Amber smiled back at her. “Love one.”
Everett watched the two women walk away without a backward glance at him. “I guess I’ll entertain myself?”
Mariah waved a hand behind her and Everett couldn’t resist a chuckle.
* * *
Without thinking, Mariah circled her arm through Amber’s. There was a warm, friendly aura around the barista and Mariah had seen it, felt it as soon as she’d gotten over her momentary pang of jealousy at finding Everett with another woman.
When she’d exited the kitchen and seen him standing there in the storefront, her stomach had lurched and her heart had begun palpitating faster in her chest. She’d missed him, and her body was betraying her by telling her that he was more to her than just a business partner. Seeing him with another woman had felt like a gut punch, because perhaps he didn’t feel the same way anymore? Mariah was happy to know that wasn’t the case and wanted to welcome Amber to her new workplace.
“How long have you known Everett?” she asked as she led Amber to the back of the building where the offices were located. Unfortunately, Chase had gone to the bank, so she wasn’t able to introduce him.
“A couple of years now,” Amber replied. “Mr. Myers likes to get know all his employees and routinely drops in on all the coffeehouses.”
“Really?” Mariah wouldn’t have thought he had the time.
“Yep.” Amber nodded. “He really cares about us. And the company offers great benefits. Health insurance and college education assistance.”
“Oh, my.” Mariah touched her chest. “I hadn’t realized. That’s very generous.”
“That’s Mr. Myers.”
Mariah was silent as she absorbed the information. He was fast becoming someone she not only liked, but admired and respected for his work ethic.
Amber stared at her strangely for a couple minutes before inquiring, “Are you and Mr. Myers involved?”
Her question startled Mariah. “Why would you ask that?”
She shrugged. “Oh, I don’t know...all the sexual tension coming off the both of you.”
Mariah didn’t have a comeback from that because Amber was right. “Is it that obvious?”
She chuckled. “To me? Yes. I’m pretty good at reading people’s auras and you guys are off the charts.”
“Well, nothing’s happened.”
“Not yet,” Amber said with a smirk. “But it will.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Oh, I just know.”
“Do you?” Mariah paused for several beats before asking, “Why haven’t you pursued him yourself?”
“Me and Mr. Myers?” Amber let out a hearty laugh. “Oh, that would never work. I’m too much of a free spirit for Everett. He needs someone more grounded. Plus I admire him big-time and would never ruin that, but he’s a great guy. You won’t go wrong with him.”
Mariah was surprised by Amber’s honesty and thoughtful insight. She wasn’t sure she was any match for Everett, either, with all her baggage, but the barista seemed certain that a relationship was in the cards for them. “Thank you.” Mariah didn’t have any friends in Seattle, but something told her that she’d just made one. “Thanks a lot.”
She started walking down the hall. “C’mon, let me show you the kitchen.”
“This is where all the magic happens?” Amber asked from the doorway.
“That’s right,” Mariah replied. “I’d like to introduce you to my brother Jackson. Jack...” She motioned him forward.
“Who’s this?” he asked, surveying Amber from head to toe.
Mariah rolled her eyes at him. She hoped her brother wasn’t about to come on to her. “Jack, this is Amber, our new barista for the café.”
His mouth formed an O. “Great to meet you.” He wiped his hand on his apron and offered it to her.
She shook it with fervor. Amber didn’t seem to care about Jack’s dust-splattered apron. “Nice to meet you.”
“I’ve got to check on my focaccia,” Jackson said as he began walking backward. “Look forward to working with you.” He rushed toward the convection ovens.
When the tour was over, Mariah led Amber back to the front. “That’s about it.”
As the barista surveyed the baked goods in the display cases, Mariah leaned close to Everett, who’d been waiting for them. “If I could have a word?”
“Sure.”
They left Amber in the café area and Mariah led Everett toward the administrative office. Fortunately for her it was empty, because Chase still hadn’t returned from his errands.
“As you can see, everything is going smoothly,” she said. “We have construction under control, so your visits to the bakery won’t be needed and we can limit our association.”
Everett frowned and it was clear she’d offended him. She hadn’t meant to, but the café was off the ground, so he didn’t really need to stop by every day unless—
“Our association is far from over,” Everett responded. “In fact, I’d say it’s about to heat up.”
“Oh, yeah?”
Before she could protest, Everett’s arm encircled her waist and he pulled her to him and claimed her lips. It was a surprisingly gentle kiss considering he was angry with her, and Mariah knew she should take a step back, but she didn’t, couldn’t. All she could do was stand there and let him take over in a kiss so utterly thorough and commanding that her entire being became inflamed. He took his time feasting on her and when he sought out her tongue, she didn’t dare pull away. She readily gave it up to him, causing him to draw her closer, tighter into his embrace as he greedily sucked on it.
She hadn’t realized just how much she’d hungered for another one of his kisses until now. When he slowly pulled away, Mariah was slightly dazed and barely registered what he said as she inhaled a deep breath and released it.
“Come out with me tomorrow night,” Everett stated, rather than asked. “And this time it will be about you and me. Everett and Mariah. Not Myers Coffee Roasters and Lillian’s of Seattle. Say yes.”
She wanted to resist. “Oh, I don’t know...” Her head was still cloudy from his drugging kisses.
He used her uncertainty to seal the deal. “You know you want to,” he whispered. “If you need further convincing, I can supply it.”
Mariah felt his steady gaze boring into her in silent expectation. She’d felt the heat behind that kiss and knew he had, as well. He wouldn’t give up and perhaps she should stop fighting the inevitable. The attraction between them certainly hadn’t lessened. “Okay,” she finally agreed. “I’ll go out with you.”
He smiled broadly, clearly pleased that he’d gotten his way. “Good.” He bent down to steal another kiss. “Until next time.”
Chapter 10
“Big date?” EJ asked Everett from the edge of the bed on Friday night, as he sat in his father’s bedroom watching him get ready for an evening with Mariah.
Everett spun around to face him as he patted his cheeks with aftershave. “Yeah, but how do you know?”
EJ shrugged. “I just can tell. You’re really happy and smiling a whole lot. I just figured you must really like her.”
“And how would you feel about that?” Everett inquired, hiking up his trousers so he could bend down and be at eye level with his son. This was the first time he’d been this excited about a woman since he’d been widowed. But he had to be sure it was right for his son, too.
“I dunno.”
Everett couldn’t read what his son was thinking. “Yes, you do.”
“I want you to be happy. So I guess if she makes you grin like that—” EJ poked his index finger into one of Everett’s dimples “—then she can’t be half-bad.”
“She’s not,” Everett
responded with a smile as he rose to his feet. “And one day soon I’d like you to meet her.”
“For real?”
Everett smiled. “For real.” He suspected that Mariah Drayson just might become a permanent fixture in his life, so she would need to meet his other half, his son. Everett just hoped she wouldn’t have a problem with him having a child. He’d never brought EJ up in their conversations because he’d tried to keep their talks either on business, or light and playful. But tonight was about just the two of them. He was going to have to open up about himself and his past if he ever expected them to go the distance as a couple. And tonight would tell him all he needed to know.
* * *
Mariah was ready for her second date with Everett. She’d selected an asymmetrical, snakeskin-print, charmeuse maxi dress with gladiator sandals. She turned around so she could see a side view of her reflection in her bathroom mirror. The paneling spiraled into the shirred, flowing back and showed just enough curves, while the tank style revealed the slight swell of her breasts without being indecent. All in all, she was set for the evening.
Everett had told her to dress “comfortable yet casual” and she thought she’d pulled it off. She hadn’t had anything she wanted to wear and had made a quick stop at Nordstrom to find something suitable.
When the doorbell rang, Everett was waiting for her dressed casually in dark trousers, a V-neck sweater and loafers.
He walked toward her as she reached for her shawl and purse. “You look lovely.” His eyes raked every inch of her in the charmeuse dress.
“I’m glad you approve,” Mariah said as she preceded him out of the building.
“Oh, I do.”
Once outside, she noticed the fancy sports car sitting at the curb. “Nice ride,” she commented. ”You’re driving tonight,” she added, when he came around to the driver’s side and climbed in.
He gave her a sideways glance as he turned on the engine. “I am. I wanted the night to be just the two of us.”
Mariah glanced at all the gadgets and dials on the console. “This is quite impressive compared with your Escalade. How long have you had it?”
“Not long.” He revved the motor. “I bought it for my thirtieth birthday. This is only my second time taking it out for a spin.”
Mariah turned to face him. “If you want to impress me, Everett, you don’t have to try so hard.”
“I wasn’t,” he responded, and winked as he took off. “Trust me, if I were, you’d know it. But if I was, how would I be faring?”
She flashed a smile. “Very well indeed.”
As they drove, they chatted about their respective days, before venturing on to the latest news topics. Conversation between them was always smooth. They had an easy camaraderie whenever they were together. Mariah didn’t have to think of things to say to keep communication moving because Everett was knowledgeable on a variety of topics.
As they neared the Washington Ship Canal, Mariah began to wonder where they were going. The Ballard Locks would be an odd choice for a romantic date. She glanced down at her gladiator sandals. Even with a low heel, she wasn’t prepared to stroll through the marina or climb any ladders to watch the salmon pass through the fresh-and saltwater locks.
Everett glanced over at her. “Wondering where we’re going?”
“Quite frankly, yes,” she admitted. “I’m not exactly dressed for a night at the marina.”
He gave a low baritone chuckle and she felt her stomach leap in response. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t dream of mussing you up, not since you went to all the trouble of looking good for me.”
Mariah’s breath hitched in her throat. She wanted to say she hadn’t dressed up for him, but it would be a lie. She had and he’d noticed.
Everett stopped the car at the back entrance to the Carl English Botanical Gardens, adjacent to the Ballard Locks, and came around to open her door.
Mariah looked at the setting. “What are we doing here?”
He took her hand. “You’ll see.”
Everett’s touch caused an electrical current to shoot right through her. And when she glanced in his direction, he winked at her. He’d felt it, too, that strange, inexplicable pull whenever they were together. It unnerved her.
An elderly man holding a picnic basket was waiting for them. “Good evening, Mr. Myers.”
“Good evening, Joseph. I’d like to introduce you to Mariah Drayson.”
“Good evening, madam,” the older man said. “Please go inside and enjoy your evening.”
Everett patted the man’s arm. “Thank you.” He took the picnic basket with his free hand, not letting go of Mariah’s with the other. He led her through the garden grounds, and they stopped to admire the variety of plants from around the world, including flowering perennials, fan palms, oaks, Mexican pines and rhododendrons. The colors, fragrances and open air helped to awaken Mariah’s senses and made her very aware of Everett and his own unique scent.
“Watch your step,” he said as he led her off the trail and down a grassy slope.
The sun was setting, but Mariah could still see in front of her, and stopped suddenly, nearly catching Everett off guard. Farther down the hill a picnic area had been set up in front of a small stage with bright lights that illuminated the area. She’d heard about free concerts at the gardens but had never been to one. Except this time, there were no other people around except them.
She turned to Everett. “Did you do all of this?”
He grinned broadly. “I did. I know a few folks who help run the place and...” His voice trailed off.
Once again Everett was impressing her and reminding her that he would go to any lengths to romance her. “This is really special...” It was all she could manage to say as she continued walking down the slope of the romantic English-country setting with him.
When they made it to the blanket, Everett helped her to the ground before settling beside her with the picnic basket.
Mariah rubbed her hands together. “So what have you got in there?” she asked excitedly.
He laughed, “Oh, a little bit of this, a little bit of that.”
“Well, let me see.” She reached for the basket, but Everett slid it farther away. After growing up with two older brothers, Mariah was not to be outdone and rushed at him, tackling him to the blanket. In so doing, she ended up on top of his hard, lean body. Everett had an inherent masculine strength that oozed from his powerfully built frame and, heaven help her, she couldn’t resist him.
They stared at each other for several seconds. Her throat felt tight and constricted and her insides burned hotter than an inferno. In the end, it was Mariah who gave in first and lowered her head. Her lips were hesitant, softly brushing his before becoming more insistent as they moved across his soft mouth. Everett took the bait and rose slightly as one of his hands came around the back of her head, bringing her closer to him so he could deepen the kiss.
It was a slow, languorous kiss and one that had Mariah warring with herself. She’d said that she would keep her distance from Everett, but the second he laid on the charm she was agreeing to a date. And now...now she was kissing him with a hunger and fervor that both surprised and incited her. So when his tongue licked the seam of her lips, demanding entry, she opened them. Greedily, taking his tongue and sucking on it while his hands roamed over her body to her buttocks and cupped her.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and her whole body fell atop him. That’s when she felt the bulge
in his pants. She’d done that. She’d turned him on with just one kiss. It secretly thrilled her that she could have such an instant effect on him, but why should she be surprised? He’d been doing the same thing to her from the moment they’d met.
“Ahem.” A loud cough from above them caused them to pull away.
Everett was the first to recover from the passionate embrace and he spoke without removing his arms from around her waist. “Yes?”
“Sir, we’ll be ready to begin in about fifteen minutes,” Joseph said, a stone’s throw away from them.
“Of course,” Everett said smoothly. “Proceed.”
Embarrassed at being caught, Mariah moved away and sat upright, straightening her clothes.
“Don’t be embarrassed.” He turned to her, stretching out on his side, and leaned his head on his elbow. “I enjoyed your spontaneity.”
Mariah glanced at him through tremulous lashes. “You did?” She’d never been the aggressor during her marriage to Richard. He’d always been the one to initiate love-making and she’d thought that was normal.
Everett reached across the small space between them and lightly caressed her cheek with the palm of his hand. His eyes were dark and stormy with lust. The very same lust she’d felt moments ago and still felt. “Yes, immensely,” he responded.
* * *
Everett watched Mariah as she swayed on the blanket to the smooth sounds of Brian McKnight, her favorite singer. She’d been stunned when he’d taken to the stage as they enjoyed a gourmet picnic dinner, and began singing “Cherish.”
It had taken a lot of legwork on Everett’s part, but he’d succeeded in securing the entertainer for a private concert for just the two of them. And the look on Mariah’s face right now told him it had been worth every penny. Her eyes were alight with joy and Everett could see that not only was she enjoying herself, but she was starting to feel comfortable being around him. His slow and steady approach was working. It wasn’t easy on his libido, though. Whenever he was around her, it was impossible not to want to take her to his bed and ravish her body all night. He recalled how his manhood had swelled in response to her spontaneous kiss. Even now he desired her, but he would rein it in until Mariah gave the word or a signal that she was ready to take their relationship to the next level.
Cappuccino Kisses Page 10
