“Going slow is going to kill me.”
“It’s going to kill me, too. I’ve never felt like this before,” she admitted.
“Good, then don’t hold back and just let go and let us take care of everything, okay?” he asked her.
“Okay.”
He kissed her softly and then eased up off the couch. He reached for her hand and he pulled her up into his arms and immediately cupped her ass and pressed her close. “You have one hell of a body on you, beauty. One hell of a body.”
She blushed and then walked away to the counter.
“Let me just freshen up and we can head out.”
“Go right ahead. Your chariot awaits,” he teased, surprising himself and Lois as her cheeks blushed and she hurried to the other room.
His heart felt lighter and the worry was less. This was going to work out just fine. He was confident.
* * * *
Laverty caught sight of Evan’s truck as he pulled into the back of the main barn. He and Ford just got back from making some deliveries. And he was happy to see Lois was with him. They both walked over to the truck as Evan helped her down off the passenger seat and then held her hand.
“Good morning,” Laverty said and Lois smiled widely at him and Ford.
“Good morning.”
Ford stepped closer and gave her cheek a kiss hello. Laverty did next and she blushed, and then smiled. She wore a light little sweater despite how hot it was outside, and right now she pulled it close and looked at Evan. Evan placed his arm over her shoulder in a protective, caring manner.
“We were going to head to the store to see Mom and find out if Lois has other orders,” Evan told them.
“We’ll go with you. I heard from the dads that your cookies sold out again and the jelly ones were the first to go this time,” Laverty told her.
“Really? Oh, my God, what did your mom say?” she asked him as they headed down to the store.
“She was happy for you, but I think she had to give up the bags you set aside for her to taste. Apparently there was a little kid who really wanted some.”
“Oh, my God, that’s crazy.”
Laverty took her hand and brought it to his lips. He kissed her knuckles. “Sounds like you’ll be coming over to bake more cookies at our place,” he said and winked.
“I don’t want to take advantage of your help or take over your kitchen. If it’s too much—”
They all stopped walking. “No, baby, it’s not too much. We want you there. We want to be with you and help you to succeed. Okay?” Laverty told her firmly.
“Okay,” she said and he leaned closer and kissed her softly on the lips. She didn’t pull away and he was relieved.
* * * *
Ford stood there, waiting for his chance to kiss Lois and be close to her, but everyone was talking to her about the cookies and about the numerous orders she had. When Dora handed her the money she’d earned that day, Lois was excited.
“You’ll need to do some more shopping, right?” Laverty asked her.
“I do need more supplies and packaging,” she said.
“Well, I’ll make up more labels and bring them home with me later. When do you want to start?” Evan asked.
“I should give you some money for the printing supplies, Evan,” she said and then started to pull out some money but Evan covered her hand. “No, baby, I got this. You worry about baking your delicious cookies at our place.” She smiled at him.
“Thank you.”