Wanted: Wife

by Lacey Wolfe

  And he did. Taking a wash rag, he soaked it with warm water before he started to caress her body. He started with the usual areas, her arms, back, neck, but before long, the cloth was on her chest. Even though his fingers never touched her skin, he still brought her intense pleasure as he played. When the cloth went back into the water, he took a trail from her foot, up her legs, to her thighs, and then to her center. She gasped when his fingers replaced the wash rag. Before she had a moment to think, he was igniting a whole new pleasure in her.

  Her eyes closed as she writhed in the water. His rhythm increased, and when his thumb found her sensitive nub, she screamed out as her release tore through her. He teased for only another minute before he pulled his hand from the water and stood.

  She gazed up at him, feeling satisfied at the moment. But when he began to remove his clothes, she found the fire had reignited in her. He grabbed his glass before climbing into the tub behind her. She leaned against him. With his free hand wrapped around her waist, he drank his wine.

  “After this bath, I intend to take you to bed. The evening isn’t over yet.”

  Turning her head so she could see him, she said, “Good, because I have a lot I want to do to you.”

  He smiled. “I like where this is going. We’d better relax now.”

  “Because we have a full evening ahead of us.” She pressed her glass to her lips and let her hand under the water drift until it found his rock hard erection. “Ready for a little appetizer?”

  “I don’t want to spoil my appetite.”

  Pulling her hand away, she settled for the cuddling in the bath for now. Besides, she planned on now only touching him, but getting a good taste of him this evening. She’d be getting her appetizer—that was for sure.

  Chapter 15

  Over the next few weeks, Darcy and Steven had moved into an easy rhythm together. He had been working a lot, and they’d only seen one another a handful of times. Every now and then, they’d find the time to connect in the bedroom, but other than those times, things were platonic. Darcy wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing.

  Keeping it friendly most of the time she supposed was the easiest way to keep her feelings at bay. But instead, all she wanted was more. More little moments and kisses. She sighed and reminded herself that she couldn’t have everything she wanted.

  With all the time in the world on her hands, she’d started researching vacant storefronts and had found one she loved. It was in the heart of town, and she was shocked there wasn’t a bakery there yet. She worried that by the time she had the funds, the place would be occupied, but she still had fun with all the what ifs.

  Today, however, she was meeting with Allison. Darcy’s mother had called non-stop until she had finally agreed to have the engagement party when her mother had wanted it. Allison and her were meeting with two different caterers to try their food. Her mom wanted to do a Hawaiian theme, so the taste testing today was seafood. Apparently her mom had forgotten that Darcy didn’t like fish. Thank God Allison, who just happened to love seafood, was coming.

  As Darcy drove down the road in her car—now fixed and almost like brand new—she began to wonder how long this was going to go on. They’d never put a time limit on it and Steven’s grandfather was retiring right after the engagement party. What did that mean? She had another month or two with Steven?

  Just knowing it could be over in the blink of an eye filled her with sorrow. She hated herself for it. She knew this would happen and she’d have to return to her usual, boring life. Darcy pushed the thoughts away. There was no point in dwelling on what she couldn’t avoid.

  She pulled up in front of Allison’s place and beeped the horn. A few moments later, her friend appeared with a huge grin on her face.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Darcy asked. “You’ve got a smile as big as Texas.”

  “That obvious?”

  “Yeah, you’ve been pretty secretive lately. Care to dish?” Darcy backed out of the parking space and toward the road.

  “I guess I can’t hide this news forever. I’m seeing someone.”

  “And you’re just now telling me?”

  “I didn’t want to jinx it. And it’s beginning to get serious. Like move-in serious.”

  “It’s that flipping serious and you haven’t told me!”

  “Chill. You’ve been occupied.”

  Darcy shot her friend a quick glare before returning her focus to the road. “I’m never too busy for you. Now I’m wondering who this man is.”

  “You’re not going to like it.”

  Darcy had a feeling her friend was right. Allison had most likely gotten involved with her douchebag of an ex who always broke her heart. They were on-again, off-again like nobody’s business. “Is it Jake?”

  Allison nodded. “But he’s changed this time…for real.”

  Yeah, she’d heard that one before. In fact, she wished she had a nickel for each time she’d heard it. “I hope so.” Even though she didn’t agree, she would be there for her friend. And when Allison showed up on her doorstep again, tears streaming down her cheeks, Darcy would offer her a shoulder to cry on. Because that’s what friends did.

  “Are you mad?” Allison asked.

  “Not at all. It’s your life. Besides, who am I to say anything? I’m the one in a fake engagement, after all.”

  For the rest of the ride, Allison filled Darcy in on how Jake had changed and the direction in which they were headed. She was positive a wedding was in their future. Darcy hoped for her friend’s sake that he had in fact changed, but she had a very hard time believing it.

  They entered the first place and Darcy wanted to pinch her nose to block out the scent. Something was cooking, and it had a distinct fish smell to it. How in the world was she going to get through the taste testing when the smell alone made her cringe?

  “Did your mom even want any input from you for this party?” Allison asked.

  “It’s my mom…what do you think?”

  “When are you going to stand up to her?”

  “It’s easier to just avoid her like I did for a year.”

  “Yeah, well, that isn’t happening right now, is it? Maybe you should take this time to sort things out so you don’t have to go back into hiding.”

  As much as Darcy hated to admit it, her friend had a point. She nodded her agreement and then turned to smile at the woman who came out to greet them.

  “Hi, you must be Ms. White. We have a whole array of things for you to try.”

  Oh, yippee! “Great. Where would you like us?”

  “Over here would be great.” The lady walked toward the side of the place and they followed, taking a seat in a large booth. “I’ll be right out with the first course. I hope you two are hungry.”

  By the time they had finished with the first place they tried, Darcy was ready to stand up to her mother. She couldn’t have a party with only seafood to eat. She was sure the food was lovely, and had tasted very small amounts, but she should be able to enjoy her own engagement party. And there was no way she would if she wasn’t able to eat.

  She’d already called the second place and canceled, apologizing profusely. But she couldn’t stomach any more. Allison had been right, at some point Darcy had to start standing up to her mom. Now was as good a time as any.

  * * * *

  “Supposedly, after the party, he’s going to retire. But I never know about that man. One day he seems sane and the next he’s talking jibber-jabber. I’m more worried about him than anything,” Steven told his friend, Ryan, as they ate lunch.

  “Why don’t you or your dad just take him to the doctor and get him checked out?”

  “I think we’re all afraid of what the outcome might be.”

  “It isn’t like he’s forgetting who you guys are, so I wouldn’t worry too much. It’s just time for him to relax after building his company to where it is now. Besides, it’s in good hands with you.”

  Steven nodded. He loved The Apple Orchard the way
his grandfather did. He took pride in the apples they grew and the quality that they produced. As well as the line he himself had created of apple baked goods that could be found in the grocery stores’ deli and freezer sections. Yet, until he had a fiancée, he hadn’t been able to prove his loyalty to him.

  “How’s it going with the woman at home?” Ryan asked before he took a bite of his fry.

  “Really well, actually. She’s amazing.” Steven took a slurp from his straw. “To be honest, I hate that it’s fake. Darcy is an extraordinary woman. She had this idea to open a bakery. One time her mom mentioned she should do something with apples, and I can totally see it. The Apple Orchard Bakery. She could run it, and life would be perfect.”

  “But…”

  “I don’t know that it’s her dream. We really haven’t talked about it. And when we break-up, wouldn’t it be a little weird to have her associated with the business?”

  “Do you want to break-up?”

  “It’s part of the deal. And besides, Darcy doesn’t want this lifestyle.”

  “If you don’t ask, you’ll never know. Bring it up casually.”

  Steven shrugged. “Yeah, guess I could. Get an idea if we’re on the same page or not.”

  “Guess who I ran into the other day and who she was with?”

  “Terry?”

  Ryan nodded. “She was with your brother.”

  “Jarred? What were they doing?”

  “Getting cozy it looked like.”

  Steven stared at his food and wondered why they would be together in the first place. They’d been at each other’s throats most of the time he had dated Terry. Jarred always called her a gold digger. It wasn’t possible they were dating, was it?

  “I don’t know if anything was going on, but I thought I’d tell you. I never liked her. My guess is she’s trying to get back at you.”

  “You’re right about that. She came over to the house once a few weeks ago, right after Darcy and I got engaged. She wasn’t happy about it. I just can’t believe Jarred would have anything to do with her. I’m going to have to call him and see what’s going on. Thanks for the heads-up.”

  “Hopefully it turns out to be nothing.”

  “Yeah, let’s hope.”

  Lunch ended much sooner than Steven would’ve liked, but work called. His grandfather had called a meeting to announce his retirement, and if it went as planned, he would officially be announcing Steven as the new CEO. Which meant that tonight he’d have a good excuse to take Darcy out to celebrate. Perhaps over a candlelight dinner, he could do as his friend said. Find out if Darcy wanted more with him. Steven would love more than anything to give this a real shot with her.

  * * * *

  The day had gone perfectly. And now, Steven sat across from Darcy at a local upscale steakhouse. She looked as beautiful as ever. Her blonde hair was curled like ringlets. Her head was propped on her hand where her diamond ring sparkled in the candlelight. He wanted many more evenings just like this with her.

  “How was your day?” he asked.

  “Long. Allison went with me to taste test different fish, which I hate, by the way. I canceled with the second place and we went to get pedicures instead. I need to call my mom and tell her no fish. I can’t stand it, and it’s time I take charge of our engagement party.”

  Steven agreed. He’d tried his hardest to keep her mother out of it, but the woman was stubborn. Mrs. White wasn’t one to take no for an answer in any way, shape, or form. He understood now why Darcy had wanted to break away. But he hoped the life he wanted to give her would never be like that.

  “I think it’s great you’re going to stand up to her. I’m proud of you and support you a hundred percent.”

  She grinned. “I think you’re just trying to get lucky tonight.” She placed her hands in her lap and leaned over the table and whispered, “Don’t worry, you are.”

  God, this woman was something. “Every day I’m with you is lucky.”

  Her grin faded and he saw a different expression cross her face. He wasn’t sure what it was, but when she bit her bottom lip, he had a feeling he was making her nervous. She always backed away when he complimented her.

  “I’ve been thinking. While I know you don’t like most of the things your mother suggests, I did like her suggestion about you opening a bakery that ties in with The Apple Orchard. It would be a hit. We offer baked goods already, but to have a place people could stop in and get them piping hot, would be great. You could run the place, the management end. In fact, pick the location as well. I want this to be all yours, my company just backs it.”

  “Sounds great, when it’s your company.”

  “Grandfather announced it officially today. The engagement party is two weeks away, and the day after, the company officially becomes mine.”

  “Really?” Her eyes lit up.

  “Yes.”

  “That’s fantastic. I’m happy for you.”

  “So, what do you say about the bakery? I think it would be great. Of course, if you have a vision all of your own, I don’t want to take away from that.”

  She was quiet and he worried she was about to reject the whole thing. Finally, she spoke. “I’m not saying yes, but I’m also not saying no. I’ve been scoping out locations and I’ve found one I really want. Maybe tomorrow we can go by and see it?”

  “Excellent. Yes, I think I can get off early in the afternoon.” He pulled his napkin from his lap and set it on the table. This evening was coming together rather nicely. In fact this whole day was.

  “I have a question though.”

  “Ask away.”

  “If I agree to start a bakery with you, what happens when the engagement is over?”

  He started to speak, but she interrupted him.

  “I mean, how long after he retires are we going to keep this little charade up?”

  Charade? This was so much more than that for him. But had it become any more to her yet? As he stared at her, he looked for any sign, but she sat there with a cool demeanor.

  “It’s up to you.”

  “It’s my call when it ends?”

  He nodded. Steven knew he could never tell the woman in front of him that he didn’t want to be with her.

  Chapter 16

  Darcy had a little over an hour before meeting Steven and the realtor at the space she was interested in. She’d been putting off calling her mother for too long, and she needed to get it out of the way. Otherwise in some way, shape, or form, her engagement party was going to be nothing but stinky seafood for her friends and family to eat.

  She let out a loud sigh and scrolled through her phone to her mom’s number. She pressed the call button and listened to it ring.

  “Hi, Darcy,” her mother answered. “What a delight to have you calling me for a change. How are you?”

  “I’m okay. Looking at a place today for my bakery I hope.” She paused, waiting for her mother to put the idea down, but she didn’t. “Listen, I don’t like fish. This isn’t anything new, I never have. After much thought, I’ve decided against the two caterers you wanted me to try.”

  “Why?”

  “I just told you why. I don’t like that type of food. And it isn’t really fair for me to not be able to eat at my own party.”

  Her mother chuckled. “You’ll be mingling, and forgive me for saying this, but you probably need to lose at least ten pounds before the wedding.”

  Darcy’s mouth dropped open. Had her mom really just said that? “I’m not going to starve myself, and I said no to the seafood. This party isn’t about what you want, Mom, it’s about Steven and I celebrating our love for one another. And neither of us want to use the caterers you picked out. Starting tomorrow, I’ll shop around for one and let you know who I choose.” Wow, it felt awesome getting that out. She imagined the look on her mother’s face was shock, perhaps the same open-mouthed look she’d had when her mother called her overweight.

  “If you feel so strongly about it, fine. I wasn�
�t trying to take your big day away from you.”

  Darcy rolled her eyes. She found her mom’s tone to be condescending. “Thank you for understanding.”

  “Your father is calling, dear, I need to take this. We’ll chat soon.” The line went dead.

  Darcy was sure her father wasn’t actually calling, her mom just needed an excuse to end the conversation, which was fine. Darcy most likely would’ve come up with one herself. She set the phone down on the side table of the couch and then walked over to the back window and looked out. The sun was bright today and the hammock between the trees was calling her name. She’d only actually gone out there once since moving in. And it wasn’t as nice as it had been the time she was there with Steven. Maybe if he didn’t go back to work, they could spend some time together, rocking in the hammock.

  Her thoughts flashed back to dinner last night. He’d been so excited that his grandfather was finally stepping down and things were lining up. But something seemed different with him. She wasn’t sure what, but the way he’d stared at her last night at the end of the dinner was a way he never had before. It was almost as if he had a look of hurt, but she wasn’t sure what would have caused it.

  He’d been ecstatic about the idea of her opening a bakery that might be associated with his company. She liked the idea. It was something she could do sooner rather than later. But it tied her to him. And she felt like she’d been justified when she’d asked what happened when things were over. Did she get to keep the place? She assumed so. Steven and her got along great, so she doubted they’d part on bad terms. How could they? It wasn’t a real relationship.

  It would all get figured out, she reminded herself. Glancing at the clock, she decided it was time to head out. She had only stared into this shop through the windows. Now she got to actually go inside and see if it was as perfect as she thought it would be.

  Twenty minutes later she was pulling up. A woman stood outside in a business suit. Darcy climbed out of her sports car and went over to see if the woman was the realtor.

  “Hi. Are you Kathleen?”

  “I am, and you must be Ms. White.”