by Maggie Way
One month had gone by since their professional truce, and now she saw him almost every night. He was like a sexy addiction that she wasn’t sure she should indulge in or seek help for. All she could do was be in the moment, and being with Hudson gave her a rush like no other. What worried her was that each day she spent with him felt like she was going somewhere she’d never come back from.
Tonight, he was taking her to the carnival, and she was both nervous and excited. She was so inside her head and molding chocolate pieces to the volcano structure that she didn’t hear Dezrah enter the kitchen.
“Earth to Tonya,” Dezrah said.
Tonya looked up to see her cousin waving her hands to get Tonya’s attention.
“Hey, Dez,” Tonya said. “Sorry. Been a little distracted with this wedding sculpture.” She went back to cutting the large sheet of soft chocolate in front of her before the cold surface hardened it and made it difficult to shape and mold into the volcano rock structure.
“You sure it’s this sculpture that’s gotten you all distracted?” Dezrah asked.
Tonya arched up her eyebrow. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Want to fill me in?”
“You know exactly who I’m referring to. Austin and I thought putting you two together could turn out into some monumental dessert war, but it seems like the opposite is true. Extremely opposite.”
Tonya could feel Dezrah’s intense stare on her without having to look up. She took her time placing the cut pieces on the chocolate mold and layered each one before she answered.
“We’re kind of seeing each other,” Tonya finally admitted.
“I knew it!” Dezrah said, jumping up.
The other workers turned to look at them.
“Keep it down, will you?” Tonya said. “Not like I want everyone in here to know.”
“Too late for that,” Dezrah said.
“What do you mean?”
“You do know we’re not in a big city anymore? Everyone knows everyone else’s business here. No escaping that. Even in small-town Virginia.”
Tonya looked around and leaned over the counter. “What are they saying?”
“Just that it seems like Hudson may be with someone, taking both Gold & Smith bachelors off the market.”
“Off the market?” Tonya scoffed. “They’re not fresh produce.”
“Look who is defending Mr. Hud House.”
“Stop it, and it was never Mr. Hud House. He didn’t deserve a proper salutation in front of it.”
“And now?”
“I haven’t called him that in weeks.”
“Oh, wow,” Dezrah said with wide eyes. “Are you in a serious relationship now?”
“I don’t know. Maybe.”
Dezrah moved so fast that the next thing Tonya knew, she was being pulled by the arm.
“It’s time to take your break now,” Dezrah said.
“I don’t have time. I have a lot of work to do for the bride monster from hell.”
“Well, the bride-monster-from-hell’s volcanic lair will have to wait, because we’re making time for this.”
Dezrah didn’t stop until they were in her café across the street. The little bell rang as she opened the front door.
The familiar smell of chocolate and fresh bread mixed with brewed coffee hit her nose. She had gotten used to the smell while working in Dezrah’s back kitchen. Now she realized it was a scent she missed while working in the larger space of Gold & Smith Chocolates.
“Wow,” Tonya said. “It feels like ages since I’ve been back in here.”
“Another reason we need chocolate croissant time,” Dezrah said. “Sit down, while I get lunch.” She went behind the counter and placed two of her signature chocolate croissants, added some fruit, and poured them coffee.
When Dezrah got all the items on a tray, she sat them on the table in front of Tonya and took a seat in the chair next to her. “It’s not the same running this place without you.”
“The new hires are doing their job aren’t they?” Tonya asked. “If not, I’ll set them straight for you.”
“I have no doubt you would.” Dezrah chuckled. “My new workers are fine. It’s just that they aren’t family. I miss you snapping orders at me every ten minutes, although my name is on the building.”
“I miss telling you what to do you, too,” she said with a smile. “Even though we’re right across the street, it feels like we never see each other anymore.”
“Which is why we’re doing this now.” Dezrah held up her chocolate croissant. “To the sexy and irresistible men in our lives.”
“A chocolate croissant salute? Really?”
“We haven’t done this in ages, so yes the croissant salute. Indulge me a little.”
Tonya shook her head but still picked up her croissant and tapped it against Dezrah’s. “To sexy men.”
“Sexy and irresistible. Don’t forget that part.”
“Fine. Sexy and irresistible men. Happy?”
“Very.”
They both took a bite at the same time.
Tonya closed her eyes and savored the familiar buttery and chocolate-filled goodness. She really needed to take lunch breaks at Dezrah’s shop more often. Who could forget how addictive her chocolate croissants were?
“Speaking of sexy, irresistible men,” Dezrah said, “it’s time for you to spill.”
It felt good talking to Dezrah and telling her everything. They weren’t just cousins. They were best friends and had been ever since they grew up together.
Dezrah was the main reason Tonya agreed to move in the middle of nowhere to help her run Dezrah’s Chocolate Café. Although many people thought Dezrah was insane, the woman had a vision for the place in a small town and Tonya had faith in her cousin.
Now that they weren’t struggling to keep the café open anymore, they had the new responsibilities of merging with Austin and Hudson’s company. They just didn’t know they’d be falling for the men who had been their competition.
There was no doubt in Tonya’s mind that Austin and Dezrah belonged together. They were cute as a couple and complimented each other well. Tonya just wished she was as sure about her and Hudson.
“A coat closet?” Dezrah whispered. “You did not!”
“Afraid so.” Tonya’s cheeks heated up at the memory, and she took a sip from her coffee to hide behind. She was grateful the place wasn’t packed with customers like it had been since the merger, or the entire shop would be privy to her experience.
“In a French restaurant, too? My French cuisine teacher, Mr. Dubois, would have died on the spot.” Dezrah looked up to make sure no one was looking before leaning into Tonya. “How was it?”
“Nothing but amazing.”
“Damn. I’m surprised that isn’t spreading all over Bluehaven gossip line.”
“He played it off well, so I don’t think they suspected anything.”
“I’m not stopping you. That’s free press. We’d probably have a line out the door if that got around. Ooh. Maybe we can have scandalous chocolate sex names, too.”
“I’m glad my sex life means good business for you.”
“So what does that mean? Are you official now?”
Tonya tensed up at that. “We haven’t really talked about that part.”
“Why not?”
“It’s not like he hasn’t tried. I think he wants to, but I keep avoiding it.”
“Don’t you want to be with him?”
“That’s the problem. It scares me how much I want it, and I’m afraid as soon as I give in, everything will...fall apart.”
“Aww, Tonya.” Dezrah placed her hand over Tonya’s. “You know Hudson isn’t George, right?”
There it was. The other reason she’d been so happy to leave Richmond and follow Dezrah. Her one and only boyfriend. An ass of one, at that.
George had been the reason why she decided not to go to follow Dezrah to culinary school. He’d promised to marry her and everything. They drove up
and down Monument Avenue, dreaming of the house they’d one day get together with George inheriting his father’s construction business. Until she found out he’d gotten another girl pregnant, while he was with Tonya.
“How do I know that? If you asked me in high school if I would ever think that George would betray me like that, I would have called you and anyone else jealous. I knew him for years and he did that. Hudson and I haven’t even gotten through a few months together.”
“Time is irrelevant when you find the one. I can tell you that.”
“I’ve never felt anything like this before. Hudson is so...different.”
“Good different or bad different.”
“Definitely good different.”
“Have you told him that?”
“No. Not really.”
“Tell him! The guy is not going to know anything if you don’t. He is a guy.”
“What if he doesn’t want something more? This is the guy who didn’t want me in bed with him once before.”
Sounds like he’s come around from beds to closets.”
Tonya shoved Dezrah. “I’m serious.”
“From what Austin said about the way Hudson’s been acting lately, it’s not one-sided.”
“Did Hudson say something to Austin?”
Dezrah held her hands up. “Nope. Not saying anymore. Just telling you it’s time both of you talked to each other.”
“Fine, spoilsport.” Tonya knew Dezrah had a point. She had to know eventually. Great sex didn’t mean they were meant to be together, right? But maybe, just maybe they’d be a good couple. She allowed herself to daydream about a future with Hudson, and the possibilities didn’t feel as impossible after a chocolate croissant.
Chapter Ten
Hudson
“I hope you know our business arrangement is contingent on how well you can do at my daughter’s wedding,” Richard McKnight said. He was facing the window and didn’t even have the courtesy to face the others in the room.
Hudson regretted bringing that man on as a client, especially since it was causing Tonya so much stress.
“Yes, Mr. McKnight,” Austin said. “All of us here at Gold & Smith Chocolates are dedicated to making sure your daughter has the best centerpiece possible. She’s already approved the design.”
“It’ll be ready for her wedding Saturday?” the man asked. “Arianna said that you’re working with a woman chef on this. Is she capable of something of this magnitude?”
Hudson gripped his pen so tightly that he knew it was going to leave marks in his palm. At least it focused him away from their client, because he was one stone throw away from pushing him out that damn window.
Not only was Tonya capable. His woman was ten times the person any member of the McKnight family was. His woman. That had a ring to it he could get used to.
“Everything is on schedule,” Austin said. “You don’t have to worry about that. Our head baker is Tonya Holten, and she’s in that position because she’s the best at what she does.”
Hudson was thankful for Austin’s calm attitude. One of them had to be for this meeting, because the entire McKnight family was turning out to be the worst contact Hudson had ever made for their company.
Hudson had to network with the biggest names and spenders in the town. It was his strategy for making sure their new store opened successfully. He first talked to Richard McKnight at their grand opening party last Christmas.
At the time, he thought they’d hit the town Jackpot. A Bluehaven town councilman supporting them could open numerous doors for future small-town openings. Now, Hudson wanted to distance himself who questioned Tonya’s abilities.
“You trusted us with this part of your daughter’s wedding,” Hudson said. “We will deliver what was ordered and then some.”
“I’m holding you to that,” Richard said. “Otherwise, you’re going to wish you never came to Bluehaven.” He grabbed his coat and stormed out of the office.
“That man was one step away from an ass-kicking,” Hudson said.
“You’re the one who brought him in,” Austin said. “I told you we needed to stick to what we did best. We’re a brand of stores at the heart of everything. Personalized orders aren’t something we’re used to doing.”
“I know. Okay?” Hudson sighed. “It’s my fault we’re in this damn arrangement. I wished I never met that man or his needy family. If not for our sake, then for Tonya’s sanity. She’s really taking this thing personally.”
“Can you blame her?” Austin asked. “She and Dezrah both come from a long line of cooks. It’s in their blood.”
“I know. That’s why I’ll do anything before I let him ruin Tonya or Dezrah’s reputation in this town. The last thing they need is that man causing problems for them.”
Austin was quiet as he stared at Hudson.
“What?” Hudson asked, breaking the silence.
“You. I’ve never seen you so worried about someone else before, especially a woman.”
“It’s not like I’m a heartless bastard, you know.”
“Yeah, I know that. I’m just not used to you caring about another woman as much as you seem to care for Tonya. I think it’s great. I had my suspicions, but it’s good to hear you actually admit it. About time you stopped acting like a playboy and found someone set your ass straight.”
“I wasn’t that bad. Relationships didn’t appeal to me at the time.”
“And now?”
“Now…I’m reevaluating my stance on the issue.”
“You mean Tonya’s got you wanting something serious.”
It wasn’t a question, but Hudson nodded anyway. “She’s not like anyone woman I’ve ever met. It’s like I’ve been walking around with blinders on, and she’s got me seeing things differently.”
“No more fighting?” Austin asked.
“I wouldn’t say that. Sometimes the best fights lead to the best rewards when you make up.”
“Well, that’s good. I wouldn’t want you hurting Dezrah’s cousin. They look after each other. Remember that.”
Hudson looked Austin straight in the eyes. “I don’t plan on doing anything to hurt her. She means too much to me.”
“Even more than Carly?”
Hudson looked away, remembering things he didn’t want to think about. “That was different. Tonya is nothing like Carly.”
“Did you tell Tonya about her?”
“Not yet.”
“Hudson—”
Hudson raised his hands in defense. “I know. I’m going to tell her.”
“Better do it soon, or rolling pens aren’t the only thing she’ll be throwing at your head.”
Hudson nodded, but he didn’t say anything. He didn’t want his past to ruin what he had with Tonya. She was someone special to him. But Austin was right. He couldn’t have a real relationship with her until he told her everything, and that meant telling her about Carly.
Tonight, he was taking her to the Carnival. He wanted to have at least some more time with her that wasn’t weighed down by negativity. He just hoped that she wouldn’t want to leave him after he came clean about his past.
Chapter Eleven
Tonya
Bluehaven was beautiful with the bright-colored lights filling up downtown. Tonya thought it looked like something magical out of a movie. Maybe it was just because she spent so much time with Hudson that it made everything else surreal.
Tonya realized she had never seen him in casual clothes outside of his loft, and she liked how they made him look. He was still breathtaking and made her legs tremble, but he also looked relaxed, as if the world outside and all its stressful moments didn’t exist. She could get used to that look.
After everything they’d done at the festival together, the carnival was what she looked forward to the most. It reminded her of the Virginia State Fair only smaller.
“Where do you want to start first?” Hudson asked her.
“The rides,” she said. “Let’s go on the
Ferris Wheel.”
Hudson grinned at her.
“What? Why are you staring at me like that?”
“You seem so carefree tonight. I like you this way.” His arm encircled her waist as they made their way over to the line for the ride.
“It just reminds me of home a little. I miss it sometimes.”
“You never talk about home.”
“Well, this was meant to be a new start for Dezrah and me. I try not to dwell on the past too much.”
“I get that. Sometimes it’s best to live in the now.”
“Yeah. Now sounds good.”
“Then let’s start living by hoping we get a ride all alone so I can have my hands all over you,” he said.
“You’re hopeless,” she said, but she hoped to have him all to herself too.
Hearing them talk, an elderly woman in front of them turned to stare back at them then.
Hudson wrapped his arm around Tonya’s shoulder and tilted her chin over for a kiss.
Tonya heard the woman scoff. When she pulled back from Hudson, the woman had turned back to the line in front of her.
“I can’t believe you just did that,” she whispered.
Hudson shrugged. “She wanted a show. Figured I’d give her one. Besides, I’ll take any reason to keep kissing you.”
“You’re full of surprises.”
Tonya was disappointed that they had to share a ride with a mother and daughter, but Hudson’s arm kept her close as they went on the ride.
The little girl, who looked like she was about seven or eight, kept smiling at them, and Tonya couldn’t help but smile back.
“It’s not polite to stare at strangers,” her mother said, pulling her back in her seat.
Being so high up made her shiver a little. She had never been a fan of heights, but she always loved the Ferris wheel. It was an exception because it brought with it some of the best views around. This time was no different. The nighttime landscape of Bluehaven was enough to take anyone’s breath away. The Blue Ridge Mountains surrounded the town on multiple sides. The town lit up the darkness.