Forbidden Fling (Wildwood 1)

She laughed, and wings fluttered against her ribs. “And I was thinking that this”—she gestured to the bar—“could be the perfect space for her. I’d have to beef up the kitchen, do a little redesign on the seating, the interior finishes, that sort of thing, but it could be everything she needs and more—a bakery, a restaurant, and upstairs could be an event space.”

“That’s so cool. Is she excited?”

“She doesn’t know about it yet. I just thought of it when she called and told me about the tasting.”

“Jeez, she’s going to freak.”

Delaney laughed. “Probably. But”—she drew out the word—“if we turn this into a bakery-slash-restaurant for Avery, the liquor license is wasted. I can’t promise anything yet, but I’d put a pretty good bet on having that license come available soon.”

“Mmm, nice thought, but I’ve already twisted my finances upside down and sideways, and I can’t afford it.”

“I don’t know about that.” She feathered her fingers through his hair. “I’ve seen some creative business deals in my time. If we’ve come this far, I bet we could work something out.”

His arm tightened on her waist, drawing her up his thighs until she straddled his lap. “You’re incredible.”

He didn’t give her time to respond before he kissed her. She opened to him, took his tongue, and stroked it slowly. His groan rumbled through her mouth before he pulled away abruptly. “When do you need to be home to talk to Avery?”

“I don’t know, why?”

“I was hoping to sneak you back to my house for a few hours first.”

She smiled. “Avery can wait.”

Ethan laughed and pulled her with him as he got to his feet. When he set her down, he paused and looked down at the floor, his gaze scanning the wood, drifting to the plaque. “What’s this?”

“Oh.” She twisted her hands, self-conscious not only because her little secret was out but because it was being viewed by one of the family. “Um, so, I just felt compelled to do something to commemorate Ian in the remodel. I didn’t want to make it a big deal. I just . . . I don’t know.”

“Why?” His gaze lifted from the floor, confusion clear in his narrowed eyes. “He was wrong. He got himself into that fight. He was a rude drunk who put his hands where they didn’t belong.”

She took a deep breath, let it out, and met Ethan’s gaze. “He was also a son and a grandson and a brother and a cousin and a friend. No one is perfect. I’m living proof of that. And his death touched a lot of lives and shifted the ground in this town.” She gestured to the half-finished starburst. “This isn’t about wrong or right or even about that night. Honestly, part of it isn’t even for Ian. Part of it is for me. Part of it is for his parents. Part of it is for the Wildwood residents with a scar on their heart from the incident.

“I can’t really explain it. It’s . . . sort of my own gesture to acknowledge my part in the accident and lay my guilt to rest. To set it in stone and move on. And I thought if it brought me comfort, it might bring the same to a lot of other people, too.

“The wood is recycled from Wildwood High’s gymnasium during the years Ian played basketball there, including the year he brought the team to CIF finals.” She shrugged and tried for a smile, but it didn’t last. “This is the kind of historical detail I love putting into all my restorations. This one just happens to be personal.”

Ethan stared at the floor, silent, hands on hips. With every moment of silence, Delaney’s stomach coiled tighter.

When she couldn’t stand it anymore, she said, “Is it too much? I wanted it to be a healing thing, not a painful thing.”

She caught sight of a glimmer in his eyes, and her heart skipped. “I’m sorry. I can take it out. None of the boards are nailed—”

“No.” He laughed, shook his head, and turned, taking her into his arms. “It’s . . . perfect. It’s amazing. You’re amazing.” Leaning away, he cupped her face between his palms and scanned her with those gorgeous eyes. With a little shake of his head, he murmured, “I’ve never met anyone as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside until now.”

Her heart released. And opened.

And she knew for a fact she’d never, ever been as happy as she was right now.

“Damn, baby,” he said, a little breathless with awe and a shake of his head. “I love you.”

A zing of panic burned through her heart. But it vanished in a millisecond. And she knew she’d been wrong a moment ago.

This was as happy as she’d ever been.

She laughed and nodded, acknowledging the shock in his voice. “Crazy, right?” She pulled him close, kissed him, and held his beautiful gaze as she whispered, “I love you, too.”