Every Time I Fall (Orchid Valley 3)

I arch a brow. “I’ve seen it.”

“You’ve never seen it knowing that’s the first place I thought about you while I touched myself.” Her eyes dance mischievously, and I push my chair back from the table so fast that it squeaks against the hardwood floor. Abbi’s laugh fills the room and every nook of loneliness in my heart.

Yeah. Life is really fucking good.

Epilogue

Dean

“Tomorrow’s the big day,” I say, grinning at Abbi.

My girl has spent the last two hours pacing around her little bakery, looking for anything that might need cleaning or fixing before tomorrow. The display cases at the front are spotless, the counters are shiny, and all of her prepped ingredients are in the walk-in cooler for her four a.m. arrival tomorrow morning. I asked only once why she couldn’t bake the items a day in advance. I will not make that mistake again. My girl has standards.

“I think I’m ready.” Her eyes scan the kitchen for the millionth time.

“I know you’re ready.” I close the distance between us and slip my index fingers into the belt loops on her jeans. “It’s going to be amazing.”

“Thanks to all your help.”

I shrug. Kace and I helped some, but anyone who was paying attention knows we were just following orders.

“Do you think people will expect fancy coffee? Maybe I should’ve splurged on the espresso machines and hired baristas. I might miss out on all that morning traffic. No lattes on the menu is like asking them to go to Starbucks.”

I press a kiss to her mouth. “No lattes yet. You’ll get there. And anyway, no one who’s tasted your baked goods will give a shit about steamed milk.”

Sighing, she gives me her first smile in hours. “I’m nervous.”

“Understandable.” I bury my face in her neck and nibble my way up. “I might know how to help with that.” I unbutton her jeans, and she gasps as I slip my hand inside to cup her through her panties.

“What are you doing?” she asks, eyes already fluttering closed.

“Helping you relax.” I flick her earlobe with my tongue as I stroke her. “Do you have any idea how hot you are when you get in here and turn your bossy voice on?”

She laughs. I love that sound. I love her. I love this. The talking to each other, the sharing plans and fears, the promises of tomorrow.

“Can I fuck you on this prep table?” I ask. I already know the answer and have to bite back my amusement when she pulls back to glare at me.

“It’s been sanitized.”

Withdrawing my hand from her jeans, I chuckle. “Better get into your office then,” I say, smacking her ass. “I need to fuck you on that desk before you cover it with paperwork again.”

Her lips quirk into a crooked grin. “You’re gonna make it so I can’t sit at my own desk without getting turned on, aren’t you?” She backs in the direction of her little office that’s situated in the back corner of the kitchen.

I grin. “That’s the plan. Any objections?”

“Not a single one.” She runs, and I pick up the pace to catch up, kicking the door closed behind me so I can lean against it while I watch her strip.

I love this.

T H E

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