Page 4 of Merry With A Milkman

Her bright blue eyes focus on me again and my heart pounds. I wait for her words. “So, your name and business?”

“Rhone Landon.” Thank god my voice comes out normal. “No business name yet, but I create artisanal cheeses.”

Her eyebrows draw together. “Landon? We get organic specialty milks from Steve Landon.”

“My brother. His milks are the base for my cheeses as well.”

“Then I’m sure they’re delicious. I can’t wait to try some.”

She moves on to the woman seated beside me and I force myself to pay attention to the introductions. There’s an interesting variety of plans that should be successful in a tourist town. Once we’ve gone around the table, I blow out a relieved breath. None of these businesses should be any competition.

The next hour flies by as Tegan shares an overview of the massive amount of information needed to successfully open a viable business. I’d believed I’d done my due diligence but now I see obvious gaps in my preparations.

She closes the meeting with an invitation to continue our journeys with her help. A couple who appear overwhelmed by the scope of work needed decide to reconsider their options. The guy who showed more interest in Tegan than in the meeting simply shook his head and after a long, assessing look Tegan thankfully didn’t notice, left the bar.

Saved me the trouble ofencouraginghim to leave Tegan alone. He’ll remain on my radar though.

When I can no longer delay my own departure, I tuck the folder of paperwork into my folio and rise.

Turning from her conversation with the woman I learned owns the bar, Tegan stops me. “Rhone?”

Shit. The way she says my name, holding the ‘n’ a fraction longer than most people, shoots lust right to my dick. Holding my folio low hides my reaction and I clear my throat. “Yes?”

She drops her gaze and twists her fingers together, a reaction at odds with the confident woman who led the meeting. She takes a deep breath and looks at me. “Did tonight help? Will you be at the next meeting?”

Holding her gaze, I nod. “Huge help. I had no clue how much I still need to do. Your expertise is priceless.” I stop before I say something personal and inappropriate.

“Well, good. I’m glad. See you next week then.” Her lush lips open and close as though she stops herself from saying more. “Umm, if you have any questions, my number’s in the folder. Please don’t hesitate…”

Pink tints her cheeks. I stop myself from leaning closer. “I won’t.” My tone is low and intimate and her eyes focus on my mouth. I need to leave before I do something stupid—like wrap her in my arms and take my time kissing her senseless.

“Until next week,” I say and force myself to turn away. I sense her gaze on my back and straighten my shoulders as I leave the deck through the outside entrance.

Back in my car, I huff out a huge breath. It’s going to be difficult maintaining a professional relationship with Tegan but her knowledge is invaluable. Glancing down at my half hard cock, I shake my head. There’s a damn good chance I’m going to find myself in deep shit here.

The jarring ring of my phone startles me and I fumble pulling it from my pocket. I roll my eyes at the caller ID as I connect the call. My brother.

“Steve, what’s up?”

“I need you to make deliveries for the next couple weeks or so.”

“What happened to Walt? Thought he was back from vacation tomorrow.”

“Had an accident and wrecked his shoulder. Should be fine with rest, but no lifting. Since you’re not doing anything pressing or important, I’ll expect you here early for tomorrow’s deliveries. And for the couple weeks Walt will be off.”

Pressing my lips together I refrain from lashing out at Steve’s imperious command. My interests, my life have never beenimportant to him. I’m good for what I can do to help him and not much else. I wonder how he survived while I was overseas.

No use fighting with him when I can easily find the time to make deliveries. “Sure. I’ll be out early. See you in the morning.”

Without acknowledgement he disconnects and I toss my phone to the passenger seat. I love my brother because he is my brother. But if there wasn’t any familial connection, sometimes I doubt we’d even be friends.

A sudden thought makes me grin. Delivery locations include the chocolate shop. If I make that my last stop, I can linger and get to know Tegan outside of her professional mentor persona. Show her what my heart already knows. She’s mine.

three

Tegan

The morning after the first successful small business meeting I’m still flying high. Being able to help others brings me joy and fulfillment. To release that overflowing happiness I dance around the store in preparation for opening. Noah just stares at me, shakes his head, and returns to the chocolate room. Once our part time sales person arrives, I leave the store in her capable hands and head to my section of the candy kitchen behind the glass wall.

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