Eva consumed him, her kisses addictive as he plunged inside her. The way she looked at him, the way she felt and tasted, drew him and brought him to new levels of madness.
He wanted to be careful and go slow because he knew she deserved it. She deserved to be cherished.
But he couldn’t wait.
Not when she reached out to nibble and whisper “more” in his ear.
He clenched at her hips and brought her to him, pistoning his hips forward to fill her again and again. Mac couldn’t be sure how long he lasted as he reveled in her. In her reaction to him and the way she wrapped her legs around his waist.
Release came quickly, glorious and overwhelming, and his heart may have stopped. It jackhammered against his ribs to make breathing a bit of a challenge.
His muscles contracted, shoulders tight as she slid her hands down his back, along his spine.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
Mac managed to nod. At least, he thought he nodded. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way. It’s like I died and went to heaven.”
“No dying on me tonight, Swiper,” she teased, kissing his chin. “Give yourself a minute to recuperate, and then we’ll go again.”
He felt his eyes bulge forward as he leaned back to stare at her. “Again?” Then he eased back.
The sight of her…she glowed. He had no choice but to touch her, but this time reverently.
The moment shattered when the smoke detector gave a single high squeal of sound.
His heart now lodged in his throat, he made out the low sounds of Eva’s laughter. “That would be our pizza.”
Dammit, the pizza! He’d completely forgotten about it, his mind focused on other pleasures to fill different parts of him. Of course, now that he turned his attention to his stomach, it gave a low groan at the thought of their ruined dinner.
“I had fully planned on feeding you. Now I’ll have to make another trip to town.”
“Oh, it can wait. I have other plans for you,” Eva replied, tightening her legs around him. “We’re not going to make dinner yet.”
“If you insist.” With a heave, he gripped her hips and lifted them both up. She clung to him when he pushed onto his feet. “Think we can make it to the spare bedroom this time?”
Her giggles echoed in his ears as he brought them down the hall.
Chapter Thirteen
SHE WANTED THE pizza later, Eva thought, her head nestled on Mac’s shoulder. Much later, and after more strenuous physical activity. And she wished it hadn’t burned to something resembling asphalt in the ancient oven.
Stretching her arms over her head brought a low burn in the muscles of her abdomen. It had been a long time. Too long, she remembered. Not since the night before the broken engagement.
Gah, she didn’t want to think about that.
She left sometime during the night when her empty stomach became too much to ignore, and she yearned for her own bed. Plus, better to escape the scene of the crime before morning’s light when someone could be awake to see her.
It was better to avoid all potential for gossip.
She spent the morning—after a shower and a few restless hours of sleep where her mind put her right back on the couch with Mac—on her hands and knees filling a few brightly painted sky-colored urns with flowers. Eye-catching and dramatic, sure to bring in new patrons to the coffee shop.
With Kolby in charge inside, Eva hummed and adjusted her gardening gloves. She’d purchased a nice mix of plants to contrast with the planters. Texture, color, and style.
The same blue as Mac’s eyes.
There she went again! She couldn’t get her mind off the man. Sadly, her heart began to quickly follow. A move she knew she would regret if she followed.
“Eva!”
Her arms full of flowers, she turned her head at the approaching flock of women. Oh, God. It couldn’t be time for book club. How had she let herself be intimate with Mac the day before book club?
No, she couldn’t think about her life in terms of will they or won’t they, according to how other people would see her. It was a recipe for disaster.
“Good morning, ladies. Head on inside. Your usual seats are available unless you want to use the couch for your meeting.” Eva sent them an easy smile before digging a small well for the flowers in her hands.
Birdie stopped to stare at her, legs spread and feet planted like a geriatric Wonder Woman. “A little hot to be doing all this planting outside.”
“I’m nearly done with it. This is the last bit.” With her system at once overloaded, Eva took a deep breath. “Besides, it’s a beautiful day.”
“You’re looking awfully chipper. Full of color.”
Why did it sound like an interrogation? Eva shrugged instead of offering up an explanation. “Like I said. It’s a beautiful day.”
“Those don’t often cause starry eyes.”
“Birdie, relax.”
Eva dug out the dirt harder than usual, putting her frustration into the soil instead of facing it. Beads of sweat pooled on her forehead and over her lips as the morning sun beat down on her. But no amount of digging could deter the disappointment in herself she suddenly felt.
She’d slept with Mac. The very thing she had promised herself she wouldn’t do, and now the Hens were onto her.
But there was something about him, a pull she couldn’t describe and one she didn't want to indulge. The potion came to mind. Her ex-fiancé came to mind.
She had moved to Cinnamon Bay to start fresh and alone. Yet here she was getting moony.
“Those petunias do not need such force.”
Eva jolted at the voice. Craig—Kolby’s sweeter and better half—cast a short shadow across the flower box.
His hands came around and took the flowers from her as he began to work his gardening magic, settling them into their spot and moving the soil firmly around the base.
She might have thought it impulsive and rude if he didn’t own the local flower shop.
“See, soft and easy, and they reward you with their beauty.”
Eva sighed, pushing her hair out of her face. “Thanks, Craig.”
“Now, why do I suspect your lack of grace has more to do with Cinnamon Bay’s newest visitor than simple ignorance?”
Craig’s not-so-innocent smile told her that Kolby had shared the kiss he’d walked in on between her and Mac. Of course, Kolby told him. They were the most honest and loving couple she’d ever met. One tall and mocha-skinned, the other short and whiter than vanilla ice cream. They didn’t keep secrets from each other, even if sometimes she thought Kolby should learn to keep his mouth shut.
Eva turned back to finishing the flower box under Craig’s watchful eye. “Because you listen to the exaggerating tales of your sweet, but pushy husband.”
Craig rolled up the sleeves of his powder-blue button-up and handed Eva a flower from the pot. “He has an eye for love. That’s why your grandmother loved having him around. He could spot true love from across the café floor.”
“Or he creates it.”
“He knew exactly who should have the special blend and who should steer far away.” Craig handed her another flower.
“I love Kolby, but I don’t need his true love speedometer revving in my direction. Seriously. I’m not looking for love.”
“Is anyone ever really looking for love?” Craig asked as they filled in the planter with dirt and patted it down together.
Eva carried the bag of dirt to the next planter, and Craig followed with the tray of flowers. “How about I’m looking to stay single? How does that sound?”
Craig laughed, tilting his head back until the sun caught the rim of his glasses. “I had never planned on falling in love. After my past hard relationships and bad breakups, I focused on my business plan and didn’t consider love in my future.”
Eva had heard the story a gazillion times from Kolby and Craig, who often lauded it as the romance of the century, and she almost felt cranky enough
to cut him off and tell him so.
Something kept her quiet.
“Then I moved to Cinnamon Bay,” Craig continued, “ready to start my business and popped in the café for a latte. That decision changed my life because even though I didn't know it, Kolby knew we were destined to be together. Your grandmother made the special drink for us.”
Eva straightened and looked at him, shading the sun with her hand. “I love how you always forget to mention the trio’s matchmaking ways. I’m sure they poked or prodded you at least once.”
He waved at her, the gesture much like Kolby. “The trio will always stick their noses where they don’t belong and the second Kolby had his sights on me, they were insufferable.” He paused, tugging the brown apron with his business logo lower. “But they did spend a nice chunk of money when I first opened, making excuses to come see me and sway me toward Kolby.” He held out his hand. “If you're not going to dig the holes, can you pass me the plant?”
Eva dug one out and handed it to him and got her own, digging in.
“I hear you drank the special—”
Without looking up, Eva held her dirt-covered hand up. “Not a word about the special blend and Mac Jenssen.”
“How about just Mac?” Mac’s husky voice sent warm tingles over her skin.
The man of the hour had arrived.
“Mac Jenssen.” Craig abandoned his flower post and wiped his dirty hands on his apron.
Eva watched out of the corner of her eyes as Craig extended his hand out to Mac and she stayed put on her knees, finishing up the last planter and plotting an escape from the whole situation.
Her face had to be ten shades of red that had nothing to do with the sun.
“I’m Craig Reeves. Kolby is my husband, and he’s told me nothing but wonderful things about you.”
Mac smiled, his gaze inscrutable behind a pair of mirrored sunglasses. “Nice to meet you.”
“I hope everyone in the Bay has been welcoming and helpful so far.”
Eva rolled her eyes. If by welcoming and helpful he really meant annoying and intrusive, then the trio had been plenty enough for everyone. Not to mention Eva’s own play in that equation.
Mac chuckled. “Lizzie Parker did whack me with a bat, but soon after came around. And the bruise is healing.”
“Some locals aren’t as friendly as others,” Craig replied, hands on his hips. “Have you run into Calliope Halloway yet?”
“I haven’t had the pleasure.” Mac glanced over to Eva at the mention of another woman with her last name.
Eva tucked her gloves in her apron and turned around to face the men. The sight of Mac showered, changed, with a glow to him took her breath away.
“If you want further assurance the potion is a real thing, she’s the last one to talk to.” She leaned forward. “Although, it could also have the opposite effect, being she’s one nut short.”
“I doubt she’d be happy to hear a relative say so,” Craig piped in.
“She also thinks she’s psychic, so I’m pretty sure she can sense what I think.”
“On that cue of family love, you’ll have to excuse me. I’m going to pop in and see Kolby before my break ends. Again, Mac, it’s been a pleasure.”
Craig ducked between them, flashing Eva a wink before slipping inside the shop and leaving her alone on the boardwalk with Mac for the entire town to witness whatever was about to go down.
Mac closed in the space between them, and his finger grazed her arm. She could practically feel all eyes in the café watching her, most of all the trio.
“I missed you this morning,” he said, and if she stared into his gorgeous eyes long enough, she would forget how exposed they were.
“Will you help me carry these to the dumpster out back?” She picked up the empty flower trays, and he gave them a strange look before taking them.
“Is this me repaying you for helping at my grandfather’s house?” he asked lightly.
“No.” She smiled at his teasing. “But I don't want to give the Hens the—”
“Wrong idea. Right.” He stepped aside. “After you.”
Taking a deep breath, she led Mac behind the shop where she unlocked the bin, and he tossed the empty trays inside. The short walk hadn't given her enough time to decipher her feelings or what should follow between them.
After locking the bin, she turned and bumped into Mac’s front. His slick grin told her he'd purposely meant to be standing close. He lifted his hand and pushed her hair behind her ear.
“I’ve wanted to touch you all morning.” His hand traveled down her face and cupped her cheek, tilting her head up to him, their faces closer, their lips even closer. He ran the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip. “More specific, I’ve wanted to kiss these lips.”
Eva sucked in her lips to hide them from view. A deep chuckle rumbled Mac’s chest.
“Can I kiss you now?” he asked.
Yes.
No!
Damn it, why did he have to be standing so close?
Eva wedged her hand between them. “Mac, we have to talk.”
She watched the desire slip away, slow and sad, almost like he’d been expecting this reaction from her.
“I can’t do—” She waved her hand between them. “Whatever this is we’re doing. It’s different for you. When you're done in Cinnamon Bay, you’ll leave. Back to your life where the people respect you. But I’ll be stuck here with the stigma of whatever they’re already contemplating has happened between us. And now, it actually has happened.”
“It sounds like you’re not just talking about what happened between us last night,” he said slowly.
Was she?
“Are you saying you don’t want to help me anymore?”
She didn’t know, honestly. Was she? Their distance would solve everything, and she could continue building her reputation here. But did she want to stop helping him?
“I’ll take your silence as a yes.” She heard the hurt in his voice and understood where he was coming from. She’d practically pushed him into the house, and now she was bailing on him. But it was for the best. Wasn’t it?
“Mac, it’s complicated.”
“Eva, I’m not looking for anything serious either. Really.” He held his hands up in front of him.
“So, what was last night to you? A booty call?” She didn’t know where her defensiveness came from. It came on her quick and lethal. She’d certainly slept with him not expecting anything serious. “Were you hoping to get another piece of ass tonight?”
Out of nowhere, anger boiled inside her.
She saw his shoulders tense, and his jaw tighten. “I came here to ask you if you’d join me for dinner at my grandfather’s house. I picked up some pasta and had planned to cook after a deep cleaning session, but I see now that was a mistake since you're hiding from whatever this is between us”— he mocked her, forming air quotes with his fingers—“by blaming the town.”
“It is the town.”
In one quick step, he stood right in front of her. “You feel something for me. I feel it too.” His breath warmed her to her soul, eased her, excited her, made her feel alive and scared the hell out of her all at the same time. “I’m not saying I want more than what happened last night, but I’m not so fearful that I would dismiss the possibility of it. You use the town as a crutch when really, deep down you’re terrified of perusing what you’re feeling.”
She shook her head. “I don’t even know what you’re trying to say. That you want to have some vacation affair while you’re in town?”
“At least I had the decency to come here with an open mind to discuss last night. You just shut me out and blamed the town,” he replied with a shrug.
“You don’t even know me.” Why did she sound so confused? So sad?
Mac backed up a step. “Apparently, I don’t.” He turned and stalked down the alley they’d come from.
Eva watched his back until he disappeared then she leaned back against the bin and
fisted her hands at her side, fighting the question—did she want distance because of the town's gossip central or because she’d never felt the pull she felt with Mac with anyone else?
Not even her ex-fiancé.
She pushed off the bin, knowing the answer but terrified to accept it and marched into the café, coming eye to eye with Lizzie. Finding the older woman in her personal domain was rather a surprise considering she didn’t frequent the café.
In fact, Eva couldn’t recall ever seeing her inside. What if they’d done something in the house to make her angry. She didn’t want to chance ruining Mac’s opportunity to dig into his past away.
Eva put on a big smile, even if she felt a piece of her had broken. “Um, hi. Elizabeth. What can I help you with today?”
“I’m here for book club, and call me Lizzie,” came the grunt.
“Book club?” Eva sounded surprised. She cleared her throat. “I mean, they’re right over there.” She pointed at the window where the ladies gathered around a large wooden table. When Elizabeth didn’t move, Eva added, “Don’t let them intimidate you. Their bark is worse than their bite.”
Lizzie made a noise that sounded a lot like a growl. “I’ve yet to hear them even bark.”
Eva felt her lips curl upward. The woman was scarier than the trio or the book club they hosted.
“I will be dropping by to check on Wayfare house in the next couple days.”
That’s right. Eva had entirely forgotten about the nickname for the beautiful two-story beach house.
“Need to make sure you don’t need me to crack the whip. Or haven’t broken anything yet.”
Eva started but broke the tension by raising two fingers to her forehead. “Yes, ma’am.”
THE NEXT HOUR of the Coffee Talk on the Boardwalk book club was a long, torturous, never-ending reminder that the trio was rooting for Eva and Mac to find their happy ever after.
Eva had tried to keep busy tending to customers, but the Hens still managed to send hopeful looks and encouraging winks her way. No matter her effort to ignore them, a clanging cup, loud laughter or ringing bracelets would draw her attention back to them, and their eyes would be waiting.
Love on the Boardwalk: A Cinnamon Bay Romance - Book One Page 9
