Dreaming Eli

by JoMarie DeGioia

  “Bagel me, Cupcake.”

  “That might be the strangest sentence I’ve ever heard.” She smiled as she held up the dish piled with bagels of a couple different varieties. “Pick what you like. I ate an everything, myself.”

  “Sounds good. Is there another one?”

  “Mmm hmm. I don’t know what my mother is thinking, but she always brings me too many bagels for just myself.”

  “Maybe she’s not checking on you, Caro. Maybe she’s hoping to find somebody there with you on a Sunday morning.”

  She shrugged, her lips quirked in a half-smile. “Maybe.”

  He took a bagel and chewed. “Mmm. Good. You don’t make these?”

  “Nope. There’s something about the dough that just isn’t in my wheelhouse.”

  “It’s good to know your strengths.”

  She looked like she wanted to ask him more about that but he quickly closed it down with a wink.

  “Remind me to show you mine later,” he added.

  “Don’t get ahead of yourself, Graham Cracker.” She sipped at her coffee. “So what’s our Sunday look like?”

  “I have an idea, but I don’t know if you’ll be up for it.”

  She turned her stool and crossed her arms. “Is this another dare?”

  He nodded as he thought about the attraction he’d heard about from some visitors to Cypress on Friday. “Since you liked the Ferris wheel at Old Town Village, maybe you’ll be up to riding the really big one they built up in Orlando?”

  Her eyes went round and she covered her mouth. “That’s really tall, Eli.”

  “Are you afraid, Cupcake?”

  She swallowed. “If you can take it, so can I.”

  “Now there’s the attitude I like.” He leaned down and kissed her, pulling back to grin. “It’ll be handy to have for later.”

  She laughed but he saw her eyes darken. Just what was she thinking? He ate his bagel and drained his coffee, eager to start their day together. So that they could finish it right here.

  Later that night, they were curled up on his couch again. He could almost hear the clock ticking down on their day, since she had to get up so early in the morning tomorrow. They’d had a lot of fun up in Orlando, and now shared a pizza ordered from the tavern.

  “You know, my house is so much closer to the bakery than yours is,” he said.

  She shook her head. “Not going to happen. Besides, you don’t want somebody invading your space. You just moved in.”

  “I like having you in my space, Cupcake.”

  She blushed prettily and gently stroked his leg. “That’s actually very sweet.”

  He ran his fingers through her hair and massaged the back of her neck. “You’re actually very sweet.”

  She gave his thigh a squeeze and patted him. “I should get going, though.”

  “Yeah, the reality of dating a baker.”

  “Whoa, you said the D word.”

  “Aren’t we dating?” He wasn’t playing dumb or cute. He’d just never really dated a woman like her.

  Her brows drew together before she nodded. “We are. I told my mother we’re seeing each other, but I’ll take the upgrade.”

  Her agreement made him lighter inside somehow. He had to be careful. For her sake and for his. He wasn’t a forever guy, seeing as he’d never had to be. She was a forever girl, though. Even if she might say otherwise.

  He wouldn’t think about it now. Not when she was rubbing her hand along his thigh and looking at him with that heat in her blue-green eyes. He could set it aside for now, if his now included her. As for his later?

  He’d roll with the disappointment like he always did.

  Chapter 15

  “All set for the Fall Festival?”

  Caro looked up from the customer in front of her to find Claire Chapman standing over near the bake cases.

  “If you’re asking about my biscotti, then yes.”

  She clasped her hands. “Yay! Make sure and set aside a large order for me, Caro. I plan on eating this baby’s weight in them.”

  Caro eyed her round belly and smiled. “You got it.”

  The festival was the next day, on Saturday, and Cypress clearly expected a big crowd. The town square was decorated with hay bales and pumpkins and piles and piles of colorful silk maple leaves scattered among the dried brown leaves that fell from the sycamore trees in Cypress. Sweet Escape wouldn’t be left out, of course. Ashlyn and Caro had turned it out while Jane baked batch after batch of their customers’ favorites as well as the new cookies. Blockades stood folded and ready to close off the roads around the square to everything but foot traffic and volunteers were beginning to tape off the areas where vendors would set up.

  The bakery had been very busy all day, too. Caro hummed to herself as she assisted another customer. She felt pretty good, even if she’d had to face the fact that she was dating Eli. Their Sunday together had been eye-opening, and not just because they’d ridden one of the tallest Ferris wheels in the world. The one up in Orlando was identical to one built in London, and she figured their view from the top was just as impressive. Hey, London didn’t have the house of mouse, now did they? And what was Big Ben compared to a fantasy castle?

  Still, it was clear that Eli had no clue how to do the dating thing. Or at least, he believed he didn’t. He was courteous and affectionate all day, and at night? After sharing their dinner of pizza they’d fooled around again. Although he’d teased her enough about his new big bed, they hadn’t quite made it up there. He was clearly waiting for a signal from her, not that she even knew what that could be. She alternated between ready and willing to abject cowardice.

  It would be amazing, being with Eli. How could it not be? He knew just about every inch of her body now, and let her explore him too. There was something so unnerving about the thought of actually having sex with a guy, even a guy as sweet and hot as Eli. She hadn’t been with anyone since Brad, and after losing her baby she’d begun to think that nothing and no one could make her feel that kind of desire again. And then in walked Eli. Swaggered, more like. He had confidence in spades and was clearly willing to wait for her to give him permission or something. To wait until she was ready.

  “I’m so ready,” she murmured.

  “What’s that, dear?”

  She looked up to find Sharon Walsh in front of her. Ty’s mother, one of her mother’s friends, smiled sweetly at her.

  “Hello, Mrs. Walsh. What can I get you?”

  “A couple of cupcakes for my granddaughter. Ty is picking her up this afternoon and we get her for the whole weekend!”

  Riley was the daughter of Mrs. Walsh’s late daughter, but Ty and his wife Cassie had her more weekends than not. Sharon always seemed to bloom when her little granddaughter was around.

  “She’ll have so much fun at the festival,” Caro said as she filled her order.

  “Yes. You seem a little distracted, Caro. But you’re ready. Rest assured.”

  Caro’s mouth dropped open. “How can you know that?”

  Sharon patted her hand. “It’s a very big deal, but you’ll do fine. You’ll see.”

  Caro’s cheeks burned as she stared at Ty’s mother. “What?”

  “The festival, dear. You made it through last year’s, didn’t you?”

  “Yes.” She let out a little laugh. “Yes. We are ready. I’m just going over the preparations in my head.”

  Sharon paid for the cupcakes and took her box of goodies. “Don’t you fret, dear. It’ll all turn out fine in the end.”

  Caro just nodded, finding so much more meaning in the woman’s words than she’d probably intended. She should go for it with Eli. He was a good guy deep down. She had that slime ball radar after all, and he never even caused a blip. He was a temporary sort of guy, though. She couldn’t ignore that. Everything he had was rented! Stamped with an expiration date. She didn’t want to look too far into the future herself. Did she?

  “Almost closing time, boss,” Jane said as s
he stepped out of the kitchen. “Then you and I can get going on those finishing touches.”

  “Yep.”

  She didn’t expect that she would get to see Eli tonight. Her business was her priority and tomorrow was a big day for Sweet Escape. Hers was the newest business in the town center and, even though she wasn’t a lawyer or law professor like her siblings, she wanted her business to be the best. To excel. She wanted to be a success and to make her family proud.

  She wanted to have fun too, darn it. And getting closer to Eli, for however long that would be, was a great way to do it.

  By the time the bakery was closed, she and Jane were up to their elbows in dough and batter and frosting. The bake case would look full to bursting with all the colors of fall tomorrow, and the flavors too. They would have a spiced apple cupcake with cinnamon frosting, savory butternut squash scones, and hearty zucchini pumpkin bread. There were more fall-themed flavors and textures in the hopefully-famous biscotti and also in a pumpkin cake with a cream cheese glaze.

  They did as much of the prep work as possible ahead of time and were just cleaning up the kitchen around six o’clock when someone knocked on the door. She peeked out toward the front door and saw that Eli stood there. Her heart did a silly little flip thing she’d noticed just a few days ago. She tamped down her excitement. He was just stopping by. That’s all.

  She crossed to the door and opened it. “Hey, we’re closed mister.”

  “I know.” He bent down and kissed her, making her pulse kick. “I knew you’d be busy and would forget about dinner.”

  He held a bag of takeout from the tavern and she could smell beef and cheese and French fries. “Oh, you’re a doll man!”

  “A what?”

  She laughed. “Sorry. That just slipped out.”

  “I brought a burger for Jane, too.”

  “Thanks, Eli,” Jane said, peeking out of the kitchen. “My hubby is making dinner for me.”

  “Then you’ll have to eat with me,” Caro told him.

  He raised his eyebrows. “Are you sure? Don’t you two have a lot of baker-elf things to get finished for tomorrow?”

  “We’ve done all we can tonight,” Caro said.

  “And on that note, I’m heading home.” Jane waved and ducked out the back door.

  ***

  While Caro went into the kitchen to lock the door behind Jane, Eli set up their impromptu dinner. He’d been busy all day, and he was surprised to see that a couple of his tours were recent prospective residents who’d asked for him specifically. One was a couple in their fifties looking to move into the green neighborhood and the other that family that had given him such rave reviews last week. They were eager to get their two children into the neighborhood school, so they wanted him to find a rental property where they could live while narrowing down which of the villages in Cypress would best suit them.

  Another unique aspect of Cypress Corners was that the Sales Center dealt with residents and properties, both resale and new. They also handed rentals. This helped property owners by giving them a hand both in finding tenants and in case anything unfortunate occurred, like skipping out on their lease, property damage or excess neighbor complaints. Currently they referred any legal issues that might arise, but Bill Chapman had mentioned the possibility of putting one of his legal eagles in place. Eli was really grateful that he wasn’t one of them. Derek could have that distinction, thanks.

  “This is a nice surprise.”

  Caro walked in, sending thoughts of Bill or Derek right out of his mind. She looked rumpled and a little tired, but she wore it well.

  “I was thinking about you all day,” he admitted.

  Her brows rose, and then a gorgeous smile curved her lips. “You have that going on too, then?”

  Her question made his chest tighten, but it wasn’t an uncomfortable sensation. It was one that was starting to feel familiar where she was concerned. He just had to think about her and he was filled with this warm sensation. Yeah, she got his dick hard but it was more than that. He wanted to make her smile, and it seemed like she was enjoying spending time together too.

  “Come eat, Cupcake.”

  She sat down at the little round table and let out a sigh. “Mmm, this looks so good. Thanks, Eli.”

  “No problem.” He grabbed a few fries and chewed as she dug into her burger. “So are you all set for tomorrow?”

  She nodded, her eyes bright. “Yes, all set. I have Tom from the coffee shop and Ashlyn helping us out front and Jane and I will hold down the fort in here. What about you?”

  “The Sales Center is closed of course, but Rick wants us to glad-hand the place.”

  “Will you be giving tours?”

  “Nope. We’ll be taking appointments and pointing them to the website, though. Should be a pretty easy gig.”

  She sat back and crossed her arms, her eyes sparkling.

  “What?” he had to know.

  “You like this. Working in Cypress.”

  “I do.” He shrugged. “It’s no big deal. I just do what I have to do.”

  Something flickered in her eyes before she looked away. “Okay. Will I see you tomorrow?”

  “Yeah, you will. I plan on talking your place up to everyone I meet.”

  Her eyes widened. “Seriously? Eli, that would be fantastic!”

  “You work your ass off, Caro. You should enjoy the success you’ve achieved, and if I can help you gain more by simply telling the truth? Why wouldn’t I?”

  She jumped out of her chair and hugged him. He caught her easily, settling her on his lap as she buried her face in the crook of his neck. “You get it, don’t you?” she asked softly.

  “Hey.” He held her slightly away from him and touched her cheek. “I know what it’s like to try your best, yeah.”

  She bit her lip, her eyes shiny, and he couldn’t resist kissing her. She was a delicious bundle in his arms, and that odd tickling in his chest moved down to his belly as she kissed him back. Heat rose between them, and he drove his tongue into her mouth. She turned to straddle him, and he welcomed the rush to his groin. She knew damn well what she did to him, and he wasn’t the guy to pretend she didn’t affect him. His hands were on her round little ass as she ran her fingers through his hair.

  When she pulled back, her cheeks flushed, she was grinning. “You’re good for me, Eli.” She cupped his face, her fingers gently stroking him. “You know that, right?”

  He didn’t know just what she was asking him, but he could certainly answer the question on the smooth shiny surface.

  “Yeah, I do.” He covered one of her hands with his. “I think you’re pretty good for me, too.”

  She let out a breath, and then yawned. “Sorry.”

  “Hey, you should get some sleep. Are you coming here at oh dark thirty tomorrow morning?”

  “Four thirty, and yes.”

  He gave her ass a pat. “Then you should get home.”

  She looked reluctant to squeeze out of his arms, and that made him feel a whole lot more than pretty good.

  By the time she was driving herself home and he was walking back to his townhouse, he’d had some time to think about what he and Caro were doing. They were dating, or so everyone in Cypress had labeled it. Jessie and Bree and even Oliver seemed to think of them as a couple. The teasing didn’t bother him. It wasn’t like he was scoping out the other admittedly-hot women in the office. Being linked to a woman like Caro could only be good for his cred. He was worried about what she thought about it all.

  She’d said he was good for her. He didn’t know about that. He’d never been good for anybody. Not good enough, anyway. Not his mother, who apparently couldn’t stay clean long enough to raise her son. Not his father, who never even bothered to learn if he was one. None of his foster parents gave more than the required support and supervision, in his opinion.

  “Doesn’t matter,” he grumbled as he let himself into his new home. “She’s really good for me.”

  He did
think about her, though. A lot. He hadn’t been just giving her a line. It might be only a couple of weeks since they’d started whatever this was between them, but he was past throwing lines at her to see what stuck. What hit her just right. He’d loved her everyway but one, and he hoped that changed soon. It wasn’t exactly like he was getting blue balls, was it? The girl was inventive, all right.

  He yawned now himself, grabbed a bottle of beer from the fridge, and then plopped down on the big leather couch. Thumbing through channels on the TV, he tried to focus on one thing or another but just couldn’t land. He wanted Caro here with him. For more than just a couple of hours of fun, too. He wanted her to stay the night, for God’s sake. That thought alone should make his balls crawl back up inside his body.

  He never let a woman stay over. Hell, that was even if he brought them back to his bed in the first place. He preferred to play every game on the road, so to speak. Not this time. Not with her.

  She did live above her parents’ garage, though. That put a very tricky spin on doing a road trip. He didn’t want to hit and quit her, either. Which made wanting her to stay in his place seem so very strange.

  “Strange or not, she’s staying here tomorrow night,” he murmured.

  Let somebody else worry about what this step meant. He wouldn’t wait for someone at the Sales Center to remark on it, either. Caro’s friend, and his coworker, Jessie did live just a few doors down. She’d know if Caro stayed over. Even if she didn’t, didn’t women talk about that stuff? He had no clue. He’d had no real foster sisters, and the girls in the group homes didn’t spend time with the boys for obvious reasons.

  There was that memory he’d had a few weeks ago, of gathering leaves with an older girl or a young woman. Even that almost intangible moment wasn’t enough to give him any insight into a woman’s mind. He never tried to figure out what any of them wanted, aside from a good meal and a good fuck. Caro was so different, though. Real and tangible in a way he’d never expected.