She smiled against his touch. “Okay, but don’t be too long or I’ll have to finish what you started.”
He stilled, then with a sinful grin on his face and heat in his eyes he stepped close. Real close. “Yeah? Tell me more.”
She laughed and pushed him away. “Oh no, you sly dog…I mean wolf. Forget my needs, and go take care of your guests. I have to get these packages shipped, anyway.”
“All right.” He blew out a breath and adjusted the cargo in his cargos. “But we’re going to finish this discussion later. And in great detail.”
Then he turned and strode from the room, leaving her there with a thermos full of hot chocolate and a body full of need.
Valentine’s Day arrived bright and sunny, but cold. Mason was in Ethan’s kitchen alone, finishing his second mug of coffee as he contemplated his next move with Jill. They’d been taking it ‘slow’ the past five weeks now; in that short time they’d become lovers and business partners. Two of the three things he’d had with Renee. That one hadn’t turned out so well. Was he traveling down the same road with Jill?
He already knew whatever was going on between them was bigger than a thing. Hell, he brought her to his place, more than once, and had insisted she stay. Just the thought of her asshole ex still out there somewhere made him nuts. If the guy knew how to find her shop, then he most likely knew where she lived, and Mason hated that she was alone. But after a few nights, she went home, saying she refused to allow her ex to rule her actions anymore.
Admirable, but he worried, despite an effort not to feel. She’d gotten under his skin, located his heart and was chipping away at his armor.
“I was going to ask how you were doing, but by that look, I’d say you were in trouble,” Ben said, striding into the room and heading straight for the coffee pot. “What’s wrong? Forgot to get Jill something for Valentine’s Day?”
In fact, he hadn’t purchased anything for her yet. Each idea he came up with either seemed too personal or not personal enough. “It’s not like I could buy her chocolate like you did for Lea.”
Ben nodded as he kicked out a chair and sat down, setting a fancy square box by his mug. “True, but then again, you aren’t about to wear your heart out on your sleeve and ask her to marry you.”
“Been there, done that, not ready to do that again,” he said, sipping his coffee. Even though he really liked Jill, he’d have to open up a hell of a lot more to get to that point in his life again. Swallowing back a grunt, he set his mug down. Not happening anytime soon. “Better you than me, bro.”
He’d done the traditional, one-knee proposal complete with roses for Renee. Seemed right, and so did they, until she blindsided him at the church. He lost his bride and his business, and both his business partners that day.
His brother smiled. “I am better than you.”
“And humble, too.” A grin tugged his lips and he grasped at the amusement his brother offered. “Lea’s a saint to put up with you.”
“Agreed.” Ben nodded. “I just hope she’ll agree to make it official.”
Normally, Mason would smart remark that comment, but something in his brother’s tone, a genuine anxiety, wiped the snark out of him. Self-assured Benjamin Wyne rarely lacked confidence. “You have nothing to worry about, Ben. Lea loves you and is going to flip a gasket, not only over you proposing, but over the chocolate you commissioned.”
“Your woman outdid herself, Mase. Here, check it out. I just picked it up.” His brother pushed the box at him “It looks so real.”
He lifted the lid to reveal what appeared to be an antique jeweler’s box. “Damn. That’s all made out of chocolate?”
“Yep, every bit. Even the filigree. And look, it opens.” Ben carefully demonstrated and Mason’s admiration for his woman increased.
She was gifted. And had an incredible eye and attention to detail, too, in order to replicate the box to a T.
He turned to his brother and slapped him on the shoulder. “You have nothing to worry about, Ben. Let me be the first to congratulate you.”
“It’s a little premature, but thanks,” the grinning man said, placed the box back in the fancy bag. “I’ll feel better once I get the words out. You know I suck at them.”
“You’ll do fine,” he reassured again, lifting his mug. “You bringing her to the resort?”
Ben nodded. “Yeah, rented one of the honeymoon suites.”
“Nice.” Mason cocked his head. “The one with the heart-shaped swimming pool?”
Their sister had insisted they do a few special romantic themed rooms. Thank God. Those rooms were their best sellers.
“No. The one with the heart-shaped tub.”
A snicker left his lips at the image of his big, burly brother taking a bubble bath in a heart. “You know the instant you step foot in that thing you forfeit your mancard.”
Ben sat back and smiled. Big. And knowing, like he had the best damn secret in the world. “You obviously have never taken a bath with a woman.”
“True.” He laughed. “Because I have a set of balls, not ovaries.”
His brother chuckled. “Oh, man. Trust me when I say, trade them in.”
“Wow.” He sat up and stared at the guy who had clearly flipped his lid. “The anxiety must really be getting to you.”
“No, but stupidity has certain gotten its claws into you,” Ben countered, then leaned back in his seat, hands behind his head, studying him with that damn all-seeing gaze he’d inherited from their father. “So, tell me, o’ wise one, what was it you said you are doing with Jill for Valentine’s Day?”
His amusement fizzled away. “Good question.”
“We already know chocolate and heart-shaped tubs are out.”
“Correct.”
Ben rubbed his jaw. “Jill doesn’t seem the type to want anything ornate or big.”
“She isn’t.” Definitely not her style. She wasn’t flashy, or a full-out girly-girl. She was casual chic. Comfortable. Not into bling. The only jewelry he noticed her wearing was a simple necklace with a tiny charm, and her grandmother’s pin. “She likes things with sentiment. Meaning.”
“Then I’d say you know her pretty well,” his brother remarked as he stood to take his mug to the sink. “I’ve no doubt you’ll come up with a winner.” He returned to grab the box. “And I need to get to that suite to set things up before I meet up with Lea. She’s helping Jill assemble a display shelf.”
He muttered a curse. “The woman needs to take a break. All she does is work.”
“Maybe you should do something about that, bro.”
“I intend to.”
“Good, because it takes one to know one.
Rising to his feet, he frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?
“You haven’t taken time off in over two-years, Mason.”
He shrugged. “We were just starting out. Things needed to be done.”
“True, but there are four of us. It’s okay to take a break once in a while and let others pick up the slack.”
“I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Good. You do that.” Ben cupped his shoulder and studied him, no doubt deciding if he was telling the truth.
He was, and apparently his brother concurred, because he nodded then left the room whistling. Mason smiled. He had no idea his older brother was capable of blowing more than hot air from his mouth. But right now, his mind was occupied by something much more important.
Jill.
When they’d talked earlier, he could tell she was a little sad today. He harbored a guess it had to do with having no shop on one of the busiest chocolate candy days of the year. No doubt she’d missed out on a shit load of sales and it was bothering her, although, she’d never admit it. No she preferred to hide her emotions behind her pretty smile and funny mouth.
He’d gotten real good at hiding behind jokes or just not participating in things so he didn’t have to deal with people. Until Jill. She drew him out, made him feel wanted. Needed.
That wa
s what he was going to do for her today.
With a plan finally forming in his head, he set his mug in the sink and left the kitchen, whistling.
Chapter Nineteen
What was usually one of Jill’s favorite days just wasn’t cutting the mustard this year. Valentine’s Day had always been big for her, even before Confection Connection had opened. Whether she’d worked at a bakery, or just worked out of her home; creating, sculpting, decorating chocolate treats filled her soul.
Other than those initial orders from last month, she had none of the crazy rush, long hours, and last minute requests to make her feel…needed. Wanted.
Well, hell. Wasn’t she pathetic?
“I’d say you’re good.”
It took her a second to realize Lea had been talking about the round display table they’d just finished setting up with a beautiful light blue cloth she’d purchased online. All it needed now was her chocolates, and pretty stripped boxes with her logo on them.
“Thanks so much for your help. I’ll just be happy when I’m actually opened in a few weeks,” she said, straightening to stare at her smiling friend. “I feel bad you’ve given up some of your day for me.”
“Don’t be. I was thrilled to have something to do while I wait for Ben.” The cute brunette glanced at her phone. “He should be here soon.”
A rush of excitement washed through Jill at the thought of her friend’s upcoming night. A big night. She could hardly stand it. Hopefully, Lea wouldn’t be mad at her for not spilling the beans, but these were big beans, and not hers to spill.
Although, she wasn’t above wishing Ben would catch it all on tape so she could witness Lea’s expression when her friend first saw the chocolate replica of the antique box. And the ring, too, of course. That was important, too.
At least something good was happening today, she thought with an inward sigh. Something she contributed to, too.
“So, do you have any Valentine’s Day plans for…I mean with Mason?”
Jill laughed. “Why do I get the feeling that wasn’t a verbal mistake?”
“Because it wasn’t and you know me too well,” Lea replied with a grin. “So? Do you?”
Try as she might, Jill couldn’t stop the blush rushing up to her face. “I might have made…I mean bought him something special.”
“Ooh…” Her friend’s smiled turned wicked and gaze inquiring. “Why do I get the feeling that wasn’t a verbal mistake?”
“Because it wasn’t and you know me too well.” She grinned, using her friend’s words.
Lea laughed and nodded. “Touché. So, what have you done? Made some delicious chocolate?”
“Yes.”
“In the shape of what?”
“Depends…”
“On what?”
She drew both lips between her teeth before smiling as she answered, “On what part of the body it gets poured on.”
Lea sucked in a breath. “Ooh, I want some. You have any extra? If not, is there time to make some? I’ll help.”
“As a matter of fact…” Jill snickered, walking over to her purse to pull out a small gift bag. “I have a little present for you. I made you some, too.”
“Sweet!” Lea accepted the bag and pulled her in for a quick hug. “Thanks! It’ll go great with the lingerie I’m wearing.”
Jill drew back. “Mine, too.”
“Your two what?” Mason asked.
He strode into the room looking so gorgeous he took her breath away. Dressed casually for the outdoors, he wore a brown coat open over a navy sweatshirt and jeans. Yum. She had the uncontrollable urge to step into him and snuggle against the soft fabric covering his mouthwatering, hard muscles. But considering Lea was beside her and Ben just waltzed into the room, she held back.
The older Wyne’s face lit up. “Why do I get the feeling you two were talking about something interesting and would you care to share?”
“Hah,” Lea replied, carefully slipping the bag into her purse. “Nice try, handsome, but it’s not going to work.”
He walked closer and held out his elbow. “Well then, sweetheart, come on so we can get a start on our day.” With a quick wink to her and Mason over Lea’s head, the smiling man led his smiling girlfriend to the door.
A few seconds later, she was alone in her shop with Mason. He glanced around at the half-finished displays and empty counters and nodded.
“It looks great in here, Jill. It feels like you.”
She snorted. “Yeah, disheveled and a mess.”
“No,” he said, stepping right into her, circling her waist with his big hands. “Classy, yet friendly and fun.”
Warmth shot through her system, and she melted right there. “You’re so sweet,” she said, lifting up on tiptoe to kiss his delicious lips, asking herself the same two reoccurring questions.
What was the gorgeous guy doing with her? And how long before he left her?
When she drew back, he set his forehead to hers. “And you are working too hard. It’s time for a break.” He stepped back to grab the gray hoodie and brown vest she’d set on a counter and held it open for her. “Come on. Let’s take a walk.”
“Okay,” she said, excitement kicking up her pulse at the prospect of spending time alone with him so early in the day. It was barely ten in the morning. It wasn’t like she was swamped with work and couldn’t leave until closing.
After fishing a maroon knit hat from his pocket and shoving it on, he took the gray one from her hands. “Let me help you with that,” he said and carefully pulled it on her head, holding it in place. “It’s colder out than it appears.”
He was so close she could smell his delicious scent and see each individual hue twinkling in his brown eyes.
“Thanks,” she whispered, staring at his tempting mouth.
He groaned and stepped back, entwining their fingers. “You’re lethal. Come on, I need that cold air.”
Smiling, she let him lead her outside and enjoyed the simple act of walking in the cold, crisp February air with the handsome man at her side. Bordered by fields of dead, brown grass, unveiled by last week’s unusually warm temperatures, the deserted dirt road cut between the mountains offering a beautiful view. A remarkable setting, despite the cold, and she intended to enjoy it. Today was Valentine’s Day. She wasn’t going to worry about why the gorgeous Wyne chose to be with her, or how long he was going to be in her life.
He was there now, releasing her hand to drape an arm around her shoulders, his long body brushing hers as she slipped her arm around his waist and walked happily, silently, in the knowledge he’d sought her out and suggested the stroll.
As they came upon her favorite place, the horse pasture, he slowed his steps, as if knowing she wanted to stop and watch the magnificent creatures. Their snorts and whinnies materialized in puffs of white smoke in the frosty air. Sensing their presence, a few of the horses strolled up to the wire fence to offer their faces up for a petting.
Jill happily stroked each horse, marveling in the play of browns in their beautiful chestnut coats. “They’re so beautiful,” she said softly so as not to spook them.
It was a few minutes before she realized Mason hadn’t moved, or spoken. He just stood there staring at her with the strangest expression on his face. One of puzzlement and struggle.
She couldn’t imagine what was going through his head, so she cocked hers and offered him a smile. “What? Am I petting them wrong?”
His lips twitched and he drew near, reaching for both her hands. “No. You’re doing it right. You do everything right.”
The honesty and wonderment in his eyes hit her deep. Her heart caught. Pulse hiccupped and body swayed into his without her permission. He lowered his head, brushing his lips over hers, tasting, sipping, sampling until she had to grab onto his collar and hold tight because her legs suddenly felt like rubber.
“I have something for you,” he said when they broke for air.
He unzipped his coat and pulled out a small red bag
. She sucked in a breath and had to force her arms to move through the shock attacking her system. He actually thought enough about her to get her a present without wanting something in return. She peeked inside then laughed as she pulled out the cutest little stuffed wolf, the same shade of brown twinkling in his eyes.
“I love it. He reminds me of you and our snowmobiling adventure,” she said, snuggling the little guy into her neck.
“I saw it and thought of you,” he said, watching her with undisguised hunger and something more.
Her heart rocked at the something more. She felt it, too.
He carefully touched the heirloom on her blue scarf. “Maybe you can put your grandmother’s pin on the wolf and carry him in your purse.”
It was silly, she knew, but there wasn’t anything she could do to prevent the burning in her eyes and throat. No one had ever done anything like this for her. Had her in mind.
“Hey, you okay?” He tipped her chin up and frowned.
She nodded, blinking back the tears. “Yeah, sorry. I’m not used to someone…”
“Thinking of you?”
She nodded again, and his gaze blazed with some unknown emotion that made her feel wonderfully warm.
“Get used to it. You’re in Wyne country now.” He leaned in and kissed her lips, languidly, yet firm enough to know he meant business.
She slipped the wolf in her vest pocket, then ran her hands up his chest. “You’d better be careful. I get drunk on Wyne,” she said against his mouth.
A grin tugged his lips, and he drew back an inch to stare down at her, mischief and excitement in his gaze. “How drunk?”
“Enough for my clothes to fall off so you can unwrap the present I’m wearing for you underneath.”
He stilled. “You got me a present…and you’re wearing it?”
She nodded. “Yes. Under my clothes.”
He closed his eyes and swallowed, and when they reopened, a fierce hunger smoldered in his brown depths. “When can I have my present?”
“Whenever…wherever you want.”
He sucked in a breath. “Damn, you’re lethal.
“Ditto.”
Gaze devilishly dark, he pressed his forehead to hers. “And if I want it right now?”
Wyne and Chocolate (Citizen Soldier Series Book 2) Page 16