"It's only temporary and for your own good. Now please, go home and rest. We'll need you before too long."
Candace growled when Brody scooped her up as if she were weightless, and jogged back down the beach. So what if she was barely five feet tall? She wasn't that light, and he wasn't even breaking into a sweat. Damn. Candace tried to summon her anger, but all she could feel was desire for this musclehead.
Mesmerized by the movement of his arm muscles, she reached out and squeezed his bicep. Liquid heat pooled between her thighs at his display of masculinity. His delicious scent didn't help. He smelled like chocolate and male. Deep, dark, delicious male. Her fingers itched to run through his black hair, but she clenched her fists tight, digging her nails into her palms. No way did she want to give in to the urges racing through her body. No matter how much she wanted him, he was obviously anti-Wiccan, and she couldn't live with herself if she dated someone like that.
* * * *
Brody glanced down at the spitfire in his arms. He lifted her up higher so she wouldn't feel his erection. His dick strained against the tight spandex of his shorts. He prayed it subsided before he put her down in his car. She'd really freak out if she saw he was aroused by all this. But then he'd wanted her ever since she'd first stepped foot in his bakery. Nothing would change that. Not even finding her practicing magic. He'd save her from the danger of magic if it was the last thing he did.
It had been raining and she'd stumbled in drenched and looking like something out of one of his wet dreams. While he'd tried to play it casual and get to know her before he asked her out, he'd yet to find the right time to ask. Now it seemed like he'd never get to.
"I can walk. I'm not helpless, you know."
"If I put you down, you'd run right back there and you know it. Sandra asked me to get you out of here and that is what I'm going to do."
"You know Sandra?"
Is it my imagination or is she jealous? “Very well."
She made a frustrated sound and turned away. But when her hand closed on his bicep a second time he bit back a groan. What is she doing? Feeling my muscles? As if confirming his unspoken question, she squeezed his arm, then quickly released him and looked away. His dick hardened even more when he realized she was attracted to him.
When they reached his truck, he set her down gently but kept a firm grip so she couldn't escape. Once she was safely inside, he jogged around to his side and climbed in. As he started the truck and put it in gear, the doors locked and she jumped. Hmmm. She's jumpy and sitting as far from me as she can. I think I'm not the only one feeling desire right now.
Thoughts of how to find out for sure if she desired him filled his mind as he drove back to the city. It wasn't until he pulled up in front of her house that he realized what he'd done.
"How'd you know where I live?"
Snagged. “It's a small town. Most everyone knows everyone else and where they live."
"Yeah, I don't think so."
"I asked Sandra where you lived when I heard you'd been fired. I really do need help at the bakery. And you are friendly, you like the atmosphere and the food, or you wouldn't keep coming in every morning."
"You asked Sandra for my address so you could ask me to work for you? Why didn't you just ask me the next time I came in?"
"Because you haven't been in all week. And I kept meaning to come ask."
"She could have given you my phone number."
"Sandra and I are really good friends. She knows I'm not a stalker or anything. Are you mad I know where you live?"
"No. I do want to know why you are against magic if you are such good friends with Sandra."
"That isn't open for discussion. Will you please work for me, Candace?"
She sighed and looked out the window. Whatever thoughts were rolling around in her head, they didn't look favorable, but finally, she turned back and nodded. “Fine. I'll start in the morning."
She'd left before he could say thanks or tell her what time she needed to arrive at the bakery.
* * * *
The next two weeks at Brody's Bakery passed in a blur. Between Brody's flirting nature and the fun, talkative customers, Candace was in heaven. She was even willing to overlook his dislike of Wicca and magic because she'd finally found a job she liked and was good at. And it had looked as if this was one job she couldn't fail at. Until today.
Last night Dante and Tamara had announced their engagement and their plans for a handfasting. In all the excitement she hadn't gotten to bed until after three in the morning, and as a result, had been late for work.
Brody had been in a bad mood before she even walked in the door. It was obvious from the way the others refused to meet her gaze, that she was the reason they were all staying far away from Brody.
He'd asked why she was late, and she'd apologized, but it didn't seem to matter. Which made no sense. Whenever one or another of his other employees was late he'd been a lot more understanding and kind than he'd been to her. If she were being truthful, he had been kind to her in the beginning. First he'd asked if she was okay. Then he'd barked at her and warned her in front of the others that partying all night was fine as long as she “got her ass in to work on time."
Candace had kept silent through his tirade until she just couldn't stop herself. “I was only late because of Dante's—"
"I don't need to hear about your lovers, Candace. Just get your ass to work on time and everything will be fine."
Again with getting her ass to work on time. “Since you're so obsessed with my ass, why don't you just kiss it?"
A collective gasp ran through the tiny bakery. She'd forgotten about the customers. Too late for that now. If she still had a job, maybe he'd let her get back to work instead of continuing to harass her.
"You can stay after and clean up.” His tone let her know he didn't want any excuses either.
Great.
So here she was, all alone in Brody's Bakery, scrubbing tables and dishes. Apparently it didn't matter that she'd worked a double shift today, either.
"Jackass."
As she walked back into the kitchen, she stopped dead in her tracks. Brody stood near the stove stirring what smelled like dark chocolate. Her favorite. Mouth watering, Candace walked over to him and leaned close to peer in the pot. Yup. Melted dark chocolate.
"Done out there?"
A shiver raced up her spine at his husky tone, and she quickly backed away. “Yeah. I finished."
"Good. Put those cleaning supplies away and wash your hands."
"Why? Do you need help? What are you doing?"
"I have a special order of chocolate covered goodies for a luncheon. And you, Miss Smart Mouth, are going to help me make them."
Oh, yeah. I'd like to help you. But there's something else I'd rather dip in chocolate. Keeping her eyes away from that part of Brody's anatomy, Candace concentrated on scrubbing her hands and lower arms. Covering goodies in chocolate could be fun and messy. Kinky, too, with the right person.
"What's taking you so long?"
"Sorry, I'm scrubbing as fast as I can. You know, I understand I was late this morning, but you aren't this hard on anyone else. Not one of them. And considering how much you said you needed my help, frankly I think you could be a bit nicer. I did stay and clean up after working a double shift. I'm tired, cranky and want to go home."
Brody blinked at her as if seeing her for the first time. “You know, you're right. I was a little harsh on you. But then none of my other employees have ever told me to kiss their ass either. Why don't you go upstairs to my apartment and use the Jacuzzi? I'll bring you up something to eat."
"Excuse me?” What's with him tonight? He's like a damn seesaw. Up, then down, then up again. But a Jacuzzi. Yeah, I wouldn't mind having a nice soak in there.
"I often let the others use it from time to time."
"I know but why are you offering it to me now?"
"I'm trying to apologize for jumping down your throat earlier. You're right.
I haven't attacked anyone else like that. I'm sorry.” While he looked sincere, she couldn't help but wonder why he'd reacted like that in the first place.
Unless he was jealous.
Ha. Fat chance. You wish, Honey.
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Chapter 2
Candace sank in the tub up to her chin. While it was a little awkward sitting in her boss’ Jacuzzi in her underwear, it felt heavenly. With a sigh, she leaned her head back and closed her eyes. He'd be a while dipping the treats for the party trays, so she had the place to herself.
The scent of roses made her smile. They reminded her of her childhood days and her grandmother's rose garden. Candace opened her eyes and looked around the small garden he'd built on the roof of his business. He'd put the hot tub in the center of the garden. Since they weren't in the heart of the city, there weren't many tall buildings nearby and even if there were, the flowering trees and bushes mostly obscured the hot tub from sight.
Brody's Hideaway.
He'd had a small plaque mounted near the hot tub with those words inscribed on it. At first she'd giggled, but the longer she soaked here, the more she realized how true it was. No wonder all the other employees kept asking to use it.
The sound of footsteps startled her, and she looked up into Brody's dark, piercing eyes. Suddenly she felt naked, even in her bra and underwear as he stared at her. He'd changed into swim trunks, and it was all she could do not to drool as she stared at his muscular chest. A minimal amount of hair covered his chest and trailed down into his bathing suit.
Does he plan to get in with me? And how in the hell does a bakery chef have muscles like that? She licked her lips, picturing licking chocolate off his well defined abs. Wondering what it would be like to fulfill any of her fantasies with him made her crotch wet and her nipples harden. Please don't let him notice how turned on I am.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Not at all. It is your place, after all. I have to admit it's heavenly."
Brody stepped into the tub and sat down across from her. “Yeah, I like to unwind up here after a long day at work."
She tried to focus on anything other than his mouth-watering chest as it glistened from the water. “Why don't you hire a manager to help you so you don't have to work the entire day? Someone who could work the afternoons or something? Your girlfriend must feel so neglected."
When he didn't say anything, just stared at her with his dark eyes, she shifted on the seat. Finally, she couldn't stand it anymore.
"What?"
"What do you care if my girlfriend feels neglected? If I recall correctly you told me to kiss your ass earlier."
"Yeah, well ... you seemed so obsessed with it.” She flushed as his eyes widened. “Going on and on about it like you were."
"Well you do have a nice one. Does it bother you that I'm obsessed with it?"
Where is he going with this? Is he saying what I think he's saying? Could he feel something for me? Would I be able to resist him if he tried something? Do I want to resist him?
"Candace?"
"I'm surprised you have the time to even look at it.” She forced a laugh, but he didn't even crack a smile.
"You have a very nice, firm ass. I like your tits, too. Just as firm and ripe as—"
"Hey!” She crossed her arms over her chest and blushed even more.
"Do you mean to tell me that I'm the only one feeling this attraction?"
Candace bit her lip. Is there a correct way to answer that? Then his words sank in. He wasn't just flirting or teasing. He was serious. Stunned, she dropped her arms and scooted back on the bench.
"I didn't mean to scare you. I promise not to tease you any more. You can't blame a guy for trying."
"What?"
Brody sighed. “I'm sorry, Candace. I won't flirt with you or tease you. I misread you. I thought you felt the attraction too."
Candace swallowed. Did she let him think she wasn't interested in him, or should she grab at this chance to find out what he was really like in bed?
"I really screwed up yelling at you earlier. I was jealous. Jealous you might have been later because of a boyfriend.” He sighed again and began to climb out of the hot tub.
Jealous? Did he just say he was jealous because he thinks I have a boyfriend? Wait! He's leaving.
"No. Wait!” Candace grabbed onto his arm and sucked in a breath as the muscle flexed under her touch.
"Wait?” Brody turned and looked at her, hope in his eyes.
"Yes.” She licked her lips and tried to keep her eyes focused on his gorgeous green ones.
"What is it, Candace?"
"I don't want you to leave.” She licked her lips again and wondered if her voice sounded as husky to him as it did to her.
His pulse beat beneath her palm. Candace was surprised to feel it pick up its pace as he sat back down, this time next to her. Could he be as excited as she was?
"Are you sure?"
"Yes.” She couldn't look away from. He leaned closer to her, and her heart raced as his lips met hers.
Tentative at first, his mouth brushed over hers twice before she sighed and relaxed against him. Brody groaned and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close as he slipped his tongue past her lips and dueled with hers for supremacy.
Chocolate. He tasted like dark chocolate and sin.
A million and one sensations rushed through her at once. Desire, hot and heavy, settled in her stomach like a lead weight, making her pussy dampen and her breasts feel full and sensitive. As if he sensed her surrender, Brody slipped one hand under her hair and caressed the back of her neck while he splayed the other on her stomach, his thumb brushing back and forth on her rib cage.
Candace shivered and leaned into his touch. She met his kiss and returned it hungrily, her hands fisting in his hair as she turned toward him.
"I've wanted you for months,” he whispered when he ended the kiss.
Weak in the knees, and her brain soft as mush, she couldn't do more than smile at him. She wasn't about to admit she'd wanted him since she first laid eyes on him.
"Seeing you unconscious on the beach like that scared a few years off my life. I'm so glad you decided to give up witchcraft to work with me."
Give up witchcraft? When did I promise that? Before she could ask, he captured her mouth once again and the thought fled.
"I don't want to go too fast, but I've dreamt of this moment, hungered for your kiss and touch, for months. If I'm rushing you, tell me to stop."
"No.” Candace shook her head and slid one hand to cup his cheek. “Not too fast."
This time, she instigated the kiss. Brody moaned and slid his hand up to her breast. He gently squeezed and massaged it as he rubbed his thumb against her nipple. Back and forth, his touch sent a shiver up her spine.
Even submerged in water, Candace could tell she was soaking wet. If they'd been out of the hot tub her panties would be saturated with desire. She wanted Brody with every fiber of her being, and he wanted her, too. They were consenting adults. There was no need to be ashamed of their desires, their needs.
"Tell me to stop now, before we go too far."
"No.” Candace nipped at his chin, then kissed him again, enjoying the feel of his soft lips as she ran her tongue over them. She found a speck of dried chocolate on his cheek and licked it. He must have been taste-testing the treats he was dipping. She'd love to taste another part of him dipped in chocolate.
"Meaning you want me to stop now?"
"No.” She giggled at the desperation in his voice. “I want you as much as you want me."
He groaned and tightened his hold on her breast. “Do you want to take this to the bedroom?"
Is that a hopeful note in his voice?
"To be quite honest, I like it right here. I've never done it in a hot tub, and I have this fantasy..."
"Really?” Green eyes met hers, fire burning in their depths. “I would be more than willing to fulfill any and all of you
r fantasies."
"Where did you learn all the right things to say and do to get a woman in your bed?” Candace sighed and kissed him gently before pulling back. “I'd swear you're too good to be true."
"These aren't lines, Candace. I sincerely mean everything I've said."
Her heart thumped a rapid tattoo as she lost herself in his eyes. Just listening to his deep sexy voice saying all these perfect things was enough to make her want to tear off his bathing suit and ride him until dawn.
"I want to make love to you. If you don't want things to go that far right now, or at all, you need to tell me. Before it's too late."
Candace smiled and slid her hand up into his hair again. As she played with the soft, thick strands, she shook her head. “It's already too late."
"It's never too late."
"Just shut up and kiss me, Brody."
He chuckled and tugged her onto his lap. “Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure."
To prove her point, she reached behind her and unclasped her bra. Candace tossed it near her clothes and moved so she straddled Brody. As her cloth-covered mons brushed against his erection, Brody gasped, igniting flames of desire she no longer had to hold back. He wanted her as much as she wanted him. The time for games was at an end.
Brody took a breast in each hand and massaged them as he stared down at them.
"You're so beautiful."
"They're just breasts.” Candace laughed and shifted on his lap.
"No, you're the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, and these are the most delectable."
Candace moaned as he pinched her sensitive nipples. The stiff peaks hardened even more under his ministrations. She wanted his mouth on her, to feel him lick, tease and suck on her nipples.
As if he read her mind, Brody leaned down and captured one nipple in his mouth while he continued to pinch and tug on the other. Candace fisted her hands in his hair as sparks of pleasure raced under her skin. The man was going to kill her with sensory overload.
Candace moaned. The sound echoed in the silence of the night. She flushed and ducked her head before she remembered no one could see them. It was doubtful anyone could hear them either. Not unless they were on the roof with them. That would be kinky. Is Brody into kink? Am I into kink?
Witchy Woes Book 2: Candace Page 2