Page 22 of His Pickle Her Jam

“This means we split the orders. We get to work. We get serious about this competition. And you and me, we don’t do whatever that was before unless we have an open discussion and establish some ground rules.”

Buck’s smirk turned into a full blown grin, and Christ Almighty, he stole my breath from my lungs.

Why was this man so hot?

“First of all, do you really think you can resist whatever this is between us?” he asked, head cocked to the side, and his bad boy grin on his lips.

“Easy peasy,” I lied, trying not to squirm against the wetness in my panties.

“Is that so? Well, then I guess I’ll have to double my efforts,” he growled, closing his mouth over mine.

Double his efforts?

Oh damn. The man tasted so good.

Why did he taste so good?

My head was spinning as I kissed him back. The fragrances of all the fresh produce and herbs we’d split up and had spread across our countertops permeated the air.

I felt like I was right smack in the center of one of my favorite dirty fairytales.

The kind where the human woman snuck into the magical garden and was found out by the gorgeous, but devious fairy prince.

Only mine wore hot pepper Crocs and a wicked smile when he wasn’t kissing me to within an inch of my life.

I really should have put up a fight. Pushed him away. Or something.

Instead, I clung to him, my fingers clutching at his wide shoulders while I laid claim to his sweet mouth.

I was still uncertain if Buck had a girlfriend. And I needed to know before this went any further.

I knew this wasn’t a declaration of love or further intentions. But still, I didn’t generally make out with men who were involved with someone else. I flat out refused to be the other woman.

A tiny spark of hope ignited inside my body, and I closed my eyes willing it to snuff out. This wasn’t fair.

I couldn’t allow myself to get caught up in feelings. Not when I had a contest to win.

Plus, how did I know he was even serious about any of this? This could all just be some mind game to turn my head from the real prize.

“Hey, I don’t fuck around with people. I don’t have a girlfriend. And yes, I am very serious about you and me. Just like I am about our little competition, Jan Baby. And I have no intention of giving up on either,” he said, punctuating the last with a lip-smacking kiss.

Holy fuck.

Had I said all that out loud?

“Take all the time you need to wrap your head around that, Pretty Girl. I’m gonna go wash my cukes.”

My eyes went right to that area below his buckle and Buck barked out a laugh.

“That’s not what I call that specific part of my anatomy, but anytime you want to learn more and check it out for yourself, you just let me know, Pretty Girl.”

He walked away with a wink, and I stood there with a stupid expression on my face.

What the heck was that?

CHAPTER NINE-BUCK

Day 4 of Block Party Prepping (6 to go)

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