Page 2 of Caramel Apple Cupcake

Instead of going to her lonely apartment, she decided to explore the town. There was that bar down the street that she always wanted to check out but never made the time. She didn’t want to get drunk, but a nice cocktail, some people-watching, and her e-reader were just what the doctor ordered.

Once inside, she sat down at the end of the bar, where the seats were empty. As she glanced around the large room, she knew it had been the right decision. Laughter filled the room. People were playing at each of the two pool tables. The back wall had two dartboards surrounded by groups of people. Some tables were filled with others who were eating or drinking. This was where she needed to be. And no one in here was paying attention to her. It was perfect. She could disappear while being in a crowd. No one would know she was the daughter of one of the town’s most famous families.

Just then, she heard a voice. “Hey beautiful. What can I get you?”

Her eyes lifted and saw the man standing in front of her. Her nipples hardened, and her breath stuttered as she tried to form words.

Well, fuck me sideways and call me your good girl.

Blue eyes. Dark blond hair. Low-trimmed beard. At least six feet four inches. And big ass hands based on her quick glance.If only she could get a glimpse of his shoes, that would be the cherry on top.

“Miss? Can I get you something to drink?” the gorgeous man asked again.

Mind blank, she wasn’t sure what to say. “What do you recommend?”

He leaned forward and placed his hands on the bar top. “It depends on what you’re looking for. Long day? Here to relax? Rough day, and you need to forget everything that happened before you walked in?”

She laughed. “All the above.”

“Well, you came to the right place. You just sit there, relax, and enjoy the rest of your evening. If you don’t have a drink in mind, I can make something for you. It’s a special mix.”

The look in his eyes was mischievous. Harper couldn’t help but lean in closer. If this was his normal customer service, then this place would quickly become her regular spot.

“By all means, please do. I’ve had a pretty rough evening. Just need to get my mind right before I head home. So, whatever you want to make for me, I’m all for it.”

His large fist knocked the bar with two quick raps. “You got it. If you need anything at all tonight, you get my attention. I don’t care what else I’m doing. It looks like you could use a friend tonight, and I’ve just nominated myself.”

All she could do was nod. Those were the words she needed to hear tonight. “Thank you.” She held out her hand. “I’m Harper.” He clasped her hand with his, and they both jumped from the spark of electricity that shocked them both.

A smile graced his lips. “Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Harper. I’m Anders.” He held onto her hand longer than expected before finally releasing her. “Of all the bars in all the cities, you came into mine. I think it’s fate, Harper. Don’t you?”

Yes, it was, and Harper could do nothing else but nod her head in response.

“One Callahan Cranberry Vodka Delight coming up.” Then he walked away to go make her drink.

Her eyes continued to drink him in as if he were a tall glass of cold water on a 100-degree day. Settling down in her seat, she pulled out her e-reader and opened it to the latest book by her favorite author. It felt good to be in a place where no one judged her and had no expectations that she needed to be perfect. There was eye candy for her to look at and drinks to be had. Maybe today will end on a high note after all.

Chapter 2

Anders watched the clock as time seemed to pass by slowly. It had been like this ever since Harper walked into his life. Watching for her. Waiting for her. Anticipating the moment when she would walk through the door. After that first night, he could not get enough of her. That first night, she sat in the corner of his bar for over two hours. Silently reading on that electronic device. People-watching. Slowly eating her dinner.

Ever since then, she came back often, and he waited for her each time. It became their routine. He knew what she liked to eat, drink, and would make sure the seat at the bar was open and available for her—just in case she came in that night. It got so bad, he planned his nights based on seeing her.

He knew it was probably unhealthy, like the desserts he loved so much. He could eat a dozen cupcakes in one sitting, especially those caramel apple cupcakes his mother made for him ever since he was a little boy. Maybe that’s what she reminded him of. Something sweet, savory, and addictive.

Every time she looked at him, he wanted to capture her lips with his. Whenever she walked into his place, things seemed to get a little brighter. His staff loved her as well. She was kind to everyone. Well, she would occasionally get sassy with him, but he enjoyed their banter. It didn’t hurt that she was drop-dead gorgeous. He did not have a standard type of woman he was attracted to, but when he looked back on his past relationships, the women looked nothing like Harper.

To him, that was a good thing.

He didn’t think her intention was to drive him crazy, but she did. That walk of hers got his dick hard every time. The movement of her hips called out to him. She exuded confidence with every step. Harper had a beautiful body that he onlyglimpsed based on her clothing. Whenever she wore jeans, they caressed her ass so beautifully. It almost made him want to cry. He would squeeze his cock and tell it to calm down. They didn’t have that type of relationship. Not yet. He was working on it, but it was taking some time.

Harper didn’t appear to be the type of woman who would do one-night stands, so he had to make sure she knew he wanted more than that. Just once with her would not be enough. That he knew.

Glancing up, he looked over at the spot reserved for her and noticed it was still empty. “Where is she?” he mumbled under his breath.

“Say something boss?” Carrie, one of his longest employees, asked. Her eyebrow was raised as she looked at the empty spot by the bar. “Waiting on someone?”

Anders shook his head. “None of your business,” he said. His tone was grumpy, but he wasn’t upset. His staff had also become used to Harper being in their space. When she arrived, most of his attention would be on her, so they had to pick up the slack with the other customers.

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