Room?” she echoed.
He chuckled. “Amy thought that sounded better than ‘the big room on the garden side’.”
Celina followed Jamie into the largest room on the first floor. An antique dining room table and three chairs were at the far end of the room, where the three authors were happily chatting with the customers. Amy was with them, having just brought each of them a few more copies of their books from the back to sign. The afternoon had been a banner one for all involved.
Amy smiled at him as he entered, but her expression changed when she saw Celina coming in right behind him. He saw the question in her eyes, and answered with a smile – the only answer he could provide in such a public setting.
He set the tray down in front of the ladies, then made his way toward the back for more books. Unsurprisingly, Amy was right behind him.
“I’m so sorry, Jamie,” she began the moment she closed the door behind them. “I forgot to mention she said she might come. Are you okay?”
He could tell her he was, but he opted for a far more convincing argument. He caged her against the wall and kissed her until both of them were panting heavily.
“I’m better than okay,” Jamie said, resting his forehead against hers. “I have you.”
“Yeah?” She looked up at him with those pretty hazel eyes, licking her lips (now looking a bit ravished).
“Yeah.” He grabbed her hips and pulled her close so she could feel what those kisses did to him (and to her, if her pebbled nipples were any indication). “Any more questions I can help you with?”
She grinned wickedly, reaching behind her to snap the lock shut.
“Just one...”
“I’m a big fan,” Lina said as she stepped up to the table during a lull in the signing line. “I absolutely love your historicals.”
Rosemary smiled warmly, reaching for the hardcover Lina held out to her. “Thank you, my dear. It’s always good to meet a woman who can appreciate a good, old-fashioned bodice-ripper. Those modern day BDSM types have nothing on rakes and rogues, in my opinion.”
At the other end of the table, Bea snorted. “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.”
Rosemary ignored her. “To whom should I make this out?”
“Lina, please.”
Rosemary paused, pen in hand. “Lina, did you say?”
“Yes,” Lina confirmed. “L-i-n-a.” The other two authors seated at the signing table ceased their conversation immediately and pinned their gazes on her.
“That’s an unusual name. Is it short for something?”
“Yes, Celina.”
“Ah. Yes, of course.”
Lina held her hand out for the book, but Rosemary didn’t release it. “You wouldn’t by any chance be the Celina who married the bad boy biker, would you?”
Somewhat stunned, Celina’s smile faded. “How did you know about that?”
“We know everything, dear,” said Cora, complacently. “Is there someplace we could talk privately?”
Lina nodded uncertainly. “There’s a gazebo around back.”
“Perfect,” Cora nodded, scanning the room as she stood. “Where did the lovebirds get to?”
“The back room,” Bea smirked. “Ten minutes ago. Get the lead out, ladies. If he’s like most young studs, that gives us a few minutes.”
“What’s going on?”
“Chop chop, Lina. The clock’s ticking. Lead the way.”
Bea flipped up a sign that said “Back in 5 Minutes”, then Lina found herself shuffled out into the garden. The gazebo sat among a ring of mature arborvitae around back, away from the public areas. When Lina had been staying with Amy, it was one of her favorite places to hide away from the rest of the world.
“Perfect,” Rosemary said approvingly.
“Sit,” Cora commanded with motherly authority while Bea blocked the archway as if to discourage any thoughts Lina might have about leaving prematurely.
“You really did a number on young Jamie, dear,” Rosemary began. With a slight gasp, Lina opened her mouth, but Rosemary held her hand up before Lina could say a word. “Don’t worry, we get it. We write romance, for God’s sake. Jamie was not the one for you.”
“And you weren’t the one for him, either,” Cora added sagely. “He gets that now.”
“I don’t know how you - ” Lina began, but Bea chimed in. “Can it, and listen to what we’re telling you. We don’t have much time.” Lina blinked and snapped her lips shut.
“Jamie and Kyle are brothers,” Rosemary continued. “And it won’t do to have this hanging between them.”
Lina nodded. “I know. Kyle doesn’t like talking about it, but it bothers him. I can tell.”
Rosemary pinned her with a stern glare. “Then do something about it.”
“Like what? They’re as different as night and day, but one thing they do have in common is that they are mulishly stubborn.”
“Typical males,” Cora nodded. “It’s a pride thing.”
“Which is exactly why it’s up to you and Amy to get the ball rolling,” Bea added.
“And exactly what do you suggest?”
Rosemary patted her arm. “Why subterfuge, of course. Men have their pride, but women have their cunning. Devise a plan where you all end up in the same place at the same time. Somewhere where they’re not likely to walk away or cause a scene.”
“Ladies, are you out here?” Amy’s voice called.
“The lad must be a quick-shooter,” Cora lamented to the others before raising her voice. “Yes, dear. We’re in the gazebo.”
Amy peered into the shadows as she came around the corner. “What are you doing out here?”
“What we do best. Plotting and planning. Where’s your young man?”
“Getting more books out of the back.”
“Isn’t that what you two went to do fifteen minutes ago?” Rosemary smirked.
Even in the dusky twilight, Amy’s furious blush was visible.
Cora clapped her hands. “Right then. Let’s get back to it, shall we? Lina dear, fill Amy in while we keep Jamie busy doing our bidding. But make it quick. He’s a suspicious sort. Always thinks we’re up to no good. I can’t imagine why.”
The three ladies bustled off cheer
fully, leaving Amy and Lina staring after them. “They are something else aren’t they?” Amy murmured.
“Too much,” Lina laughed. “Do you think we’ll be like that when we’re their age?”
“With any luck, worse,” Amy grinned. “Now please tell me what that was all about.”
* * *
Amy’s cell phone buzzed, the sound muted by her jacket but still audible. She pulled it out, confirming the number that appeared on the screen.
“Everything okay?” Jamie was curious.
“Yeah, everything’s fine,” Amy told him. At least she hoped it would be.
“They’re lost without you,” he guessed. It was the first time she’d taken a full day off since she opened her book store years earlier, and she might have experienced minor bouts of separation anxiety throughout the morning.
“Aren’t you the one telling me I needed to let go a little, put some faith in my employees?” she said, neither confirming nor denying his assumption.
“Yes, but you worry anyway.”
It was true. “So why don’t you distract me?”
Jamie accepted the challenge eagerly, pulling her into his arms for a core-clenching kiss. Ever since they’d taken their relationship to the physical level, the desire between them continued to grow, along with other powerful feelings.
The train whistle blew two short notes, the last warning before departure. She’d booked a private car for a late autumn scenic tour, complete with a light lunch, as a surprise for Jamie’s upcoming birthday. She’d had to pull a few strings, and it wasn’t cheap, but if the day worked out the way she’d hoped, it would be worth it.
“So,” he breathed, leaning his forehead against hers. “Just how private is this car?”
“Not private enough,” she answered truthfully. Facing the station as she was, she saw two familiar figures heading their way. “Come on, let’s see how comfortable these seats are. I think we’ll be leaving shortly.”
Amy guided Jamie toward the far end of the car, where she pulled him down and sat on his lap, keeping his attention focused on the mountain side and away from the couple boarding the car. Lina had timed her part perfectly, because the doors had already been secured by the time Kyle’s low voice rumbled, “Lina, what are you up to?”
Michael (Connelly Cousins #3) Page 20