“The way you feel, and taste, and empty real estate … sounds really tempting.”
“Yes. I’d like to take you upstairs and kiss you cross-eyed.”
“I’d like to be taken upstairs.” And do a whole lot more than kiss.
She read between the lines like a champ. “Then any real estate that involves an empty bedroom and a serious lack of supervision probably isn’t the wisest choice right now.”
“You don’t make me feel like being wise.” I touched my lips to hers again, pulled her body even closer to mine. “I want to be with you.”
“Kaleb.”
“Not because of this.” I gestured to her in my arms. “Because of you.”
A smile teased across her lips. “I have to go close up shop.”
“How long will it take you?” I asked. “I’ll wait.”
She raised one eyebrow.
“Just to make sure you get home okay.” I raised my hands innocently. “Swear.”
“It’s okay. I could be a while.” She bent down to the floorboard to retrieve her apron and slipped it over her head. “I should really do a round of baking prep before I leave.”
“I’m staying. I don’t want you here alone.” I didn’t want to give Jack any openings to do more damage.
“I do this all the time.”
“Now you don’t have to. Please. You know I’m excellent in the kitchen.”
“You’re probably excellent everywhere.”
“I look forward to testing that theory.” I grinned and leaned over to kiss her again.
“Stop,” she protested, but she was teasing. “I will resist your charms. For now. But if you want to help me bake, come on.”
“Wait.” When my phone rang, I grabbed her apron strings, not ready to let her go yet. It was Dune.
“Yeah?” I held up one finger when she giggled.
“Get over here. I managed to access the Skroll.”
The call disconnected. “I’ll help you close up shop, but no baking today. We have somewhere to be.”
Chapter 40
I went inside Murphy’s Law with Lily to do the basics, like double checking that all the machines were off and the doors were locked.
“Okay. We can go. We’re all good.” She hung up her apron. Before she could say another word, I slid my hand behind her head, pulling her in close for a kiss.
“Yes, we are,” I said, not letting her go.
“Do it again,” she murmured against my lips.
I did.
I helped her into the truck, backed out, and drove down Main Street, holding her hand. Pumpkins lined the sidewalk, fresh from the carving contest. They’d be illuminated through Halloween. After trick-or-treating, they’d be thrown into a fire for the Pumpkin Smash, a combination dance/bonfire/pumpkin demolition party that happened downtown.
Maybe everything would be resolved by then. It had to be.