I Only Have Pies for You (Pumpkin Spice Life 1)

nned. Right on time as usual, hero. Setting the warm tray of cinnamon rolls on the marble counter to cool before she glazed them, she removed her oven mitts and walked to the back. She opened the door, waving him inside. Stepping into her space, he paused as they both smiled up at one another. They’d yet to cross the line from friends to more, but she could feel it coming.

“Hi,” she said breathlessly.

“Hello.”

She licked her lips nervously, and his eyes followed the motion. Clearing his throat, he inhaled deeply and closed his eyes. “My God. What smells so good?”

“Come and see. I’ve been busy.” Grabbing his hand, she pulled him into the back. After hanging out a few times a week for the past month, they’d fallen into a comfortable rhythm with one another.

His blue eyes widened as he took in the elaborate spread. “Are you baking for an army?”

She shook her head. “No, for Connor and Caden.”

He frowned. “Do I need to be worried?” He tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “’Cause I thought we had an unspoken agreement.”

Her breath hitched. “What sort of agreement is that?”

“That whatever you and I are doing is between us.” Cupping the back of her neck, he pulled her closer. “Exclusively.”

“Is that what we’re doing?” she whispered.

“Yeah, sugar, that’s what we’re doing.” His thumb brushed the hair on the back of her neck as he began a soothing motion, and she found herself sinking into the endless blue pool of his eyes.

“You never said, so I didn’t want to assume.”

“I always found actions spoke much louder.” Bending forward, he kept their gaze connected as he brought his lips down to hers. Sighing as their mouths connected, she let her eyes flutter shut as her body sang. Sparks flickered to life in her belly, and her breasts swelled. Pressing herself against his hard chest, she whimpered as he tilted his head and slid his tongue inside of her welcoming mouth. All the nights that ended with a good-bye hug had brought them to this moment. Hero was worth the wait. Tangling her tongue with his, she soaked up the minty fresh flavor blended with the unique taste that was Alaric alone. Bringing her arms up to wrap around his neck, she surrendered to her desires.

Lungs screaming for air, she pulled away, breathing heavily. He rested his forehead against hers, and they took a moment to bask in the crossover from friends to something more.

“Well, the boys are six and eight. So, I think you’ll be okay. I’m doing a sampler for Stephanie’s boys. The rest they’ll take to school for a party they’re having tomorrow.”

He smiled at her. Stroking the side of her neck with his thumb, he peered down at her. “We doing this?”

“Yeah, I think we are.”

He kissed her forehead. “Good. Because I enjoy spending time with you. But what I’m after is much more than friendship. I’m not looking for casual dating. Are you ready for that with me?”

She nodded, unable to stop the grin from pulling back her lips. He turned his head to look at the spread. “Those kids are about to be the class favorites for the rest of the year.” His wistful tone made her laugh.

“Don’t worry. I’m going to let you have a cut of it.”

The little boy grin he flashed turned her stomach into a butterfly sanctuary. Her attraction to him only grew with time as he continued to be exactly who he presented himself to be.

“I’m lucky I managed to snag Stephanie. A classically trained pastry cook is not easy to come by. With her wanting to come back to work since her kids are settled into school, it was kismet.” Leaning back against him, she soaked up his closeness. His arms were every bit as comforting as she imagined.

“I’m glad things have worked out so well.”

“She’s amazing. We’re on the same wavelength, and she’s a quick learner. Once she has all the recipes down, I’ll feel completely comfortable leaving her alone with Stella and Grace for pre-opening.” She’d hired the two college girls looking for full-time, flexible hours.

He squeezed her waist. “I told you things would work out.”

“You did.”

His lips caressed the sensitive skin beneath her ear. Shuddering, she tilted her head to give him better access.

A bell sounded, and she jumped as the pink macaroon rattled on the table. “Oh, it’s time to frost the cinnamon rolls.”

“I don’t know if I was saved by the bell or thwarted,” Alaric muttered.