by Goode, Ella
“Violet’s a math whiz,” I interject. “You can trade your professional baking lessons for some calculus homework.”
“I hate calculus,” Ryan grumbles, but he gets out of his chair and follows Violet into the kitchen.
I wait until the two are out of earshot before turning to Eden. “You have some questions?”
“No. It’s not any of my business, but it’s nice that this is such a big property. How much land do you have here?”
“Only about five acres. We have a bigger place about an hour south but haven’t been there for some time.” When Violet says that she doesn’t leave the house, she means it. Not even for our country home, where the horses are she used to love to ride. One of these days, I’ll take Eden there. She’ll enjoy walking the trails, feeding the animals, and the space. The city life can get stifling.
“I think you could fit about twenty of The Daily Drips in this place, but it doesn’t feel big. Like this space here is really homey.”
This space is the family area with a big kitchen, eat-in dining room, and a family room. The family room opens onto a large patio space with a pool. Adjacent is the game room that Ryan easily found.
“It’s big enough for a family for sure.”
If Eden catches the hint, she doesn’t show it. There’s not a flicker of recognition in her eyes that acknowledges my invitation. It’s as if the kiss earlier never happened, which means she needs a reminder.
“Let’s go to the theater.” I take her by the hand and lead her across the room to a bookcase.
“I can’t leave Ryan here to go to a movie,” Eden says.
I press a book, and a door unlatches. “We don’t have to leave. There’s every convenience here.”
“Is this a secret room?” she cries in delight as she swings the bookcase open. She ventures inside the large, three-level room. “Holy shit. This is like an actual theater except there are only four rows of recliners instead of dozens.” She runs a hand over the back of one of the theater seats. I draw the door shut and dim the lights. It’s the perfect place for me to remind Eden that my intentions toward her aren’t pure. I want her.
I take her hand again and spin her around so she faces me. Her lips part, maybe to say something, maybe to protest, I don’t know. I use the opportunity to dive in. Clasping her face between my hands, I kiss her, driving my tongue between her cherry red lips. The first time we kissed, it felt like a bolt of lightning struck my balls. It’s no different this time. I’m lit up from the inside, burning with need for her. I drop my hands to her ass and pull her roughly against my erection.
“Fuck me sideways, Eden,” I murmur as I slide my mouth along her jaw. “I’m gone for you. Ass over heels.”
She makes a soft sound and clutches me harder. “I don’t know if I have time for this right now.”
I nip at her cheek and then her ear. “Don’t think. Just feel.”
I move lower, kissing my way down the sleek column of her neck, savoring every inch of bare skin until I reach the collar of her top. “Let’s take this off.”
“My brother—”
“Is baking.” I unbutton the top.
“We have to—”
“Let me kiss your tits.” I spread the garment apart to reveal a peach lace and silk bra. Her nipples make tiny points behind the delicate fabric. My mouth waters at the sight. “Gorgeous. Just fucking gorgeous.”
I bend down to take a taste when the voice of her brother pierces the air. “Movie theater? This I gotta see.”
Chapter Ten
Eden
I am already seeing the difference in the numbers. The first thing I did when I got in this morning was cancel all of my old suppliers. With a little help from Miles, I already have new ones all set up. It was a significant drop in expenses.
I think I’m looking at about sixty percent less in costs. I play with the numbers, looking at the past few months. Even if we only have an okay week, we’re still going to be pulling in a major profit. It’s such a relief knowing I won’t have to worry for a while. I owe it all to Miles. I don’t even want to think about what would’ve happened if he hadn’t intervened.
I still don’t understand my father. The one thing that keeps running through my mind is him telling me if I started to pull a profit I could buy him out. At that point he wouldn’t be making anything because I’d no longer be giving him a percentage at the end of each month.
I always thought it was a little funny that he never bothered to ask about the numbers. As if he knew all along that nothing would change and I wouldn’t be in the position to buy him out. Yet there is not much that man could do to shock me these days.
“Miles is here,” Ryan says, popping his head into my office. At the mention of his name, my heart flutters. Shit. I’m already falling for him. How could I not? That kiss was something else. The way he touched me made me feel not only wanted but needed. “You’re blushing.” Ryan smirks.
I pull the rubber band off my wrist and shoot it at him. He dodges it, taking off with a laugh. I pull out my phone, using my camera to make sure I look halfway decent. I take the clip out of my hair, letting it down. That’s as good as it’s going to get right now.
When I come to the front, Miles is leaning up against the counter talking to Ryan. I stand there for a moment and watch them. It’s the same as last night. Ryan is super animated about whatever he’s telling Miles. It warms my heart to see the way he is when Miles is around.
“Looks like your brother’s cool with him.” Clare says.
I nod in agreement. “They get along so well. Even his sister is cool. She helped Ryan with his homework last night.”
“Wait. Hold up a second. You met the sister and hung out? I couldn't get you to try and date him and now you’re jumping in headfirst. Meeting his family and everything. Good for you,” she says with a laugh. “I dig it.”
“We’re not dating,” I reluctantly admit. I wasn’t lying when I told Miles I don’t have time for a relationship. But if the numbers pan out, I’m going to be able to hire some extra help around here. That should free up some time eventually.
“Okay. Just keep doing this not dating thing with him. Next you’ll have a ring on your finger, telling me it’s a friendship ring.” I snort a laugh. Miles must hear me because his eyes swing my way. His whole face lights up. “That man is beyond into you,” Clare says under her breath.
“Hey.” I give a small wave like a dork. I don’t know how to date. That’s the second problem here. I’ve never had time. Even in high school I was always working. It’s all I’ve ever done since I was fourteen. I never got to experience all of the fun teenager things. I always figured I had time.
“Can I steal you for a moment?”
“Yes, take her off our hands.” Clare pushes me toward him. Miles lets out a sexy chuckle. Damn. His laughs are hot too. Everything he does is. “I’ll finish closing up. You two have fun.”
I decide to take Clare up on her offer. I walk around the counter toward Miles. He snags me around the waist, pulling me to him before dropping a quick kiss on my lips. It takes me by surprise, but I have to admit that I’m growing fond of those kisses.
“How’s your day been, sweetheart?” He smiles down at me. My heart flutters again. This definitely feels like we are dating. After my brother almost caught us for a second time making out, we didn’t get another chance to be alone. Miles showed us around a little more before he dropped us off a few hours later.
“Really good, actually. Thanks to you.”
“Are those contacts I gave you working out?”
“Yeah. They have been great. Everyone is super friendly and nice.”
“I’m just glad I could help and that you let me.”
“I am too,” I admit. I need to stop pushing this man away. If I’m scared of getting my heart broken, it’s a little too late for that. I’m already in over my head when it comes to him. He’s helped me more than anyone else in my life ever has. If I don’t pursue this
I know I’d always wonder what could have been.
“That means I get my date.” Right. I’d forgotten about that request he made. He more than helped. I think he saved this place.
“I think I’d like that.”
His brows lift in surprise. We might come from two different worlds but last night I could see that it didn't matter to Miles or Violet. They are so down to earth.
“Can I show you something?” he asks. He looks a little unsure about whatever it is.
“Yes.”
“Ryan, you got a second?”
“Yep.” He jumps over the counter easily. We follow Miles outside.
“Your car is pretty much done for,” he tells me. I let out a long sigh, knowing this will set me back.
“I had a feeling. She gave me a good run.” We can make do for now without one. Honestly, Ryan used it the most. Everything I do is within walking distance most of the time.
“So I was thinking. We have a ton of cars…” I’m already shaking my head no. “You could borrow one. I didn’t say keep. It would only be a loaner car until you get something. I swear this one has just been sitting in the garage without being used.” He motions to the Tesla that looks a lot like his.
“Isn't that your car?” I’m so not taking his car.
“Nope. I get a new model every year. That’s last years’.”
“So we’ll have to slum it,” Ryan chimes in, making Miles laugh. I smile too. “Come on, sis. Look at this thing.” He walks over to the car, looking inside. He starts rambling off all the features and what it can do. I haven’t seen him this excited about anything in a long time.
“You promise it’s only a loan?” I glance up to Miles.
“Yep.” He nods, still smiling, knowing he won. This was all underhanded, but I’m enjoying Ryan’s excitement. I can’t give him a lot of things, but I can do this for a little while.
“Can we, E? The other kids at school will die when I roll up in this. Plus I aced my calculus test today.”
“Okay,” I agree. Miles tosses Ryan the keys.
“Now. How about that date?”
He’s got me. I hope he doesn't let me go.
Chapter Eleven
Miles
I take her to a comedy club, which is risky because the funny bone is in a different place for every person, but Eden lives with a lot of stress running her own business, raising her brother, and worrying about making ends meet. There’s nothing like laughter to give you a release. The gamble pays off, and Eden looks like a hundred pounds have been lifted off her shoulders when we walk out of the club.
“I can’t remember the last time I laughed so much.” She presses a hand to her side. “My stomach actually aches, although maybe it’s from the bucket of fries I ate.”
“You can never have too much laughter or too many fries.” The alarm beeps off, and I help her into the Audi. Once inside, I ask, “Do we want a late night drink or home?”
She slides me a coy look. “Which home?”
I chuckle. “Which one do you want it to be?”
“I should go back to The Daily Drip. My brother’s there.”
That wasn’t the answer I wanted to hear, but I live with it. Ryan’s under eighteen, and I can see why she doesn’t want to leave him alone. I haven’t moved out of the family home since Violet moved back. It’s not an obligation we owe to our siblings, but something we want to do. The problem is that our interests are competing, and we need them aligned. The solution is moving her and Ryan into my home.
“I have a lot of space.”
“Yes?”
“You should move in. You and Ryan. There’s a set of bedrooms on the second floor over the west end of the house that are empty. They’re extra guest rooms but never get any use.”
This time it’s her turn to laugh. “I can’t move in. We just met.”
“Time is a construct, Eden. Besides, I’ve been coming to The Daily Drip, well, daily, for the last two months. By my count, we’re nearing a three-month anniversary.”
“You’re funny.”
I smile at that compliment, but inside, I’m withering. She thinks I’m cracking jokes, and I don’t know if it’s a defense mechanism or that she’s trying to hold me at arm’s length while she figures out what she wants. I know what I want. Eden in my bed morning, noon, and night—or at least all the times that she isn’t holding down the fort at The Daily Drip. I haven’t had the feel of her tits between my teeth or the taste of her cunt in my mouth, and I am starving for her. No amount of scones, bear claws, and muffins is going to satisfy me. I pull up in front of the café, but I don’t want to let her out.
“I’ve been up front with what I’m interested in and now it’s up to you. You figure it out.”
“That sounds vaguely threatening. What if I don’t?”
“Then I figure it out for you.” I unlock the doors. “I’ll give you a day.”
“A day?”
“Hey, I’m not kidnapping you, am I? By the way, how do your books look?”
“Good,” she admits. She fidgets with the door handle for a second before twisting in her seat toward me. “I’ve had a lot going on in my life. Pretty sure my dad’s been cheating me. Ryan’s struggling with school. I’m worried about the café going under and whether I’m going to be able to pay Clare’s next paycheck or provide for Ryan’s college education. I feel like my life is too messy to share with someone.”
“I’ve got broad shoulders. Why don’t you let me decide what I can and can’t handle?”
“Because if you drop me, I’ll break.” She gives me a fragile smile.
I reach out to cup her cheek. “I won’t drop you.”
“You can’t know that for sure.” She turns away from my touch and opens the door. “Thanks for everything.”
I don’t like how that sounds, how it feels like a goodbye. I throw the car into park and join her on the sidewalk. I resist the urge to haul her back inside the car and speed away. I think the solution to her uncertainty is steadiness. If I maintain my course, she’ll see I’m not going away. That means I don’t get what I want immediately, but in the end, I’ll reap the benefits of my patience. “You can leave for now but there’ll come a point where you’ll see that I’m not the kind of guy who dates and dumps. You’ll learn to trust me. Until then, I expect to see you every day and get at least one kiss a night.” I crook my finger at her. “If you don’t give me a kiss goodnight, I’m going to set up a tent outside of The Daily Drip, and I won’t leave until I get my due.”
Her small smile turns into a much bigger grin. “I don’t think that would be good for foot traffic.”
“No. I predict my sorry ass in a tent right here on the sidewalk would deter sales by at least twenty percent.”
“We can’t have that.”
“Nope.” I tap my mouth with a finger. “Better pay up.”
“Oh, so this is a shakedown scheme. I have to pay to avoid scandals?” she teases.
“That’s right, but I’m only shaking you down. Don’t tell the other coffee shop owners. They’ll be jealous.”
She rises on her tiptoes, and at the last minute, I turn my head to the side so that her lips brush my cheek. It burns where she’s touched me.
“Payment made,” I declare, backing away.
Eden looks thoroughly confused, and it takes everything I’ve got not to sweep her into my arms and tongue her deep enough that she feels it in her pussy, but I’m going with the theory that I need to keep her wanting more. She’s unsure of me, but maybe her lust will drive her into my arms. God knows that lust is making me do crazy things like drinking coffee when it gives me the hives. I drag my sorry ass back inside my car and drive off, stopping just past the corner so I can watch her go into her home. She has her fingers over her lips like she’s savoring the taste of me, like she wants more. Same, sweetheart, same.
Chapter Twelve
Eden
I was so tempted to go home with Miles. To steal one night for my
self. It took everything in me to turn him down, but I knew it wasn’t the right thing to do. I refuse to be selfish like my father always is. His needs come before anyone else’s. That shit always hurt, but over time I’ve gotten used to it. I don’t want Ryan to ever feel as though he doesn't have someone in his life that will always be there for him. Even when he wants to tell me to get lost.
I flip the lock back into place before making my way through the coffee shop and into the back where my computer is. I want to check my emails before I head up for the night.
I let out a scream, dropping my purse onto the ground when I see a man standing there. Fear takes up residence inside of me as my heart begins to race. I put my hands out in front of me and back up a few steps, trying to put as much distance between us as I can.
“Where’s Tony?” the man asks. He’s in a suit. It’s not a fancy custom one like Miles wears. Still, it’s strange to break into someplace wearing a suit. Aren't you supposed to be in all black or something?
“I don’t know,” I say honestly. I haven't heard a peep from my father since the night I’d been out at his house.
“This is his coffee shop, no?” He takes a step towards me. I fight myself to not retreat another step, worried it might make him mad. I can’t take any chances with Ryan being upstairs. I have to play this smart and try to get this man out of here.
“Yes. I run it for him.” He clicks his tongue loudly as his eyes roam up and down my body, making knots form in my stomach. My heart is pounding so hard I swear he must be able to hear it.
“Eden!” I jerk my attention toward the back door at the sound of Miles' voice.
“I’ll be back. Tell your daddy I was here.” My stomach drops more. He knows who I am. He takes off toward the front door as Miles comes running toward me.
“Are you okay?” His hand comes to my face as he looks me over. Before I can respond, the sound of a gun going off steals all my attention.
