Abigail chuckled at the worshipful expression in the dog’s eyes. “She’s in love.”
“She’s hoping for a dog biscuit. But she’s getting plenty of treats these days.”
“She can’t help being adorable.” She turned back to him. “So are weddings in barns popular?”
“That’s what my research showed. I can’t help noticing wedding stuff since I grew up with a mom who lives and breathes them.”
“I’ve never known a wedding planner. How was that?”
“Hayley and I got slightly phobic. When we were little we were sometimes recruited to be the flower girl and the ring bearer.” Tapping the spoon on the pot, he laid it in a spoon rest. “She hates anything with lace on it and I’d rather not wear a tux if I can avoid it. But Mom’s business thrived in Colorado Springs.”
“I can also see why it would slow down in a town this size, though.”
“She figured it wouldn’t be anything like what she had and she was right. Hiring someone to plan a lavish wedding is an urban thing.” He opened a cupboard and took out a bottle of red wine. “How about this to go with the chili?”
“Perfect.”
He took an opener from a drawer and pulled out the cork. “Mom says many folks in Eagles Nest plan their own wedding, bake their own cake and pick wildflowers for the bouquets.”
“I realized that when I got here. It’s the reason I haven’t pushed elaborate wedding cakes. They take a lot of work and cost more than a regular cake. I just do one if somebody asks.”
“But the barn venue will attract out-of-towners. That could be an opportunity for you.” He searched the cupboards and finally came up with a couple of wine glasses.
“I suppose it could.” She had trouble keeping her attention on the conversation. Sharing space with Luke in this intimate setting had put her senses on high alert.
A week ago she’d postponed a kiss until she was more rested. She’d been up since three this time, too. But she’d never been more awake, more aware of every move he made.
As he rinsed and dried the wine glasses, she focused on his strong, capable hands. She imagined him stroking her cheek, cupping her chin, tilting her face up to his…
“A successful venue could end up hosting four or five weddings per weekend and several more during the week if the location catches on. Mom’s will do great.”
She caught enough of what he’d said to respond semi-intelligently. “Because you’ll see to it?”
He flashed her a smile. “I’ll do my best.”
He took her breath away. She was in danger of standing there gaping at him because he was just that gorgeous. “You…um…sound very confident.”
“I know my job.” Picking up the wine bottle, he filled the glasses.
“Have you been researching bakeries, too?”
“I have.” He recorked the wine. “But I had a head start after working for a restaurant chain. Some of the principles are the same.”
“What would I have done if you hadn’t decided to move here?”
His gaze met hers. “I don’t like to think about it.”
“Me, either.” Breathe, girl.
He handed her a glass. “Here’s to a healthy profit margin.”
She almost laughed. Profit margins were the last thing on her mind. “I’ll drink to that.” She touched her glass to his and took a sip. “Mm. Nice.”
“I didn’t bring much from Portland, but I hauled down a couple of cases of Oregon wine.” He glanced at the chili bubbling in the pot. “It’s ready.”
“Good.” Eating would give her something to do besides stare at him. Evidently he hadn’t noticed her besotted state.
“I didn’t think this through, though. The dining room is crowded with furniture and…you know what? How about spreading a blanket on the living room floor? I could make a fire.”
Be still my beating heart. “That sounds fabulous. What can I do?”
He took two bowls from the cupboard. “Dish the chili, please.” He grabbed a tray from a bottom shelf. “You can bring it in on this. I’ll take the wine and rustle us up a fire.” He left the kitchen.
Delilah got to her feet and followed him. But soon she trotted back into the kitchen and began nudging Abigail while she was dishing the chili. “Cut it out, Delilah. I’ll make a mess.” With adrenaline coursing through her system, she was already less coordinated. Delilah’s pestering didn’t help.
The nudging continued.
“Luke,” she called out. “Your dog’s trying to herd me into the living room. I’m liable to dump chili everywhere.”
“Delilah, come!”
The dog started out of the kitchen, but kept glancing back in a clear request for her to follow.
“In a minute, girl. When I’ve finished dishing the chili.”
With a little doggie sigh, Delilah left the kitchen.
A few seconds later, Luke began to laugh. “Now she’s trying to get me to go back in there with you.”
“Hang on. I’m almost done.” She set the bowls on the tray along with a couple of spoons she’d found and some paper napkins. Then she carried everything into the living room.
Her breath caught and she gripped the tray to keep from dropping it. Romantic fantasies did come true, after all. Luke had turned off the overhead so the room was lit only by the glow of flames dancing in the fireplace and the ambient light from the kitchen. A colorful quilt lay on the smooth floor.
He placed a folding mesh screen in front of the fire and turned to her with another one of those bone-melting smiles. The fantasy was complete.
He walked toward her. “Let me take that.”
“Okay.” She sounded breathless. Couldn’t help it.
After setting the tray in the middle of the quilt, he glanced at Delilah and pointed to a corner of it. “Lie down, girl.”
She walked to where he’d pointed and flopped down with a contented sigh.
He chuckled. “Are you happy, pup, now that Abigail and I are together?”
The dog gazed up at him and her tail thumped the floor.
Delilah wasn’t the only happy one. Abigail resisted the urge to pinch herself as she surveyed the cozy setting. “This is lovely. Thank you for inviting me to stay.”
“I’m glad you said yes.” He gestured toward the quilt. “Have a seat.”
“You’d better take the spot closest to Delilah.” She sat on the far side of the tray. “That fire smells so good.”
“It’s cedar.”
“And the rock fireplace is beautiful.”
“It’s also well-built. Whoever did it knew their stonework.” He took the opposite side of the tray and handed over her wine glass. “That’s a part of the house that’s fine the way it is. I had to clean out a bird’s nest, but otherwise it’s in great shape.”
“Are you keeping the knotty pine paneling?” She picked up her bowl of chili.
“Definitely. I like the retro feel of it.”
“So do I. It gives everything a warm glow.” She tasted her chili. “Wow, I can see why this is your favorite. It’s delicious.”
“Sure is. Especially when you’re sitting in front of a fire. Seems twice as good.”
“I wouldn’t know since I’ve never had your mom’s chili before, but this is yummy.” Good food, good wine, a crackling fire and Luke sitting within arm’s reach. She was on sensory overload.
After eating a few more bites, she put down the bowl and picked up her wine glass. “This is going to be an awesome house.”
“I think so, too. I’ve dreamed about a place like this ever since I was a kid. We went on a family vacation one year and rented a cabin near some state park or other. This reminds me of it.”
“I can see why. My family rented a vacation cabin that was something like this, too. Only it was near a lake.”
“There’s no lake close by, but Wild Creek isn’t far. It’s mostly frozen, now, but in the summer, I’ll bet I’ll be able to hear it if I sit on the porch.”
&
nbsp; “In a rocker.”
He smiled at her. “Exactly.”
“I’m happy for you, Luke. It must feel terrific to have found the place of your dreams.” She spooned up the last of her chili and put the bowl on the tray.
“It does.”
“Think of all the fires you’ll enjoy.” She wrapped her arms around her knees and stared into the flames. “Watching how they burn is mesmerizing.”
“Uh-huh.”
Something in his voice made her glance at him.
He wasn’t watching the fire. He was looking at her. “More wine?”
“No, thank you.” Her heart began to pound.
“Then let’s move this.” Picking up the tray, he lifted it over his knees and set it down on his other side. “It’s in the way.”
“Of what?” As if she didn’t know. As if she didn’t recognize the heat that simmered in his eyes.
He turned to face her. “Scoot around, okay?”
She moved so her bent knees touched his.
“That’s better.” He took both her hands in his. “Ever since Badger left, I’ve wanted to kiss you.” He stroked the backs of her hands with his thumbs.
She swallowed. “Ever since Badger left, I’ve been hoping you would.”
Releasing her hands, he cupped her face and gazed into her eyes. “Good to know.” Urging her closer with easy pressure, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
She closed her eyes, heart thrumming, as his butterfly kisses brushed her eyelids, then her cheeks. He lingered there, igniting little bursts of pleasure with each caress.
As he gently kissed the corners of her mouth, she quivered in anticipation. Soon. Then his warm lips settled over hers.
And the world as she knew it changed forever.
Chapter Eleven
Luke touched down lightly, cherishing the sensation of her lips, velvet and pliant. Abigail. Her breath hitched and her cheeks warmed beneath his fingers. Slowly he increased the pressure. A shiver of recognition ran through him, as if he’d found the key to a treasure he’d secretly longed for yet never expected to find.
Gently he parted her lips with the tip of his tongue. He tasted a sweetness, a promise of delights he’d only glimpsed in dreams, a richness to be savored, celebrated.
She moaned softly as he shifted the angle, taking his time, drawing out the pleasure. Slowly. Gently. The perfection, the absolute rightness stunned him. He paused, heart racing, and drew back to gaze at her flushed face, her moist lips.
Her lashes lay still, then fluttered upward to reveal eyes filled with wonder. Her gaze was so open, so vulnerable.
He tried to speak. Couldn’t. Cleared his throat. “That was...” He shook his head. “I didn’t expect…
“I know.” She sounded breathless.
His heart continued to pound. Every word, every gesture, was critical, as if he’d been given a package marked Handle with Care. “I don’t want to mess this up.”
“Me, either.”
Slowly he released her. “Then maybe we should—“
“Take a break?”
He nodded. “But I want to see you again. Soon.”
“Absolutely.” She started to get up.
He stood and helped her to her feet. “How’s Sunday?” His brain might resemble a jar of Mexican jumping beans but he was determined to have a plan before she left.
“I’ll need to do some baking in the afternoon, but my morning’s free.”
“Do you ride?”
“If I have a gentle horse. I haven’t been on one for a while, though, so I might be rusty.”
“We won’t push it, and Wild Creek Ranch is chockablock with gentle horses. Kendra and I were going out Sunday morning. Will you come with us?”
“I’d love to.”
“Great. We were planning to leave about ten if that works for you. But maybe you like to sleep in on your day off.”
She smiled. “Oh, I sleep in. I don’t get up until five on Sundays.”
“That late, huh? Lazybones.”
“In any case, I can be at the ranch by ten.”
“Then it’s a plan.” He fetched her parka from the coat closet near the door and held it while she slipped her arms into the sleeves.
Her warmth called to him. He longed to pull her close, but caution lights flashed in his brain. If he rushed this, he could ruin it.
Delilah roused herself and trotted over to the door, tail wagging.
Abigail crouched down and stroked the dog’s thick fur. “See you later, girl.” She glanced up at him. “Will you bring her on Sunday?”
“Definitely. She loves it.”
“I’m sure I will, too.” She stood, zipped her parka and put up the hood. “See you both Sunday morning. Thank you for dinner and—”
“The tour?” He smiled.
“Right.” Her attention lingered on his mouth and her breathing quickened. “And…everything. ’Bye, Luke.”
“’Bye, Abigail.”
But as she reached for the knob, Delilah blocked the door. “Omigod, that’s so sweet! She doesn’t want me to go.”
The dog must be channeling him. “Delilah, come.”
She surveyed them both before walking slowly to his side.
“See you soon,” Abigail murmured as she slipped through the opening and closed the door behind her.
The second she was gone, he missed her like the devil.
Delilah whined and gave him a sad-eyed look that said he’d screwed up. Now she had to make do with only one human instead of two.
“Yeah, well, you slept through the significant part of the evening, pup, so I can’t expect you to understand.” Outside, an engine started, revved up. Then the rumble gradually faded as Abigail drove away.
He took a deep breath. “And I have a call to make.” Carrying the tray of bowls and glasses into the kitchen, he located his phone and called Kendra.
She answered right away. “Hey, Luke! What’s up?”
“Not much. I didn’t know if I’d catch you on a Friday night.”
“You can catch me most nights unless the Whine and Cheese Club has called a meeting. What’s your excuse? You should be kicking up your heels at the GG right now.”
“Not tonight. Hey, I have a request regarding our ride Sunday morning.”
“Shoot.”
“Is it okay if Abigail goes along?”
“Of course. How experienced is she?”
“She’s ridden, but not recently. She’d need someone gentle, but all yours are well-trained. Any would work.”
“True, but Strawberry’s her best bet. I’ll make sure he’s available for Sunday morning. Same time?”
“Same time.” He hesitated. “How much do you know about her background?”
“Not much. Why?”
“Well, because both of her parents are gone and I—”
“Gone? You mean they died?”
“Yes, about five years ago. And she’s an only child. She used her inheritance to open the bakery.”
“I had no idea her parents weren’t alive! She’s so young to be on her own. What about grandparents, aunts, uncles?”
“She didn’t mention any. Not everyone has extended family who can step in.”
Kendra took a deep breath. “So true. I didn’t.”
“I know.”
“I didn’t realize we had that in common. I’m glad you told me.”
“She seems resilient, though. Like you.”
“You have to be. Either that or give in to victim mentality. I don’t see her that way, either. Listen, why don’t you guys stay for lunch? It’ll give me a chance to get to know her better.”
“Are you sure you have time?”
“I’ll make time, assuming she’s available.”
“Then I’ll ask and let you know. Lunch would be nice.”
“Everything going okay?”
He took a breath. “I think so.”
“I’m glad you’re bringing her on the ride. You have good insti
ncts, Luke. Just follow them and you’ll be fine.”
“Thanks for the vote of confidence. See you Sunday.”
So much had happened since arriving at Luke’s house that Abigail was surprised it was only seven-thirty when she got home. Normally she went to bed by eight, but she was too wired tonight.
After hanging up her coat, she texted Roxanne and discovered she was giving Ingrid a foot massage. Roxanne told her to come on down.
She walked over to Roxanne’s, tapped on her door and went in. None of them locked up because the door at the foot of the stairs was all that counted. It had a steel core and a deadbolt. That was enough security for Eagles Nest.
Roxanne had pulled her mass of dark hair into a ponytail. She’d brought a kitchen chair in and positioned herself in front of Ingrid, who sat on the couch, her foot in Roxanne’s lap. She glanced over at Abigail. “Hey, girlfriend. Where’ve you been?”
“How do you know I was gone?” She pulled over a bean bag chair and settled into it.
“We checked.” Ingrid put down her mug on the side table. “Want some herbal tea? I bought some today and it’s very soothing.”
“No, thanks.”
“Then get Roxanne to massage your feet. She’s studied reflexology and she’s good at it.”
“I’ll bet she is, but I’m heading off to bed soon.”
Ingrid yawned. “Me, too. After this I’ll sleep like a baby. Did you go out to dinner?”
“Luke wanted to show me his house. We ate there.”
“Aha!” Roxanne switched to Ingrid’s other foot. “That sounds like it could have turned into something.”
Only the most incredible first kiss she’d ever encountered. Her mouth still tingled. He’d taken his time, as if he’d been granted a great privilege, as if he cherished every moment his lips were touching hers, as if nothing was more important than pleasing—
“Abigail?”
“What?” She blinked.
Ingrid was peering at her. “You left us for a while, there, girlfriend. Did something happen?”
“He kissed me.”
Roxanne rolled her eyes and sighed. “And it was awful. Sorry. Nobody that cute should be a bad kisser.”
“I don’t think he is bad, Rox. She was all dreamy and smiling when she took that little mental vacay.”
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