When We Kiss

“Oh!” Sweet mother Moses. “I’d better get back there, then.”

No telling what Emberly is saying to get out of this one—and poor Donna White. She’s scared of her own shadow. I expect she’d pass out at the sight of a penis cake. Last time I’d checked, she’d never even seen the real thing.

“Mm, I love Emberly’s cakes,” André starts as I dash to the back. “The butterscotch sundae one she made for Thelma’s birthday was like heaven in my mouth.”

I’m cringing as I close the door. Poor André has no idea what those pervy old ladies are talking about, and he keeps going on about heaven in his mouth. I imagine Roxanne will need some alone time with her battery-operated boyfriend after this.

Pushing through the door, I see the two of them laughing and chatting. No signs of embarrassment or secrecy.

“Hey! What are you two doing?” I walk over to where Donna is sitting in the desk chair and Emberly’s leaning on the edge of the table.

“Tabby!” Emberly hops up and runs over to give me a hug. “How’d Travel Time’s big launch go?”

“Without a hitch, and I’ve got news—but first…” I lean forward. “I heard Betty’s trying to get you some business.”

Emberly turns so Donna can’t see her face and mouths No. “Oh, I was just telling Donna about the different types of cakes people order for weddings or showers… stuff like that.”

“Okay…” I glance at Donna, who’s smiling innocently.

“It’s amazing how creative people can get with cakes,” she says.

“You can say that again.” I’m doing my best not to laugh, but I’m already excited and now this.

Emberly grabs my hand and squeezes it hard. “I guess we’d better get on back to work. You come down and look at pictures with me when you get a chance.”

“I will.” Donna stands and follows us to the door leading into the store. Emberly and I are looking back at her as we open it. “I have time to plan, and… Oh, heavenly angel…” Donna’s eyes are round, and her voice is a hushed whisper.

“What?” Emberly’s head snaps to face forward. “Oh heavenly…” Her voice dies out.

I’m the last one to turn, and when I do, I have to grip my best friend’s arm.

Chad is standing in the front of Betty’s pack-n-save in his full dress uniform. It’s white with gold buttons. Navy epaulets are on both shoulders with gold stripes on them. His hat is off, tucked under his arm, and his dark hair just touches the top of his collar. When he turns to face us, the breath leaves my body.

“Here you are.” His deep voice makes my insides go liquid. He’s possibly the handsomest thing I’ve ever seen.

I’m not the only one appreciating the view. Roxanne is

frantically fanning herself with a paper plate, and Betty’s hand is on her chest.

Emberly is the first one to finally speak. “Officer Tucker, you look so… dashing.”

Chad does a little nod. “Thank you, Emberly.”

“Give me a break, he officially looks like sex on a stick,” Roxanne snarks from where she sits.

I still haven’t moved. Chad’s eyes are locked on mine, and a grin is curling those sexy lips. My favorite dimple ghosts his cheek. He isn’t giving me the full-watt smile that melts my panties right off. He’s waiting to see if I’ll give him a sign. I don’t make him wait.

Clearing my throat, I manage to speak. “I’m so glad you found me.”

No truer words.

He takes the hat out from under his arm and puts it on his head, striding quickly up the aisle to where I’m standing in the middle of Donna and Emberly. With every step closer, my stomach gets tighter, my breath gets shallower.

I’m trapped in his gaze, unable to move and not wanting to get away. He doesn’t stop until he’s standing right in front of me looking down into my eyes. My eyes never leave his, although in my peripheral, I can see Emberly’s hand go to her mouth and Donna clutch her heart.

“You are so beautiful.” His voice is low, forceful, almost a command. “I’ve never wanted to kiss someone as much as I want to kiss you right now.”

His clean, masculine Chad-scent surrounds me, and I can feel the heat from his body on my skin. I’m sure my nipples are visible through the thin red dress I’m wearing, but I couldn’t care less.