With This Cake: A Meet Me At The Altar Novel

by Samantha Chase

  His laugh was low and sexy and she just wanted to get up and run her hands all over him.

  “I was thinking we’d pick a bottle of wine and maybe make up a cheese, cracker, and fruit plate and go enjoy the hot tub for a little while and talk about where we’d like to go for dinner. What do you think?”

  They hadn’t left the house at all for the entire weekend. They had meals delivered and even had some groceries delivered and the thought of going out to eat should have excited her, but…

  Standing, she walked over to him and draped her arms over his muscular shoulders. “Would it be terrible if I said I’d rather order in again?”

  In the blink of an eye, Brody lifted her up and kissed her soundly on the lips. Her legs wrapped around his waist and when he broke the kiss, he grinned at her. “I was really hoping you’d say that.”

  “I believe this just further proves your compatibility point, right?” She loved teasing him about it, but it turned out they really did have more in common than she ever thought possible.

  He carried her into the kitchen and placed her on the island–something he did a lot–before walking over to the refrigerator and pulling out a variety of fruit and cheeses. “Then what are we thinking for dinner? Italian? Chinese? Seafood?”

  “How about Mexican?” she suggested and then watched as he stared at her as if he hadn’t heard her correctly. “What? What’s wrong with Mexican?”

  “You mean like tacos and nachos and…that sort of thing?” His nose wrinkled up in distaste and it was rather funny.

  “Yes, basically that’s what I’m saying. Although, personally, I’m more of a fan of fajitas or quesadillas or chimichangas.”

  His confusion was too much for her and she burst out laughing.

  “Are you seriously telling me that you’ve never eaten any of those things? How is that possible?”

  “Because it’s all food you eat with your hands,” he explained, placing the food on the counter beside her. “It’s not very dignified to be sharing a basket of chips and salsa while discussing million-dollar business deals.”

  Rolling her eyes, she popped a grape into her mouth. “Such a snob.”

  “It’s not snobbish. It’s just not something that bodes well for a business lunch.”

  While she didn’t agree, she also knew this wasn’t an argument she was going to win. “How about this–we order in some Mexican and you can give it a try. We can pick a variety of stuff and if you don’t like it, I’ll never mention it again.”

  “And if I do?”

  “Taco Tuesdays are real and they will become necessary.”

  With a curt nod, he replied, “Duly noted.”

  Hopping off the counter, she walked over and kissed him. “We’ll discuss dinner options while we soak.”

  Together, they sliced several different varieties of cheese and then added some apple slices, grapes, and cantaloupe to the plate before Leanna grabbed some crackers for them as well. Brody was the one to pick the wine–a nice chardonnay–and grabbed a couple of glasses before heading out of the kitchen. She followed with the food and when they got out to the hot tub and got everything situated, she watched as he simply slid off his shorts and briefs and climbed into the water.

  Meanwhile, she did a nervous look around to make sure no one was lurking in the bushes before she began to get undressed.

  “I told you no one’s out there,” he reminded her with a knowing smirk.

  “I can’t help it. I never got undressed outside before this weekend and it still feels weird.” She tossed her t-shirt onto one of the chaises and began unhooking her bra. “For all you know, someone’s up in a tree birdwatching with binoculars and now they’re going to see me prancing around naked!”

  “I do love the way you prance.” He waggled his eyebrows lecherously and it was enough to make her relax and finish getting undressed.

  Did she practically jump into the hot tub as soon as her panties hit the ground? Yes.

  Did Brody laugh because he knew why she did it? Yes.

  And did he pull her into his lap and prove to her how much he enjoyed her being naked outside with him?

  Definitely yes.

  “Ooh…you brought us muffins?” Margaret asked Monday morning.

  “I did,” he said as he placed several boxes of them on her desk. “Leanna baked them and asked that I bring them in for you.” He paused and chuckled. “Well, for you and anyone else who’d like them.”

  “Tell her we all said thank you. Everyone’s still talking about the cupcakes so I’m sure the muffins will be just as delicious.”

  “I’ll have to take your word for it,” he murmured before turning and walking into his office before he was tempted to eat one. Other than the cupcake Leanna had insisted he eat the day they met, he managed to avoid tasting anything else she baked. Sweets had never been a temptation before, but after she filled his home with the scents of everything she created this weekend, he felt his resolve slowly slipping away. He had almost taken a blueberry muffin for himself this morning–it did have fruit in it–but managed to abstain.

  And it was slowly driving him crazy.

  Stupid cake…

  No sooner had he sat down at his desk then his father was walking in. “Brody, good morning!”

  “Hey, Dad. What can I do for you?” As far as he knew, he didn’t have anything on his calendar that they needed to discuss so he had a feeling this wasn’t about business.

  “Travis and Charlene were over at the house for dinner yesterday and were telling me you’re still seeing the baker from the engagement party. Charlene’s cousin.”

  Forcing a smile onto his face, he said, “Her name is Leanna, and yes.”

  “That’s fantastic! Your mother said she was the one who strong-armed you into hanging out with her for that weekend, but it’s good to know that the two of you have obviously hit it off!”

  “I wouldn’t say she strong-armed me into being with Leanna,” he countered. “I had already met her before even talking to Mom about it and it just turned out to be a much more pleasant way to keep everyone off my back.”

  “You mean it made sure you didn’t offend anyone.”

  He shrugged and hated how they were even talking about it. “I’m glad you all were able to talk about me over dinner, Dad. Thanks.”

  “Ah, there’s that attitude we’ve all been missing,” his father said with a weary sigh. “I was coming to invite you and Leanna to dinner this weekend. Let’s say Sunday at three?”

  “I’ll have to check with Leanna. She normally works on the weekends, so…”

  “Nonsense. Surely she can take a day off.”

  “Dad…”

  “I’ll tell your mother to expect you,” his father said as he stood and turned toward the door. “And maybe ask Leanna if she’d mind making some of those cupcakes. They were fantastic!” And then he was gone and Brody was left wanting to throw something.

  But he didn’t.

  Instead, he got up and closed his office door before sitting back down. He knew he wouldn’t get a moment’s peace from his family until he talked to Leanna so he called her.

  “Hey,” she said softly when she answered. “This is a surprise.”

  Technically, they had seen each other a little more than an hour ago when he kissed her goodbye and watched her drive away from his house.

  And he already wished she were coming back tonight.

  But she wasn’t because…well…he wasn’t sure why.

  “I’m sorry to bother you, but I was curious what your schedule was for Sunday.”

  “This Sunday?”

  “Yes.”

  “Hmm…give me a minute…”

  “Take your time.” He envisioned her sitting at her desk, biting her lower lip like she tended to do when she was concentrating on something–whether it was reading, baking, or when they were naked and tangled up together while he was deep inside of her.

  And now he was turned on.

  At
the office.

  Awesome.

  “I have two bridal showers on Sunday but both orders are being picked up by noon. How come?”

  It was tempting to lie and say he wanted to take her someplace for the day, but he knew this was going to happen eventually, so they might as well get it out of the way now.

  “My parents invited us for dinner on Sunday,” he said slowly. “But if you’d rather not go, I can just say you’re working and couldn’t take the time off.”

  “Do you want to go?”

  Again, why lie?

  “Not particularly. But I know they’ll just keep asking.”

  “O-kay…so maybe we say no this time and reschedule until you’re more comfortable with it,” she suggested. “It’s really not a big deal.”

  For a moment, Brody could only think of women he dated in the past who would have killed to go to dinner at the King estate with his parents. Many had tried and failed to get that invitation and it was always something that turned him off–like they were more interested in his family than him.

  But not Leanna.

  And that’s why he decided they should do this.

  “No,” he said, feeling a little better about the whole situation. “We should go. I’m sure both my brothers will be there and your cousin will too, so…who knows, maybe it will be fun.” The mirthless laugh was out before he could stop it.

  On the other end of the line, he heard her laugh too; hers was actually infused with amusement, though. “Brody, be real. My cousin is a handful and your family stresses you out.”

  “I know, but…”

  “But,” she quickly interrupted, “I think we should go and deal with the craziness. We’ll share secret glances and eye rolls at how ridiculous things get and then laugh about it all the way home. Now that will be fun.”

  He had to hand it to her, she always found a bright side to things and always had a way of making him see things a little differently. “Just know to pack an overnight bag because you will most definitely be coming home with me.”

  She hummed happily. “I was hoping that would be the case.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Well, I mean…I just thought…I didn’t want to be presumptuous…”

  “Leanna?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Do you have any late nights scheduled for this week?”

  “Um…no…”

  “Then why don’t you pack a little more than an overnight bag and meet me at my place later?” The words were out before he could stop them and yet he didn’t regret them.

  “You want me to…”

  “Spend the week at my house,” he finished for her. “I know we both have to work, but there’s no reason we can’t spend the nights together.”

  It would mean not working late even once this week but he didn’t care. He wanted more dinners where he wasn’t eating alone. He wanted to sleep in his giant bed with Leanna beside him and start his mornings making love to her.

  And he’d gladly rearrange his training schedule for all of it.

  Hell, he’d skip the damn triathlon for all of it.

  The thought should have scared him but it didn’t.

  Then another thought hit him.

  She hadn’t responded.

  “If you’d rather not…”

  “No, that’s not it at all! I was just thinking about…you know…how much you enjoy your alone time. Your privacy. Plus, the triathlon isn’t that far off and I don’t want to interrupt your training.”

  “Leanna?”

  “Hmm?”

  “I would really like it if you would stay with me. This weekend was…well…it was very eye-opening and it went far too fast.”

  “Eye-opening how?” she asked, and she wasn’t being coy; she was simply being herself.

  “Turns out alone time and privacy are a little overrated. I enjoy the time we spend together. A lot. But if I’m pushing too hard or you’re not fully comfortable then we can keep doing what we’ve been doing. As long as I get to see you, I’m fine.”

  He thought he heard a quiet sniffle and was about to ask if she was okay when she spoke.

  “Brody King, how is it possible that you’re this incredibly sweet?” she asked, her voice shaking slightly. He knew there were tears in her eyes and hated that he wasn’t there to wipe them away.

  “Um…”

  “The day we met, I had you pegged as a cold and heartless man. But almost every day for the last six weeks you have proven me wrong.” She laughed softly. “Unlike you, I don’t mind admitting when I’m wrong,” she teased. “So…thank you for proving me wrong.”

  And dammit, now he felt like he might cry!

  “I’m always happy to help, love,” he teased. “So where did we land on you staying the week with me?”

  “Hmm…I can go home to my tiny apartment, sleep in my tiny bed, and shower in my tiny shower, or I can go to you and be happy. Tough choice.”

  Was it wrong that his heart squeezed hard at the fact that she chose him and not just his home?

  “How about I sweeten the deal?”

  “I’m listening.”

  “Tomorrow night, we can order tacos.”

  Her laughter filled his ears and his heart. “Be still my heart! I’ll be there! What time will you be home?”

  “I plan on being there by six-thirty, but I can text you when I’m leaving.”

  “That sounds perfect. I’ll talk to you later.”

  When he hung up, he was smiling. And it felt good.

  Someone knocked on the door and he was still smiling when he called out for them to come in.

  “Hey, Margaret,” he said. “What can I do for you?”

  She paused in her tracks. “Um…what did you just say?”

  “What can I do for you?” he repeated slowly.

  “Yeah. That. Are you feeling okay?”

  Not this again…

  “Yes, why?”

  “It’s just that you normally greet me with ‘What do you need?’ and this was much more…pleasant. Cordial. Friendly. So, you can see why I’m confused.” Then she grinned at him and walked over to his desk and placed several folders down for him. “These are the inquiries and reports you asked for regarding the Paris complex. Your father set up a conference call with their people for Wednesday morning at nine. I added it to your calendar.”

  “Thanks, Margaret.”

  “You’re welcome.” She turned to walk away but Brody called her back. “Yes?”

  “How are the muffins?”

  Laughing, she shook her head. “They’re delicious. Especially the blueberry.”

  Dammit. He knew they would be.

  “But if Leanna takes requests, tell her I’m partial to chocolate chip muffins and cinnamon.” Then she winked and walked out, closing the door behind her.

  Both of those sounded good and he made a note to definitely ask Leanna if she wouldn’t mind making them.

  And maybe, just maybe…he’d try one.

  Chapter 12

  Sometimes you just need to eat a cupcake and get over it.

  “I’m going to be a little late tonight, so here’s the security code to get in.”

  Leanna looked down at the paper Brody was handing her and wasn’t sure what to say. It was one thing to stay over like a guest when he was here; it was another to be here in his massive home by herself.

  “That won’t be necessary. Just text me when you’re on your way and I’ll head over then. I’ll go and grab dinner with the girls or something. No big deal.” She said it lightly and was smiling because she didn’t want him to know she was freaking out a little inside. “Really.”

  He crossed those strong arms, causing his pristine suit to wrinkle slightly as he looked at her disapprovingly and continued to stare at her like that until she began to squirm.

  “Brody,” she began with a weary sigh. “There’s no reason for me to be here when you’re not home. You said you wanted me here this week to spend time with me. Well…if
you’re not here, we’re not spending time together.”

  “I have a call with…”

  Holding up a hand to stop him, she went on. “I’m not asking you not to work and I’m certainly not mad that you have to work,” she clarified for him. “This is about me and the fact that I’m not comfortable being here without you, okay?”

  That clearly wasn’t what he was expecting because he dropped his arms and his expression softened slightly. “Why not?”

  “I don’t know.” She shrugged. “I’m just not. This isn’t my home and everything here costs like a thousand times more than anything I own so most of the time I’m walking around on eggshells!”

  “Leanna, that’s crazy. It’s just…”

  “It’s not crazy!” she shouted, surprising them both. “This is how I feel and you don’t get to tell me that it’s wrong. Most of the time I can go with the flow and have fun wherever I’m at, and maybe you haven’t noticed it, but I am a people person. I don’t enjoy being alone! Sure, I can do it when I have to, I mean…I do live by myself, but that doesn’t mean it’s something I’d choose to do when I don’t have to!”

  He pinched the bridge of his nose and she knew he was trying to come up with something to say. She had no doubt that no one had ever spoken to him quite so bluntly or dared to argue with him when he said what he wanted.

  “We’re still going to be here together when you get home,” she said, feeling a little calmer. Reaching out, she took both his hands in hers and gave them a gentle squeeze. “All you have to do is text me when you’re leaving. Please.”

  Before she could even blink, he tugged her forward and wrapped her in his arms, holding her tight. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I guess I got caught up in the idea of coming home and you being here to greet me. I didn’t mean to push, I…”

  She silenced him with a kiss.

  Did he have any idea how much the things he said meant to her? A declaration like that was…hell, it was the sweetest, most romantic thing anyone had ever said to her–which is what she told him when they broke apart.

  Her hand gently raked through his hair as she looked up at him with all the love she felt. “I’m still going to see about an early dinner with the girls, but I promise to come here right after and use the code to get in. And if you’re not home yet, I promise to change into something sexy to greet you at the door. Deal?”