I stare at that photo the longest, because I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen my own grandmother in that exact position. Anytime I went to visit her, she was in the kitchen, cooking something or baking some kind of sweet treat. She was the best; she never complained when I wanted to help. Instead, she’d smile and tell me to get my stool, and then she’d give me a job, and I’d work along with her. I know if she were alive today, she’d be in my shop helping me, and I would love every second of having her around. Actually, I’d relish it.
I finish my perusal of the living room, and just when I’m heading back toward the kitchen with LeFou still in my arms, Gaston reappears. He’s no longer wearing the jeans he had on but has changed into navy-blue slacks that show off his amazing thighs and a fitted button-down shirt that’s tucked in, emphasizing his muscular torso. He has a fancy belt around his hips and shiny shoes on his large feet. He looks every bit the businessman he is. He also looks way too gorgeous and seriously out of my league.
Our eyes lock from across the room, and I stand in place, stuck in some kind of trance. He comes toward me, taking his dog from my arms and placing him on the ground.
“I should wait to kiss you good night until after I’ve walked you to your door, but I’m feeling a little greedy,” he tells me, and my breath catches as he once again palms the back of my head and lowers his mouth to mine. The kiss is just as hot as the one we shared earlier—maybe even hotter, which seems impossible. I melt into him, and my lips part, allowing him to sweep his tongue across mine. He tastes like mint and beer—a combination that is uniquely him.
The kiss deepens, and I cling to him so I don’t fall on my face. When he slowly pulls away, I’m in such a daze I don’t even think as he grabs my bag and coat. I just follow him out of his apartment with my hand held firmly in his and get into the elevator.
When we reach my floor, he hands me my purse, and even as I find my keys and unlock the door to my place, my mind is still buzzing, which means I can hardly remember my name when he kisses me again. As he pulls away once more, he promises to see me tomorrow before handing me my coat with a cocky grin, telling me softly to lock up before leaving, and then closing the door as he goes.
I stare at the closed door with my bag and coat in my hand, and my heart beats wildly in my chest. Still drunk on his kiss, I know I really need to talk to Leah. At this point, I don’t care that she’s away on her honeymoon. Tomorrow, I’m going to call her.
With that thought in my head, I walk into my living room, drop my stuff on the chair, and then go to my bedroom to strip out of my clothes. I don’t take a bath; I just crawl into bed, where I think of Gaston, his kindness, his cute little dog, and the way he makes me feel before I fall asleep.
Suggestion 6
FIND YOUR HAPPINESS
CHRISSIE
With a cup of coffee in one hand, I open the fridge to try to figure out what to make myself for breakfast. Unlike my bakery, which is always stocked with everything I could possibly need, my fridge at home is mostly empty. I have a carton of egg whites, a few pieces of turkey, and some cheese. With no other options, I decide on an egg white omelet, making a mental note to stop at the grocery store after I close down the shop tonight.
I take a sip of coffee, then set down my coffee cup and grab a pan to place on the stovetop to warm up. Just as I start to pour the egg whites into the now-hot pan, there is a knock at the door, and a sudden thrill runs down my spine.
I touch my wet hair and glance down at my short kimono-style robe, under which I’m wearing nothing, then look toward the door, debating what to do. I can guess who it is, since no one ever stops by without calling, especially not this early. There’s only one person I know who’d have a reason to be up right now.
Three more knocks come in a row, so I tighten the belt around my waist and try to calm my suddenly pounding heart. I check the peephole and swallow hard as I unlatch the locks and let Gaston in.