In Full Bloom (Second Chances 1)

He quirked an eyebrow and asked, “Oh, really?”

Considering, she said, “Maybe not in a place quite so public, but that’s kind of a fantasy of mine. To just be…taken.”

The images that statement brought to mind made him go rock hard. Closing his eyes a moment, he said, “I seriously doubt I have any blood left in my brain right now.”

She laughed and said, “Then perhaps I won’t mention that sucking you off in the shower was making me so hot I was about to start playing with my clit before you even asked.”

He stared at her for a second and then said, “I’m going to make you beg. Know that.”

She laughed and said, “You know where to find me.”

Glancing at the clock, he cursed and then said, “As much as I want to stay, I can’t.”

Taryn grabbed the rest of her clothes, her shoes and her purse from the living room. Holding them off to the side, she pressed a kiss to his lips and said, “Enjoy your day.”

Watching her walk across the hall way barefoot, with his T-shirt and no panties on, he shook his head. He had no idea how he’d managed to resist her for so long. As she was unlocking her door, he said, “You, too, Princess.”

A scant five minutes later he hustled down to the shop with his laptop bag in tow. In between customers, he’d set up the accounting software if it killed him. He felt his phone buzz in his pocket just as he rolled up shutters and unlocked the door. Moving inside, he shut off the alarm and then turned on the lights. Pulling

the phone out of his pocket, he saw Jamie had texted him.

“Hey, bro. You busy tonight? I did want to hang out last night but you just took off,” he read.

Quickly he responded, “I think I have something going on tonight. Tomorrow? Pizza and beer at my place again?”

“Did you make up with Taryn? She took off pretty quickly last night, too.”

“I didn’t realize you were so concerned with my love life, brother dear,” Evan typed, deflecting the question.

Not buying the deflection for a second, Jamie responded, “Your non-denial will be taken as a yes. Invite her, too. I’ll check and see if Cora is free.”

Smirking, he asked, “Is this a double date? How sweet!”

Evan laughed when he saw the response flash across his screen. “Eat a dick.”

He put the phone down and then moved into the back. Pulling out some of the newer stock, he re-organized one of the front cases, then settled in with his lap top. He reopened the accounting software.

The set-up process was so elaborate. He’d had to stop the installation to do research a few times. He’d been a financial advisor for Christ’s sake. He couldn’t even imagine a novice trying to answer some of those questions.

By three in the afternoon, he’d successfully installed the software and made several sales. He was getting a surprising amount of foot traffic. He’d kind of banked on the idea of web sales and phone orders. He hadn’t planned on having much in the way of walk-in clientele, so it was an added bonus.

He decided now that the accounting was done, he’d make some updates to his website. The website had been ridiculously easy to set up. He was in the middle of adding the additional stock when the bells on the door jingled.

He looked up to see Taryn standing there with an armful of groceries. She set the bag on his counter and said, “You look super busy playing on the internet, there.”

He shot her a bland look and said, “Updating my website, Princess. What are you up to?”

“Dinner in a bit and then, not sure,” she said, wringing her hands.

“Want some company later?” he asked.

She nodded and then said, “Sure. Stop by when you’re through here. I can stretch dinner, too, if you want.”

Peering at the grocery bag, he asked, “What’s for dinner?”

“Stuffed pork chops, mashed potatoes, something green. I haven’t decided yet.”

Surprised, he said, “That sounds elaborate.”