Seducing the Baker (At First Sight)

by Janet Lane-Walters

  The group home for girls had given her a semblance of a normal home. The boys’ home across the fence had allowed her to imagine she had brothers.

  Jules had lived there. He’d been labeled a “bad” boy but others had been worse. Had he changed from the image she recalled? Had he been acting back then? She relaxed into his touch. Years ago the loneliness she’d seen in his dark honey eyes had allowed her to decide he’d been different from the face the world had seen. He still played “bad” boy. Could he ever admit who he was deep inside?

  She turned her head. “You should leave if you plan being here before eight to take me to the bakery.”

  His hands slid from her shoulders to her waist. His tongue flicked her neck sending delightful shivers along her spine. His touch seared her skin. A new and enticing fire burned deep in her belly.

  “My staying makes better sense.”

  The husky tone vibrated in her ear causing a flutter in her chest. Was she ready to be with a man when her knowledge of Jules’ character hung on her teenage crush and his crude proposal? She steeled herself to pull free and found she couldn’t move.

  As if he read her thoughts he snugged her closer. She liked being in his arms. She felt secure and yet uncertain. She’d already taken a leap into the unknown by agreeing to sign the contract. Could she take another?

  Her breasts felt too large for her bra. The nipples tightened. Jules slid a hand over her sweater lightly brushing. His other hand moved over her belly. She held in a groan.

  On Sunday she was scheduled for a tasting at Laura’s and Tony’s house. The need for a meet and greet had ended. If she and Jules moved beyond a re-acquaintance could they pretend to be no more than casual friends? Her feelings were mixed. Did she want to act on the emotions storming her thoughts and her body?

  Jules continued his stealthy exploration. “Can I stay?”

  The question dissipated the haze. The reason he wanted to remain pressed against her back. “Why?” Would he be as honest about his desire as he had been years ago?

  “I want you.”

  “I can tell.”

  He faced her. If I stay I won’t have to explain why I’m leaving Tony’s house so early.”

  She swallowed. She was in trouble, especially when he flashed that dimpled grin. “Are you just being practical?”

  He tugged her closer. “Not a bit. I’d like to finish what I made a mess of years ago.”

  “As in screw me.”

  He shook his head. “I want to watch your face and see your eyes as you peak. We’ll make love.”

  “Don’t you mean have sex?”

  He stared into her eyes. “That, too.”

  Grace shook her head. “You won’t force me today any more than you would have years ago. I don’t want to be another link on your chain of women.”

  His face flushed. Grace lowered her head. His reaction pleased her. He growled and the deep vibrations rolled through her with a force greater than the magic fingers she often used.

  He drew a deep breath. “Back then I was on the edge of falling in love with you.” He released her. “I can’t believe I said that. I buried the secret when the trouble happened and Tony’s father rescued me.”

  Grace stared into his eyes. His confusion mirrored hers. Did he also wonder what could have been? Could she take a chance? She touched her lips to his and wondered if this was the right move and the right man?

  He claimed her mouth with an eagerness rocking her with the force of an earthquake. She wanted. She was afraid. Those screams she’d heard while hiding in the dark recess of the closet filled her. But she also remembered the joy his kisses brought.

  * * *

  Jules leaned into the kiss. The touch of her lips brought a rush of emotions fusing the present and the past. Years ago he’d thought being with Grace would fill the empty holes left by his parents’ betrayal. He’d known the moment he’d uttered the single word he’d loved her. Grace had been right to refuse. He’d wanted to apologize but had never found the time before his life had changed a second time.

  Here he was again with Grace in his arms and the same deep emptiness ruled his life. There wise move would be to leave and return in the morning. Beneath the passion generated by the kiss wisdom fled. Desire, need and some deep void urged him to stay.

  He slid a hand beneath her sweater to touch smooth skin. When her mouth opened to receive his tongue he was lost. Passion had always been his way of keeping loneliness away. The momentary relief allowed him to forget his father’s arrest and death in prison, the seizing of the family’s assets and his mother’s suicide. Everything he’d known had vanished.

  As the years rolled back he pulled Grace closer. Would she fail him? Turning to his mother for comfort and support hadn’t worked. Her shame had swamped him and turned the ground under his feet to quicksand. He’d been unable to help her or himself.

  Jules drew Grace’s flush to his body. He fought the urge to take what he wanted knowing the attempt would fail. Even now he believed this like every encounter with a woman would end within days or weeks and leave him cold. The fault was his. He had to steps aside before he messed up again.

  The brush of Grace’s fingers on his nape sent warmth down his spine. Her tongue moved in his mouth with tantalizing flicks. He pulled back. She pursued. He cupped her rear. Lord help him. He lacked the will to release her.

  Lost. Damned. Totally unprepared for the connection between them.

  Grace raised her head. Passion flared in her brown eyes. “We should go to bed.”

  “Are you sure?”

  She blushed. Awareness washed dreaminess from her gaze. As though waking from a fantasy she stepped from his embrace. “I’ll make up the guest room for you.”

  Jules’ cock ached. He gulped deep breaths. How could she turn passion off like twisting the faucet in a sink? “Is that really what you want?”

  “I don’t know.”

  He cupped her face. “If I ordered you to have sex, what would you do?”

  A startled sound emerged. “Knee you.”

  He had to laugh. “Are you sure separate rooms are the answer?”

  She met his gaze. “Sometimes I dream about a man with hair as dark as yours but his face is blurred. I’m wary of taking what I feel any further now.”

  “I know.” For the first time in his life he believed making the wrong move would ruin what could be. He’d done that once with her.

  She turned away. “With my hectic schedule, it’s late.”

  He followed her to the stairs. “Do you always turn desire off so easily?”

  “Never happened before.”

  Jules gulped a breath. What did she mean? He considered the possible answers. Was desire for a man absent from her life? He wondered if what had bloomed between they scared her or was this tied to memories from her past. Other than she was an orphan and had lived for years in a group home he knew little about her.

  “I don’t mean to push…I’m not prepared,” she said.

  “Neither am I.” He ran his hand over her back. “Why don’t I show you other possibilities?”

  “What do you mean?”

  He wanted to claim her as his and he feared his reasons. He wasn’t sure he was suited for a long time affair. Now wasn’t the time to consider anything for more than a day or two.

  He swallowed. She expected an answer. He reached for the easy one. “Let me show you the pleasure passion can bring. We’ll only explore.” He felt as though a stranger chose his words. Was this the man who never failed to score? Except once.

  Grace paused on the first step. “The bedrooms are upstairs.”

  At the landing Jules grasped her hand and pulled her forward. “Which way is yours?”

  “To the right.”

  He stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Tonight will be great.”

  She trembled. “I hope so.”

  He kissed her nape. “Someday I’ll fulfill your fantasies.” What was he thinki
ng? They had tonight, tomorrow and the weekend of the wedding to explore. He had trust issues and she might have her own problems.

  She turned to face him. The laughter in her eyes warmed him and made him think of possibilities.

  “My fantasies. Here’s one for the future. I’ve always dreamed of being swept off my feet and carried up a staircase.”

  Jules gulped a breath. He lifted her into his arms and started up the remaining steps. He prayed he wouldn’t drop her. “Will this do?”

  Her laughter nearly made him stumble. “Five steps doesn’t make a staircase.”

  He turned into the bedroom and tossed her on the bed. When he looked at her, fear had replaced laughter. “What’s wrong?”

  She scooted back. “Memories that aren’t so great.”

  He sat on the foot of the bed. “Want to talk?”

  “Maybe.” She paused. “Just a bad time from my childhood. My mother…” She met his gaze. “Sorry.”

  “No need.” He moved closer and pulled her into his arms. “This is a promise. I won’t hurt you. Just some kisses. Pretend we’re back in the day I jumped over the fence and kissed you and then pretend I didn’t go all crude bad boy on you.”

  She nodded. “I’ll try.”

  His lips found hers. She tasted of chocolate. She smelled like fear and arousal. She felt right in his arms. He lightly stroked her arms and back. Slow, slow. There was no need to rush.

  At first he kept the kiss soft until he felt her relax. He released her and pulled his sweater over his head. She ran her hands over his chest and arms. He groaned but rose and pulled off his trousers and socks. “Just explore.”

  She did and he fought the urge to push her back and ravish her. Of all the time for his caveman nature to rise. He rose from the bed. She followed to sit on the edge.

  With a practical move he slipped her sweater over her head. He caressed her breasts and sat beside her. “Any time you want me to stop just speak.” While exploring her breasts he opened her jeans. Though he felt her tremble she didn’t ask him to stop. He tugged her jeans down and tossed them on the floor.

  Jules sat back and studied her face. She looked sensual and vulnerable. Again, he wondered what beyond the few words she’d spoken about her past had happened. He wanted to thrust inside and stake his claim. He couldn’t. His protection was at Tony’s house.

  He couldn’t and wouldn’t go without. Not until he said “I do.” Doubts that day would ever arrive rose strong. He lay beside her and ran a hand over her breasts and belly. She tempted him to say words he blocked.

  Slowly he kissed his way over her throat to her breast. She sighed and didn’t move away. When he drew one nipple into his mouth her body shook. Her hands grasped his hair. Soft whimpering sounds flowed around him. He continued his journey along her torso. When he reached the elastic of her bikini using both hands he eased them down.

  With mouth and tongue he explored. He delved deep and found her clit. The first touch of his tongue brought a startled cry. The sound changed to pleas. He slid a finger into her tight channel and fought the need to have that tightness around him.

  “Please, please,” Grace shouted.

  Jules raised his head. “Can’t. No protection.” He continued his assault.

  Her cries rose in pitch. Her body moved. She pressed her feet against the mattress. She tensed. A cry erupted.

  “So good,” she murmured. “I didn’t know how good.”

  He cradled her in his arms. “Wish I’d brought condoms. Never thought I would need one.”

  She stroked a finger along his jaw. “What about you?”

  Jules smiled. “I’m okay.” Giving her an orgasm had been a thrill.

  She touched his erection. “Can I do for you what you did for me?”

  “If you want.” He growled. “Grasp and pump.”

  She moved her hand. “Like this?”

  “Harder and faster.” He gripped the sheets. Then she surprised him by running her tongue over his dick.

  “Salty.” She sucked him into her mouth.

  Though he considered stopping her he felt the need to move. Her tongue slid along the length. She drew him deeper. She continued until he knew he didn’t want to frighten her. As he erupted he pulled free.

  He looked into her eyes and saw emotions he hadn’t expected. Did she know her pleasure with what she’d done showed? He sucked in deep gulps of air. What would have happened if he’d been buried deep in her tight channel?

  When his breathing slowed he left the bed and returned with a wet cloth and a towel to clean her skin. He slid the covers over them and pulled her into his arms.

  * * *

  The annoying jangle of the alarm woke Grace. With an automatic gesture she hit the plunger. She rolled on her side and encountered a warm body. A memory flooded her. She sucked in a breath.

  Jules Grayson. What had she done?

  Her face felt hot. Dumb question. She knew what had happened. The fog of sleep lifted. She and Jules had been intimate but they hadn’t completed the act. The climax had surprised her by the intensity. They’d done things she’d read about in books she’d smuggled into the group home to read after lights out.

  Recollections of her mother and the many men who had arrived at the apartment for sex had tainted her life. Her vow to avoid men had been made and not broken until last night. Why had she allowed temptation to rule her actions? Only Jules’ refusal to consummate without a condom had allowed her to keep that vow.

  She gulped a breath. She had agreed to have dinner with him this evening. He’d planned to explore the contract. The meeting was no longer necessary. She understood the terms. When they reached the bakery she would break the date. She slid to the edge of the bed.

  “Where are you going?”

  Jules’ voice heavy with sleep halted. “To dress, to shovel the walk and driveway and go to the shop.”

  “Without me?” Did she plan to walk? He cupped her shoulders. “What about a morning after kiss?”

  He tossed the covers aside. Grace noticed his heavy erection and gasped.

  “Don’t worry. Always in the morning.” He slid from the bed, kissed her and strode to the bathroom.

  Grace admired his retreating back. Stop dreaming. She hurriedly dressed. Downstairs she started the coffee maker, found the shovel and a broom. She pulled on her boots, coat and gloves.

  Before long, Jules joined her. Together they cleared the walk and driveway. Back inside she filled two mugs with coffee. She warmed her hands on the pottery piece and finished the drink before going upstairs. She laid out her clothes, grabbed underwear and entered the bathroom.

  As the water warmed her chilled feet, Jules stepped in behind her. “Thought we could share.” He grinned. “Practical. You’ll save on the water bill.” He laughed. “Last night was a first for me.”

  “What do you mean?” She felt him rub soap on her back.’

  “I’ve never slept over and neither has any woman remained all night at my place.” He turned so she could wash his back. “This is a definite perk.”

  He stepped around her. His mouth covered hers. She stepped away. “We don’t have time for this.”

  “I could show you we do but I won’t push. Get dressed. I’ll be right out.”

  Grace stepped out and toweled dry. She scurried to the bedroom, dressed and dashed downstairs for a second cup of coffee. How many ways could she use to rebuild the walls Jules had smashed?

  I am not like my mother.

  “No breakfast?” Jules asked.

  When she shook her head his expression amused her. “At the shop I’ll have a cup of mocha and a Cinnamon Roll cupcake.”

  “Do you consider that a healthy breakfast?”

  “I guess you always have hot cereal, eggs and all that.”

  “Depends.”

  “If you want healthy I have granola cupcakes.”

  He followed her to the door. “I’ll try them.”

  Chapter Four

  Dur
ing the ride to town Grace studied her companion. Neither of them spoke. She wondered if his thoughts were as confused as hers. She had acted in an unaccustomed manner and had gone far beyond her comfort level.

  With a sigh of relief she slid from the seat of the Jeep and opened the shop door. She tackled the sidewalk while Jules used the power blower to clear the small rear parking lot. Before long they finished and kicked snow from their boots and entered the shop.

  Grace turned to Jules. “Sit while I organize.” She changed to her sneakers and put the coffee and hot chocolate on. While they brewed she filled the display cases with the flavors of the day. She chose one cupcake for her and two for him. “Enjoy.”

  Jules brought mugs of coffee and hot chocolate to the table. He took a bite of the granola one. “Oatmeal, cranberries, raisins and nuts. The honey glaze tastes great but what gives the unique taste.”

  “You’ve a good palate. This week the glaze is cranberry juice and honey. When the season changes I use different berries.”

  They had just finished when Bonnie arrived. She glanced from one to the other. “Am I missing something?”

  “Not a thing.” Jules rose and put on his coat. “See you at six.”

  Grace watched him walk away. Why hadn’t she cancelled? Foolish question. Being alone with him seemed right. She turned. “Let me know where?”

  “I’ll pick you up.” The bell jangled.

  Bonnie grinned. “Is he as hot as he looks?”

  Grace shrugged. “Can’t answer that.” She hoped a blush wouldn’t betray her. Hot. No. Incendiary.

  * * *

  Jules left the bakery a frustrated man. If Bonnie hadn’t arrived he would have had a kiss to carry him through the day. Would Grace be eager for the hours to fly before their dinner date? He planned to arrive before the shop closed and help her finish whatever needed to be done.

  His next stop was Tony’s so he could change clothes. And then…How could he smuggle his overnighter from the house. He didn’t want his friends to question his intentions. He wasn’t sure what they were.