A question wound the way to the surface. Did he want a family? He patted Jamie’s back. Would finding the perfect woman fill the empty hole in his life? He’d dated at least a hundred women and none of them had come close to making him want to leave the dating scene. Jules switched on the TV. Now wasn’t the time to make any decision.
Some time later the door at the top of the stairs opened. Lauren stepped down. “You look comfortable but I need to get Jamie ready for dinner.”
Jules rose and met her on the steps. She took the child.
He followed her upstairs. She pointed to a door. “Rather than go upstairs you can wash there. Tony’s in the kitchen.”
Jules entered the powder room and then strode to the kitchen. The aroma of onions and cilantro drew him into the state of art kitchen. Tony flipped tortillas on the grill and put them on a plate in the warming section of the center island.
“Smells great.”
Tony raised a glass. “Margaritas are in the fridge. Pitcher full. Help yourself. You can also bring out the soup and the sour cream.”
Jules followed the direction and sipped the tart drink. “Nice.” He ladled gazpacho into bowls and topped each with sour cream.
Lauren popped Jamie into the high chair and fed him some of the soup. She handed him a biscuit to keep him from grabbing the spoon.
Tony turned toward Jules. “So tell me about your business in the village. What went wrong?”
“How did you guess?”
“You kept quiet. Spill.”
“She’s a very stubborn woman.” Jules tasted the soup. “Delicious. How goes the wedding plans.”
Lauren rolled her eyes. “Like a tornado. I’m handling Christmas. The wedding is his. On Sunday part of the meet and greet includes a cupcake tasting.”
“From Sweet and Spicy, I hope.”
“Where else?” Tony said. “We like to support local businesses especially when the owner is Lauren’s best friend. How do you know about the bakery?”
Jules straightened. “So the delectable Grace is the maid of honor.” Tomorrow evening he needed to take care when dealing with her.
“Jules, are you with us?” Tony asked. “The bakery. Why?”
“I have to persuade her to let Allie do a spread in Good Eatin’. So far it’s a no go.”
Lauren leaned forward. “On Sunday we’ll add our persuasions. Would be a great boost for business.”
Tony chuckled. “Might mess with her five year plan.”
Jules hoped their help wouldn’t be needed. Did Grace’s apartment have a fireplace? If so that would be perfect for the indoor picnic he’d planned. His thoughts drifted to persuading her to sign the contracts and celebrating with a sex session. Hastily he pulled his thoughts away from his plans and chatted with his friends.
Finally he pushed the plate away. “Great fajitas. They’re the best I’ve ever eaten. The shrimp really tasted great. So were the others. I’m stuffed.”
Lauren rose and picked up Jamie and motioned to Tony. “I’ll do the bath and dress him but it’s your night for a story.”
“On my way.” Tony took a bottle from the fridge. “You’re on KP, my friend.”
“No problem.” Jules watched them walk away. A moment of envy breached his walls. Why? He certainly wasn’t ready to settle to one woman in his life. Grace. Impossible. Finding no answer he stored leftovers and loaded the dishwasher.
As he cleaned the counter Lauren joined him. “Wow, almost finished.”
“I work fast.” Jules dried his hands and walked to the kitchen door. The flurries of earlier had become a steady fall. “Hope I don’t end up snowbound.”
Lauren laughed. “Predictions call for at least two inches. I worry about Grace. For weeks I’ve nagged her to buy new tires for her van. She’s nearly riding on the rims.”
Jules turned from the door. “I’ll make sure she arrives home safely. A good deed might earn some points.”
“Good thinking.” Tony paused in the doorway and tossed Jules a key. “Front door so you don’t have to wake us up.”
“Alarm system?”
“The pad’s beside the door. After inserting the key press this weeks’ number, four, seven, four.”
* * *
Grace slid the last tray of Hot Chocolate cupcakes into the cooling rack. Perspiration dripped down her face. Baking done. She inhaled the rich aromas and wiped her face with a damp paper towel.
“Dinner’s here,” Bonnie called.
Grace joined her clerk at one of the tables near the window. She selected a piece of Sicilian pizza and opened a can of soda. She bit into the cheese and pepperoni. “Tastes great.”
Bonnie set her share on a paper plate. “Tell me about Mr. Hottie. I almost claimed to be you. Then he asked me why you wouldn’t let Good Eatin’ do a feature. You’re brushing off a great chance for Sweet and Savory.”
“I’m not ready. Maybe in a year or two. I have a plan.”
“Think about what happened to Five Cuisines after their feature. You need to make reservations weeks in advance.” Mischief sparkled in Bonnie’s eyes. “My idea is to let him know you’re considering the feature and spend time cultivating him. He’s one splendid specimen.”
“And knows it.” Grace bit and chewed a piece of the pizza. What would Bonnie think if she learned her boss was having dinner with him tomorrow night? Not for the business or sparking a romance, just to catch up on their lives.
When they finished and cleared the table Grace returned to the kitchen and began icing cupcakes for tomorrow. As she worked, she thought about Jules and that long ago kiss. That day had been the one she’d nearly broken her vow of no males in her life until she could support herself. She hadn’t had and never would have a desire to follow her mother’s use of sex to pay her bills. Thoughts of sex with any man left Grace cold.
She finished the last of the cupcakes and slid the tray into the cold storage. Before washing the bowl she swiped a finger around the surface and gathered a bit of the icing.
With cleanser she attacked the worktable and the cooling rack. She sprayed the oven to clean later. She carried the utensils she’d used to the huge dishwasher. After the shop closed she would do the stove, refrigerator and floor.
“Grace, where are you?”
Her hands tightened. The nasal twang of Charlene’s voice rasped like a creaking door. Grace entered the shop before the bleached blonde’s cheap perfume permeated the kitchen.
“Hello, Charlene. Another visit today?”
“Mama sent me for the leftovers.” She pointed to Bonnie. “She knows I collect them every day. She won’t give them to me.”
“There’s an hour until closing time,” Bonnie said.
“Do you see any customers? Streets are nearly deserted. It’s like a blizzard out there.” Charlene leaned against the case.
Grace walked to the window and stared outside. Charlene had called it. There had to be at least three inches on the ground and more fell. She returned to the counter and looked at the remaining cupcakes. “Bonnie, choose some to take home.”
“How many?” her clerk asked.
“A dozen. Your family will enjoy them. Then pack three boxes of six for my neighbors. Charlene can have the rest.” She noticed a scowl on the bleached blonde’s face. “Sixteen should keep your mom and the girls happy.”
“But I wanted them Hot Chocolate and Winter Snow ones. Mama and Daddy really like those.”
Grace put her hand on the counter. “Just be happy with what you’re given. Your mom already had a dozen of the specials.”
Charlene picked up the box. “Guess who I saw today. I think the man was Jules Grayson. From his clothes I would say he’s rich. He’s gonna need a bundle.” She strolled to the door. “How well I remember him. Poor Grace never got a taste of his expertise. I did.”
When the door closed Grace turned to Bonnie. “Why don’t you head out?”
“Are you sure?”
“Go. I'll see you tomorrow. Drive
carefully.”
After Bonnie left Grace hung the closed sign and locked the door. She carried the trays and coffee and hot water containers to the dishwasher. She returned to the front and cleaned the cases and the coffee area, wiped down the tables, swept the floor and carried the garbage to the trash. After completing the cleaning she went to her office.
Grace sat behind the desk and noted the money and credit card receipts. She put everything in the deposit bag. She returned to the bakery, started the dishwasher and finished the cleaning of the area. Finally she dressed to leave. She hoisted the deposit bag and opened the door to the parking lot.
As she passed the alley between her shop and the next one a hand grasped her arm. She screamed.
“Grace, it’s me. Didn’t mean to scare you.”
She stiffened. “What are you doing here?”
“You shouldn’t be carrying a bag of money when you’re alone. I bet by now a lot of people know your schedule. You could be mugged.”
She glared. “It’s just a little after nine. Bonnie usually comes with me. I sent her home because of the storm.”
“I’ll walk with you.”
“Fine.” Was this another tactic to lure her into his bed? She had to admit he was smoother than he’d been years ago.
Chapter Three
Jules watched as Grace slid the bank bag into the bin. The heavy metal door banged shut. “Would you like to go somewhere for a drink or something?”
Grace shook her head. “I’ve been on the move since six thirty this morning. All I want to do is go home and hit the bed.”
He hid a smile. Going to bed sounded like a plan but not alone and not to sleep. “I’ll walk you to your van.” He reached for her hand. She jammed it in her jacket pocket.
Definitely a challenge. He was up to meeting any evasion tactic on her part.
In single file they walked through the alley. Jules put his hands lightly on her shoulders as they moved through the long passage. When they reached her van parked in the small area behind the shop Jules stooped to examine the tires. “Lauren was right to worry. You’re almost riding on the rims. Hit one patch of black ice and you’ll end up against a tree.” Puffs of white vapor filled the air with each word.
“I’ve no choice. The van is my only means of transportation.” She pulled a ring of keys from her pocket. “I need to go back to the shop for some cupcakes. You can leave.”
He waited until she returned. He grabbed the keys dangling from her hand. She was not driving home. “I’ll take you.”
She shook her head. “That’s nice of you but how would I return to work tomorrow by seven thirty? The walks have to be cleared. There’s a town rule about that. Then I need to set up for business. We open at ten. I’ll be at the front until Bonnie arrives. Then I have to bake.”
He draped an arm around her shoulders. “I’ll come back and drive you. Even help shovel.” He crossed his fingers. Would she bite? If his plan worked he’d spend the night in her bed giving and receiving pleasure.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
He winked. “Will give me more time to persuade you to sign the contract.” And for me to lure you into my arms. His dick rose in anticipation.
Grace shrugged off his arm. “Why do I think there’s more than a contract on your mind? Like sex.”
He turned her to face him. “I never force myself on any woman. Anything else between us will be by mutual agreement. I’m a gentleman.”
She laughed. His body took fire.
“I remember how you push. Didn’t work ten years ago. Why do you think today is any different?”
“Back then hormones ruled. I was a randy teen who wanted you.” He drew a deep breath of frigid air. At the moment his testosterone level moved toward critical mass. Just as years ago he wanted her in a bed with her beneath him and the dude making a grand entrance. “Let me take you know. If you refuse I’ll follow to rescue you when disaster occurs.”
She nodded. “I hope I won’t regret this.”
“I’ll make sure you don’t.”
“And you are promising to be a gentleman.”
“As gentle as you want.” He ran a gloved finger over her cheek. Jules opened the passenger door of the Jeep and waited while she transferred the boxes and climbed inside. He walked around the vehicle clearing the windows before sliding into the driver’s seat. Mentally he patted his back. Step one of his plan for seducing Grace had worked. Step two meant being invited inside her home. Might take a bit of finesse but he had a Master’s in persuasion.
As Grace gave directions his attention focused on the road, taking turns slowly on the snow slicked road. Having an accident would make him look foolish. Tension seeped from Grace’s body. His sense of confidence soared. His cock stood at attention.
Patience.
Before long he pulled into the snow-covered driveway of her unit in the condo complex. Almost before she moved he jumped down and grabbed his briefcase. He went to her door in time to keep her from falling.
He held her close, inhaled her scent and the crisp smoke-tinged aromas of the night. “You smell like the bakery and good enough to eat.”
She laughed. “You’ve turned cannibal?”
“Just a man who believes you’re beautiful.”
They walked to the door. She pulled keys from her pocket.
The temptation to grab her and ravish her mouth nearly caused him to blow his plan. He felt like the teenager he’d been, wanting more than a kiss from Grace. At the door he tilted her chin intending just a taste. He teased the seam of her mouth with his tongue.
Like melting snow she leaned against him. He resented the clothes preventing him from reading her physical reaction. He wanted to experience the heady experience without the bulk of cloth. He dropped the briefcase and tugged her closer. As his tongue thrust and retreated he slid his hand to her rear.
He paused to take a breath. “I sure wish I hadn’t been a hormone hungry teen.”
“Jules, I…”
He gazed into her eyes but the dim light hid her reaction. “Do you bake chocolate mocha cupcakes? I would order a dozen since they would remind me of you.”
Her posture changed. She turned toward the house. Jules groaned. Why had he asked that question?
“I don’t but that’s a great suggestion. Can’t wait to create the recipe. Maybe with a fudge icing.”
Jules tugged her back. “Does the suggestion deserve another kiss?”
A smile curved her full lips. “Just might.” She touched his mouth.
With one hand he cupped her head. The other pressed her ass. Though the night air was frigid lava flowed through his veins. When their lips parted he grinned. Her fingers striped the dimple in his cheek.
“Shall we continue this inside?”
She shook her head. “Not a good idea.”
Jules changed gears. “We can talk about the contract and get that out of the way. I think you have the wrong idea about the terms. You don’t have to sign tonight but I’d like to explain matters so you can run the contract past Tony.”
“I could do that.”
“Here’s a teaser. The feature won’t be scheduled until next November or December.”
She turned the key in the lock. “That far away. I thought she meant next month.”
“Magazines work months ahead of the issue.” He felt sure he could convince Allie to wait that long. She had thought of the summer months but she should be willing to wait. The holiday cupcakes were the ones she’d tasted.
When Grace opened the door he grabbed his brief cast and knocked off the snow. After closing the door he removed his coat. He brushed a kiss on her forehead. Step two accomplished. With caution and charm he could ace the remaining steps of his plan.
* * *
As soon as the door closed Grace felt antsy. Why had she agreed to talk to him? She knew he wouldn’t harm her but he had the potential to upend her plans. Her usual Friday evening routine was to veg on the couch watch
ing cooking shows until she felt tired enough to climb the stairs to the bed or sleep until she woke to an informational.
What’s wrong with you? He’s hot. She made enough money to support herself, one of her rules. There was no denying the attraction. How could she give into temptation just one time? She knew the answer. She wouldn’t be satisfied with one night and she doubted Jules could give more. He hadn’t been a one woman man as a teenager. She doubted he had changed.
Tonight’s kisses had raised a dormant desire she had carried since her teenage years. He’d take charge but he hadn’t forced her. Her response had been to memories and to a dream she must cast aside. She hung her coat on a hook inside the laundry area,
Jules draped his coat on a dining room chair. He set his briefcase on the table.
“I’m having hot chocolate.” She said. “Would you like some?”
“Have anything stronger?”
“Tea or coffee. I don’t drink alcohol.”
“Hot chocolate, then.”
“With or without marshmallows?”
“Without. Bring the drinks to the table and I’ll go over the terms.”
The mantle clock struck ten by the time Jules had finished the simple agreement. As he moved from clause to clause he had stroked her arm.
“I’ll talk to Tony on Sunday before I sign. Sure hope I can hire a part-time baker before then.” She covered a yawn with her hand.
Jules stood and stretched. “You’ve made me a half happy man.”
“Only half?”
His breath heated her nape. “I want you.”
Heat blossomed and spread. She nearly purred. Yearning threatened to char her good sense. She wanted to feel more.
The dark days of her life before arriving at the group home gathered like heavy storm clouds. She had never known her father. He could have been any of the men who had shared her mother’s bed, sometimes for a night and other times for weeks. Alcohol, pot, sex and cigarettes were the aromas of her childhood. Slurred speech, curses, screams and the sound of her Mother being assaulted invaded her refuge in the closet where she’d hidden and prayed for an escape. An over dose of heroin had given her one.
Seducing the Baker (At First Sight) Page 3
