Chapter 5 #2
I knew the woman who owned the stand. Phillipa was a darling. In her forties, she was doing everything she could to raise her two young daughters alone. They sometimes came by the clinic to check on our animals. I’d promised Anne, her youngest, that I’d introduce her to Steve.
Phillipa was engaged in a conversation with another customer right now, and I didn’t interrupt. I turned it around to look at the price tag and winced. It was far too expensive for my budget. Some people liked to bargain, but I wouldn't do that. Phillipa needed the money.
As Travis and I moved on, I noticed a food cart in the distance.
"Oh, she's here," I exclaimed.
"Who's here?" Travis asked.
"See that food cart there? Georgina has the best cupcakes.
She makes small batches and sells them at the fair.
She even has some with pineapple cream, and it's the best thing I've ever tasted.
Come on, let's go quickly. I can't believe I haven't seen it until now.
I hope they still have the pineapple ones. "
I made a beeline to the cart, unhappy that there was already a line. I stood at the back of it and craned my neck, trying to see if there were still cupcakes left. I noticed some, and I hoped there would still be plenty left when my turn came.
I turned around to talk to Travis and saw him slowly walking my way. I hadn't realized he hadn't followed me. Maybe he stayed back to look at the other stands.
“Did you find something you like?” I asked.
He flashed me a charming smile. “Maybe. How's the hunt for cupcakes going?”
“There are still a few left. Fingers crossed she won’t sell out until our turn comes.”
“Are they your favorite dessert?” he asked.
“Yes, along with ice cream. That always takes the edge off.”
Travis glanced in the front, then back at me. “If they sell out, I’ll persuade her to bake a few just for you.”
I felt my eyes bulge. He wasn’t done charming me, was he? I couldn’t even chalk it up to him wanting to get in my pants—he’d already done that. Several times.
I had absolutely no doubt he could convince Georgina to bake more. He simply had that je ne sais quoi that made him irresistible, and very persuasive.
Luckily, his persuasion skills weren’t needed, as there were still four cupcakes left when our turn came.
We bought all of them and moved a few feet away from the crowd.
And then we simply devoured them. Well, I did.
He was eating surprisingly slower. I stopped after practically inhaling the first cupcake, though.
I had to pace myself. I didn't want to eat it too fast.
"This is delicious," he said halfway through his cupcake. "I wonder why pineapple cream isn't more common. I like that it's a bit sour. It takes away from the sugar overload."
"I know. It's the same for me. I usually prefer toppings that also have a sour component, like cherries or lemon and dark chocolate."
He looked at me intently between bites. "Lots of new experiences with you today, Bonnie. I've never been to a flea market or had a pineapple cupcake. Thanks for showing me."
"I'm glad you're enjoying it."
His eyes glinted playfully. Oh, I could practically see the switch go on. He was turning from charming to seductive right in front of my eyes.
Leaning closer, he brought his mouth to my ear. "I can't wait to show you all the things I have in mind," he whispered.
I blushed. "I can't take you out of the house, can I?"
"You just did, but not for long. I need to explore you." He moved back from my ear to make eye contact, brushing my cheek all the way to the corner of my lips. "I need to explore you. Last night was just a taste. I want more. I want all of you."
I wasn't just blushing now—my whole body was burning. I licked my lips before taking another bite of my cupcake.
"Okay," I said. "I've checked on everyone. I think we can go."
I was playing it cool, trying not to show just how much I burned for him.
He put an arm around my back as we slowly walked away from the flea market.
I was carefully watching the cupcake on my plate.
I planned to eat it on the way. He'd already finished both of his, but I'd taken a page from his book and was eating slowly.
Perhaps too slowly, but I wanted to savor it—and then I was going to savor him.
"Are we paying Steve a visit again today?" he asked.
My stomach somersaulted, the affection in his voice endearing. He'd called him Steve!
"No, my colleague is on shift this weekend. I've got the next one."
As we arrived home, I was on pins and needles, my whole body firing up in anticipation.
I sort of imagined he would attack me as soon as we stepped inside the house, or that he'd start his shameless seduction plan right away.
To my astonishment, he casually stood in the living room, filling all the space with his undeniable sex appeal.
He took a package out of his pocket. I was about to ask what he'd bought at the fair when he opened the wrapping paper. I gasped. It was the necklace.
"What are you doing with that?" I asked.
"I saw you looking at it. You liked it, so I figured I'd buy it for you as a present."
"No, but I, um…," I stammered. Truthfully, I was too stunned to put up too much of a fight. "I wasn't looking at it for that purpose."
"I know, Bonnie. But look at that smile."
I could feel it stretching on my face. Yes, I was happy. This gorgeous man had bought me this beautiful necklace.
"The vendor said it's an infinity knot," he continued. "I have no idea what that means. Do you want me to put it on you?"
I nodded eagerly, turning around and lifting my hair. My skin simmered when I felt his fingers as he closed the clasp. Then he kissed the back of my neck. I shuddered.
"Thank you," I murmured.
"My pleasure entirely." His voice was almost a growl.
“Ah, and you’re unleashing the sexy voice already.”
“What?”
“Your voice changes when you want me.”
“So all the time?” he teased.
“Nah, it’s in a lower octave right now. It’s delicious, and I love it. You almost sound like you plan to use every tool in your seduction arsenal on me.”
“You’ve read my mind.”