Page 4 of Icing on the Cake

“I’m twice your size.” Beau’s arm tightens around my waist, and my obsession with the man deepens. “I’ll crush you.”

“You’ve never been on top of a woman before?” I muse, goading him a little. His nostrils flare as he inhales. His darkened eyes heat, igniting a ridiculous flame in my belly and courage in my heart. “Be gentle with me.”

I’m not sure if my flirty stage whisper did the trick or if Beau followed my instructions out of common sense, but he does as instructed. He rolls away from the table, carrying me with him. I stare into his eyes and catch a glint of playfulness hiding in the shadows. Though it’s awkward, I’m beyond happy to be exactly where I am with Beau’s protective arms around me.

Feet shuffle around us, and it strikes me as odd how different people appear from an alternative vantage point. I can only imagine what Beau and I must look like with me flat on my back on the reception floor and Beau’s massive body hovering over mine. His hips sink seductively close to mine, sending my body into a tizzy. My internal furnace cranks the heat from lava hot to a sun-scorching inferno. Definitely not something one experiences every day at a wedding, or me ever. But I’ll take it.

“I like this better than mistletoe.” Beau’s eyes glitter when he chuckles. “I can’t wait to see what happens the next time we run into each other.”

Next time. I like the sound of that.

***

Beau

I shield Eisley from the wide-eyed stares while she straightens her short skirt. She wriggles beneath me, stirring the giant between my legs. My jaw tightens as my body stiffens. It’s an awkward situation, to say the least. The last thing I need is a raging hard-on in plain view of a hundred or more wedding guests.

Eisley finishes fidgeting with her skirt, giving it one final tug. Her fingertips brush along my hips as her hazel eyes focus on me. Flecks of green and gold sparkle in her curious eyes.

“We should get up now.” Her rosy lips part as she whispers. “Before we make a scene and people start noticing.”

Her flirtatious tease increases my interest and adds to my current state of arousal. The latter is completely unwarranted in this situation, but there’s little I can do but suck it up and hope for the best.

“Right,” I say, pushing off the ground to my knees. Eisley snickers as I take her hand and help her to her cute, red high-heeled feet. “People might think we’re enjoying ourselves.”

“You’re not?” Eisley quips as she brushes her hands over her backside. Her eyes dart around the group gathered around us. “I should see about the cake.”

She smooths her hair, checking that it’s still in place, then squeezes my forearm before slipping away. I cross my hands over my jacket, ensuring the bulge beneath it stays hidden. The way her hips sway as she adjusts the bow behind her back doesn’t do me any favors, but I don’t want to look away. Eisley’s captured my attention in more ways than one. I’ve got to hand it to her for keeping a sense of humor in the midst of a near catastrophe. That’s the sign of a good-natured individual and a true professional.

“Well played, Beau. Well played.” Tom grabs my shoulder with a firm hand. “When Kent batted the flowers away, Grace thought the cake was a goner. Remind me again why Kent's my best man instead of you?”

Tom glances over his shoulder toward a small gathering of two. I follow his gaze to a secluded corner where Kylie gives a sheepish Kent a piece of her mind. I can’t hear what she’s saying, but it’s obvious she isn’t happy.

“Because he’s your brother,” I chuckle, turning my attention to Eisley and Grace as they inspect the cake. “Any damage done?”

“Only to Kent’s ego. Cake’s fine, and you put on a great floor show. Everyone goes home with a story to tell.” Tom pats my shoulder. “So, what’s the story with the cake lady? The Bakehouse looking for a new baker, or are you in the market for one?”

He’s as subtle as a meat cleaver. Eisley's an exceptional kisser, quick on her feet, and has some serious cake-decorating skills. Even so, Sapphire Bakehouse doesn’t need another set of hands in the kitchen, and I can’t afford the kind of distraction Eisley would bring.

What is the story with her, and why am I so damn attracted to her?

When our eyes locked in silent recognition, time stood still. In that fleeting moment of chaos, instinct took over. I wasn’t trying to save the day or be chivalrous. A deep need to protect Eisley overtook me. The world blurred around us when she fell into my arms. My heart pounded as I anchored her to my body. Adrenaline coursed through my veins lightning quick, and a spark of hope ignited deep within my chest.

Beyond that, I know very little about Eisley. She’s a mystery walking into my world from seemingly out of nowhere. Did fate bring us together for a reason?

“Her name’s Eisley.” I glance at Tom, on the verge of quizzing him about how he knew Grace was the one for him but think better of it. This is his day, not mine to nose in his personal business. I’d also like to keep the spark between Eisley and me private. “Not sure, but it wouldn’t hurt to stick around and find out.”

Is this what it feels like when someone realizes they’ve met the one?

CHAPTER 3

***

Eisley

“This rightfully belongs to you.” I offer Grace the bouquet of peonies, spray roses, and myrtle in case she wants to give them to one of her bridesmaids. The flowers should go to one of them or a guest, not me. “There doesn’t seem to be too much damage from the hit it took.”

“I wouldn’t dream of taking it back.” Grace smiles graciously.

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