Setting to work on the next batch of goodies Corrine grinned. “Yep. You told me you’d tell me when you got home and I’m not ready to face my issues yet. Therefore, its your turn to spill.”
MJ snorted. “Let’s just say my parents have lost their minds and I’m not playing along. Don’t get me wrong, the guy they want to marry me off to is a damn good looking and fairly decent guy, but honestly, he didn’t have to look like he was going to the gallows whenever we were forced together. Which completely pissed me off more since this was his damn idea. Regardless, he isn’t the one for me and I refuse to settle.”
“What I don’t get is why they are trying to marry you off already? You won’t be Dewasa for a while and even then you have some time.” Corrine moved about the bakery’s kitchen on autopilot, keeping busy and her mind off her own problems.
“Come on, Rini. You know my being a hybrid is an issue. My parents have been lucky they’ve been allowed to stay within the Pride. When they met Devon a year ago at his mate’s funeral, they found out how supportive Devon’s parents have been of them. So when he approached them about marrying me last month, he told them he wanted someone in his life and even though he would never fall in love again, he would care for me and make sure all my wants were met. He knew my parents lamented the fact that I would never find a mate. They thought it was the perfect way to get those last few Purists off their asses and for their daughter to gain the mate she would never get on her own. In their minds its a win-win situation.”
“Except for you,” Corrine said softly.
“Yeah, what does my opinion matter? They have it set in their heads that I will never find a mate and would rather me be with someone who will provide and protect me than for me to be alone. Personally, I think they’re just trying to soothe their own guilt about having me.”
“Oh, MJ, that can’t be true. They love you to pieces.” Corrine moved next to MJ, placing an arm around her shoulders. She could feel her friend’s pain rolling off her. It was true her parents loved her but they tended to shove their foot in it most of the time.
“They love me because they didn’t think they could have kids and I was their big surprise. It never crossed their minds that I would be a hybrid and how that would impact me. It’s no biggie. I told them it wasn’t happening and to just get over it.”
The timer on the muffins went off interrupting them. “What did they say? I can’t imagine your parents just backing off. And what about – what was his name? Devon?”
MJ’s mirthless laugh echoed in the room. “They didn’t take it well. Thought I wasn’t giving the idea the proper consideration. As for Devon, I’m not too sure. I got the feeling he understood, at the same time, he wasn’t giving up on the idea. Which is just strange. There wasn’t one moment when he was happy to be around me.”
They continued working like they always did. Getting the first batches ready for the morning crowd. Corrine zoned out, clearing her head of midnight runs, hot alpha tigers and sex that just thinking about made her wet.
A thud shook the floor jolting her out of oblivion. Spinning towards her friend, Corrine burst out laughing at the sight of MJ covered in a fine dusting of flour from the sack that had fallen at her feet.
“Okay, that does it. This is definitely a Monday—it’s break time. Take my mind off my problems. Tell me about Jett and what went down this weekend. And don’t leave anything out. Well, you can leave talk of Sam out. He’s not interested in me. I mean he’s not very interesting.”
Glancing at her watch Corrine noticed the time. Happy for the reprieve, she dashed out of the kitchen grabbing some trays of goodies. “It’ll have to wait. Time to open up and the staff should be here in a few minutes. And don’t think I’m going to let that slip of the tongue go.”
“Chicken,” she heard MJ call out as the door swung shut behind her.
Depositing the treats on the counter, she unlocked the front door then made her way back.
The bell over the door jingled announcing their first customer of the morning. The tinkling sounds always a pleasure to hear. To her it was a sign that the business was doing well. They were a success.
As she called out a greeting over her shoulder, the one thing she didn’t expect assaulted her. Air stopped up in her lungs and her heart went into overtime. Her body tingled from head to toe as Jett’s scent flowed over her.
There’s no way he came here today. She refused to turn around. Not sure if she was afraid he would be standing in the door or that he wouldn’t be and her mind was playing tricks on her again.
All through the night she swore he was lying next to her in bed. The heat of his body draped over hers while in the kitchen was forever imprinted on her skin. She even refused to shower before bed, using the lame excuse that she was too tired, deep down knowing it was because she couldn’t bear to wash the lingering spice, that was purely Jett, away.
She jumped when Jett’s thick tanned arms enveloped her. Letting out a squeak when his lips landed on her cheek.
“Morning kitten,” he rumbled in her ear. “Is anyone else in the shop yet?”
She wiggled out of his arms, moving a few steps away. She faced him, hands clasped in front to keep from grabbing him. She plastered on her best professional look. “The staff is in back. Is there anything I can help you with sir?”
Jett’s eyes narrowed as he stalked toward her. Taking a step forward for every two she couldn’t help take backwards. “Don’t you sir me, Corrine. We’re way past formalities. Now stop backing away and give me a proper good morning since I wasn’t able to get one when I woke up.”
She bumped into the serving counter stopping her motion. Her feet were rooted to the spot, paralyzed by the hungry look in his eyes. He planted himself in front of her, placing his hands against the counter on either side of her, trapping her in. The familiar heat she was becoming accustomed to radiated from his body, enveloping her.
Her nipples beaded beneath the thin cotton of her shirt and apron. The latter hopefully covering up his effect on her. The man was drop dead gorgeous in his khaki pants and dark blue polo shirt. A hint of his family crest tattooed on his chest peaked through the unbuttoned collar. She had the sudden urge to lean forward and lick the base of his throat.
“Wish me the good morning I couldn’t have cause you weren’t in my arms when I woke up,” he whispered a second before he slanted his head taking her lips in a searing kiss. No other part of his body touched her and it was driving her insane.
Giving up all pretenses of the indifferent woman, she curled her fingers into the front of his shirt, pulling him against her. Her body sighed in relief the second she was nestled against him. She ached to get him naked again. This time she would spend time exploring each and every inch of his body. Learn exactly what she could do to drive him over the edge.
After Saturday afternoon’s encounter in kitchen, he’d kept his distance. She didn’t know whether she was relieved or disappointed that he didn’t try to get her alone again. She spent the rest of the day recalling the feel of his body pressed against hers. His stiff dick nestled against her ass and wishing like hell he would take her there. A place no other man had ventured, not for a lack of trying though. It just didn’t seem right with any of them.
She opted out of the Saturday night run. Letting the guys run amuck without having to watch out for her. She needed the time away from Jett just to get her head back on straight.
Sunday he hung around watching sports with her brother while drawing her into idle conversation about everything from when she was young to how she came to love baking.
There was the occasional touch from him, nothing more than it being the normal, pass the butter kind though. Jett never made a move to get her alone that day. As frustrated as she was with his lack of interest, he was able to charm her with stories about Sam and him during college. He got further under her skin when he talked about his younger sisters and family. The love he had for them matching the love Corrine and Sam had
for their parents.
Somewhere along the way she got comfortable with him being around, finding she wanted to learn more about him. Craving more of his voice and wondering what it would be like to be able to curl up next to him on the couch and cuddle without Sam or Jett flipping out.
By Sunday evening she was on edge, sexually and emotionally. Her human side afraid she was falling in love with a man she barely knew. Her tiger side knowing Jett’s tiger was her mate and clawing to break free.
When her brother and Jett finally took off to head to Jett’s place she breathed a sigh of relief and immediately took care of her sexual needs. The emotional needs were too much to deal with yet.
She was done recalling the feel of his touch. She was getting the real thing and it was better than ever.
The gentle flick of Jett’s tongue against her lips had her opening in welcome. He was slow and methodical, taking his time exploring her mouth. The sensual slide of his tongue over hers triggered a moan. As it escaped he took possession of her mouth. Pressing harder. Delving deeper. Claiming her.
The jingling of the bell over the door broke them apart. Jett stepped back a fraction. Looking down into her face. His pupils dilated, eyes glowing gold. Corrine’s fingers were still curled in his shirt. Wrinkling it without a care.
“Good morning,” she said barely audible to her own ears. Thanking heaven for his keen hearing and not having to repeat herself.
The corner of Jett’s mouth kicked up in a satisfied smile. “I’ll take two dozen mixed muffins and a coffee to go please,” he said. Voice steady, without an ounce of arousal.
Corrine’s jaw dropped open before she remembered the customer that just walked in.
How could he act like nothing happened?
She let go of his shirt. “Your shirt is a little wrinkled. You might want to smooth it out a bit.” Silently pleased her tone came out low and calm, nothing like she was feeling inside.
“Thanks,” he said before proceeding to smooth the garment out.
Walking around the counter she grabbed a box, filling his order. Glancing up every few seconds to keep an eye on him. Not that she expected he would do anything to draw attention, but she did wonder if he was paying attention to her. From the way he was studying his shirt she didn’t think so.
Ringing him up she pushed the two boxes of muffins toward him along with his large black coffee. Just like he took it when he was at the house.
Jett looked up, a sly grin caressing his lips, tossing enough money on the counter he winked before collecting his order and left without a word.
It was all Corrine could do not to find something to throw at his retreating back. Fortunately for him she had customers that needed help and could take her mind off him, even if only temporarily.
Tuesday rolled around and she was walking on a cloud. Jett called just as she was falling asleep the night before to wish her sweet dreams.
She was dumbfounded that her voice was the last thing he wanted to hear before he went to sleep. What she didn’t tell him was that she wished to hear his as well. A whispered good night left her relaxed and content. It was one of the best night’s sleep she had ever had.
Corrine stood with her hand on the knob of the bakery door not remembering unlocking it. Stepping into the kitchen she took a quick look around and didn’t see anything out of place.
“Maybe MJ forgot to lock it. She was a bit distracted yesterday,” she said into the silent room.
When no one offered his or her opinion back, she went to work on the baking of the day.
MJ showed up a couple hours later looking like something that cat dragged in.
Corrine offered her friend a cup of coffee. “Bad night?”
“Yeah. Parents called. Then Devon. Both pleading their cases but in completely different ways.” She sighed dejectedly, a sound completely uncommon for her.
Corrine wrapped her arm around MJ’s shoulders and squeezed. “I’m sorry. Want to run away with me?”
MJ snorted. “When do we leave?”
“Right after the morning crowd. That way Kacie will be in and she can feed everyone else then lock up after.”
Corrine moved away, going back to the muffin mix she was stirring before. “Speaking of locking up. Did you forget to last night?”
“No. I locked up. Even double checked since I knew my mind was in a different place.” MJ sounded shocked.
“Huh, I must have unlocked without paying attention then.” She patted her pants pockets. “Keys are still in my pocket. I must be more tired than I thought.”
Five muffins tins and three sheets of croissants later, Corrine was being backed up to the pastry counter by Jett again. His kisses as sweet and addicting as ambrosia. His demeanor as cool and laid back as the day before when they were interrupted by another customer.
That evening he called just like the night before whispering sweet nothings through the phone. And just like the night before, she fell a little closer to being in love with him.
Wednesday morning Corrine made sure she didn’t walk down to the bakery in a daze. The day before had been a whirlwind of customers, chaos and thoughts of Jett. She refused to let that take hold of her and bleed over. It was a new day with new opportunities.
At least that was what she thought as she walked into the bakery kitchen. As soon as she unlocked the door, the faint scent of roses could be smelled. She knew none of her staff wore perfumes while at work. They made it a policy so the only thing customers would smell was freshly baked breads and sweets. They didn’t want the cloying stench of something artificial to turn people away.
Methodically Corrine inspected the kitchen, following her nose and the path of roses. After thirty minutes she deemed the kitchen as all clear. Nothing was out of place or missing. Even the aprons were still draped at each prep station just as she left them the night before.
Making her way into the store of the bakery, her nose lead her to the same spot Jett had trapped her against at the pastry counter the prior two days. The scent of roses was so strong she became light-headed. Pinching her nose she rushed to open the front door, propping it open. Taking a deep breath of fresh air she hustled back through the store and into the kitchen where she propped open the back door.
“Hey Rini. Whatcha doing? I don’t smell anything baking,” MJ said walking down the last few feet of the path that lead from the house to the bakery.
Corrine took a few cleansing breathes before answering. “That’s cause nothing is. When I opened the back door I smelled roses. I’ve spent the last forty minutes checking everything. It’s really bad on the store side. Had to prop open the doors in hopes that it would clear out. I don’t remember it smelling like that last night.”
“You did spend most of the time in the back, and before closing Kacie told me about some snooty woman with too much perfume. Guess she was a real bitch. Asked for sugar free cupcakes and when Kacie said we didn’t have anything like that, she made some comment about cows. I locked the front so you wouldn’t have been in there to smell it.”
Corrine looked around. Not sure that was the answer but it was better than anything she would be able to come up with. Besides the smell of roses, nothing was suspicious. Everything was in order. “If you say so. Let’s get a move on then. I’m behind schedule.”
MJ walked up to her and looped their arms together. “We’ll double time it,” she said with a smile.
Corrine looked sideways at her friend. “You seem chipper this morning.”
“I am. I didn’t have any phone calls from my parents or Devon. So I slept great.”
Corrine wasn’t so sure that was the reason. “There’s something else you’re not telling me.”
“I tell you everything Rini. You know that.”
“I still think something is up.”
“You’re just a little freaked about the smell. Don’t worry. I’ll protect you from vicious perfumes.”
Corrine rolled her eyes and the two of them got to work. Th
e pace was frantic, getting the first batches done in record time.
She jumped when she stepped into the shop with two full trays of sticky, sweet muffins almost dropping them to the floor. A large figure stood looming over the sales counter. The morning sun shining in behind him blocking out his features. It took her a second to realize it was Jett standing at the counter. “Why was the door propped open?” His voice came out low and demanding, steel threading through every word.
“Well hello to you too.” Instead of walking around to great him, she stayed behind the counter stocking the trays. She was too harried to deal with his irritation this morning. Though she’d worked off most of her wariness, a small part in the back of her mind still thought there was something else going on in the shop and with MJ.
“Corrine, I asked you a question. Why was the door wide open? I’ve been standing out here for at least ten minutes and judging by how you reacted you had no clue I was here.”
“We’ve been a little busy. Got a late start.” She placed the now empty trays on top of the sales counter.
A low rumbling growl caused her head to snap up. “That’s not good enough. Anyone could have walked in. They could have threatened you, hurt you.”
She took a second to look at him. Now that she was standing directly in front of him and no longer distracted with work, she could see a scowl marring his handsome face, his jaw was clenched and lips thinned in disapproval. His hands were fisted on his hips, making his chest expand to an impressive width. The golden hue of his eyes a good indication of how pissed he actually was.
She never would have guessed what happened next.
An unseen concentrated wave of heat and power hit her in the chest knocking the air from her lungs. She winced from the pain before dipping her head in submission as Jett’s Blood Legacy pulsed around her. The primal energy emanating from him pushed her to bend to his will.
Her voice came out small, barely audible. “Its nothing. There was a strange scent when I opened the shop. I had to air the place out and forgot to close the door while we got caught up with the baking.”
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