Page 19 of His Big Pipe

“Talia,” he rasps, that voice already sending shivers through me. “Aren’t you needed at the Inn?”

“The crew is handling things back at the Inn. Thank you for asking them to help. That was really sweet of you.”

“I could barely finish my thought. They were ready and willing after they met you last night.”

I smile. “Speaking of last night. I thought we had something special.”

He averts his eyes, face taut. “We did—we do. I’m sorry. I just…I don’t know how to do this.”

“What do you mean? You’ve done almost everything right so far.” I lower myself onto his lap. “Sully…I’ve fallen for you.”

He looks up at me, his pale eyes filled with doubt. “I’m not like you, Talia. I’m too shy. Too grumpy. Too boring. You’ll tire of me.”

I run my hand down his rough cheek and shake my head. “There’s nothing boring about you. You’re smart. Engaging when you want to be. We make a great team at trivia. And honestly, your grumpiness has grown on me.” I grin. “Besides, you’re invaluable in the kitchen. Who will help me with my dumplings?”

He smiles a little at that, a flicker of hope in his eyes.

“And what you did to me last night. What we did…” I touch his sexy mouth, my panties getting wet from the memories. “I could get used to that.”

His eyes darken and I feel the bulge of his hard length beneath me.

He clears his throat. “Well, technically you still owe me more dinners.”

I chuckle. “You know, I could be convinced to sign on for more, as long as you’re there to help me.”

He squeezes my hip, his grip possessive. “You really mean that?”

“I do,” I say, my voice steady. “But you still owe me more plumbing.”

His brow furrows. “I thought I finished everything.”

I smirk. “Oh, you have many more pipes to lay.”

He groans at my joke, then kisses me. I feel it all the way down to my toes.

The gentle lapping of the water, the birds, the rustling of the trees—it’s so serene.

A buzzsaw screams to life out in the distance, causing a flurry of birds to squawk and take flight.

We break from the kiss and gaze out toward my property.

“Okay, point taken about the noise,” I acknowledge.

And Sully tickles my sides, my laughter echoing out into the sky.

EPILOGUE - SULLY

THREE MONTHS LATER

The sun sets over the lake, casting a brilliant orange and yellow glow over the water. Sounds of laughter and conversation fill the air. We’re all gathered on the back patio of the Deepwood Inn, celebrating the end of a successful summer. The wrap-around deck, built by Nick, is filled with happy people. Logan’s handcrafted wood furniture adds a rustic charm to the space, a combination of old and new. And Gavin’s lights strung up around the roof, pergola, and umbrellas, create a magical atmosphere.

I lean against the railing, a cold beer in hand, and watch my friends and neighbors enjoying themselves. I overhear Maddie, Logan’s wife, chatting with Willa about the new website she set up for the Inn, complete with a section highlighting Talia’s amazing Chinese cuisine. Reece and Paige are discussing their latest addition to the C & A Animal Sanctuary, a Berkshire pig named Norman. Willa talks to Talia about flyers she’s promised to put up around town and in the library.

My life has been turned upside down since Talia came into it, but she’s brought me more joy than I ever thought possible. My friends have helped make her Deepwood Inn what it is, and I’m grateful for every one of them. But it’s Talia who’s truly transformed my world.

I watch her, moving among our guests with ease, her smile lighting up the evening. She’s in her element, and I can’t help but feel a swell of pride. And love. She catches me eyeing her and makes her way over, those dark eyes twinkling.

“Hey, you.” She wraps her arms around my waist. “Enjoying the party?”

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