Page 63 of Tangled with the Tight End

“I am nice.” I twirl my finger in one of the curls that escaped her ponytail. “I didn’t punch him for asking my girl to marry him. I consider that amazing restraint on my part.”

She laughs and rests her head on my chest. “I agree. Your restraint is impressive.”

I envelop her in my arms and inhale her musky scent mixed with sugar, butter, and flour. How long is it to closing time?

As if she senses my train of thought, she wraps her arms around my waist and bites her lips together. I sense the moan that threatens to escape her lips and nearly shudder. But instead, I return my attention to Sawyer. “I expect you to never ask her that question again.”

“I have no intentions of doing so. It was more in jest than anything else.”

“In jest or not.” My jaw tightens. “Don’t do it again.” The jealousy flowing through me is a new emotion. I don’t know what to do with it.

“I understand.”

Norah pulls back and places a hand on my cheek. “You don’t have to be jealous.”

“I’m n–” I cut off my own words, groan, and seal her lips with mine. I might as well eat my own words before they come out. I don’t want another man touching her, kissing her, asking her to be their wife. Not when she’s mine. Mine.

Fuck it. “I’m not jealous. I’m possessive. It’s way more than jealous.” I stroke her back, but I’m careful to keep things light since we’re in her business. Even though it takes every ounce of restraint to control my instinct to take her against the counter.

“Well….” Sawyer coughs and clears his throat. What was he thinking asking her to marry him before I got the chance to?

Marriage? I’m going to ask her to marry me. There’s no question in my mind whether it’s the right thing to do or not.

I step back, putting space between us, and turn to speak to Sawyer. He’s gone, but my grandmother beams like a Cheshire cat. “What time do you get off?”

“Maddie can handle the shop today. Why? Did you want me to take you and Gino somewhere?”

“No.” I grit my teeth to contain my appetite for her. I can control myself. I’m not a brute. “No, I’m taking you back to your place and making love to you unless you have an objection?”

She shivers. “What about Gino?”

“My mother so wonderfully sent me a gift.” I cup her face and drown in her eyes. “She sent her mother to watch Gino so we can have some alone time to get to know each other better.”

She slips her arms around my neck and slightly arches into me as the remaining guests return to their meals. “I have some places I’d love for you to get to know me better.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes.” She almost purrs, and my cock twitches.

“Grandma Lilliana?” I don’t bother looking behind me as I clasp Norah’s hand and drag her toward the kitchen. “Marco is dropping Gino off at 5.”

“I’ve got him.” Her cheerful voice follows us. “Just focus on having a good time, and we’ll talk about your plans later.”

“Grab some cupcakes.”

She blinks and wrinkles her nose. “Are you hungry?”

“Famished.”

thirty-three

NORAH

The scentof cupcakes in my car as I drive to my house hits differently today. The feral heat in his eyes when he demanded I bring some and said he was famished nearly brought me to my knees.

Once I’m parked in the driveway, I retrieve the box of baked goods and wait for him to pull in behind me.

The door bangs shut as he stalks toward me, and my toes curl. “Kitchen. Now.”

---