Page 26 of Always the Baker

“More,” she requested softly.

With a smile, I connected my lips with hers again. My hand found its way to her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips. As I deepened the kiss, she pulled me closer. The warmth of the kiss combined with the coolness of the ice cream was fucking magnificent.

When we finally broke apart, both slightly breathless, I couldn’t help but grin.

“Wow,” I muttered.

“Yeah. Wow is right.”

I pushed her braids off her shoulders since it was clear she preferred it that way, marveling at how natural this felt. How right.

“I think I’m falling for you, sweetheart.”

For a split second, I saw panic flash across her face. She quickly covered it with a smile, but I caught the way her shoulders tensed.

“Brax, I…” She started, then stopped, biting her lip.

I waited as my heart raced. Had I said too much, too soon?

Billie took a deep breath.

“I really like you too. I just… I don’t want this to ever end.” Her eyes watered as she looked away. A low hum escaped her as she nibbled her bottom lip.

“Talk to me.”

Billie took my hand into hers. She gave it a quick kiss. “I stopped baking cakes for a while because… I was tired of baking for brides and never being one.” Her chuckle was quiet and strangled as she avoided my eyes. “I’d lost hope that love would ever find me. Then I met you.” Finally, she looked at me. “And I know we just met but… you gave me hope again, Brax. Even if we never see each other again after today, I want you to know how much I appreciate this time with you.”

Pulling her into my side, we stared out into the distance. It was risky getting this comfortable. We’d already messed uphaving ice cream before dinner, but I was confident we’d still make it to dinner on time. I wanted to take full advantage of every moment I had with this woman. I wasn’t sure why she mentioned never seeing me again, because little did she know, her ass wasn’t going to be able to get rid of me.

8

Billie

I steppedout of my hotel, racing to get to the cafe I’d agreed to meet Brax at. We’d gone our separate ways last night, but even the hours we spent apart to sleep seemed to be too many. For both of us. He’d woken me up with a text message. I’d raced through a shower and dressed in something quick and casual.

I spotted the cafe and all but wrenched the door open as I stepped inside. How the hell was I going to leave this man? I was supposed to be gone last night, yet here I was, meeting him like I actually lived here.

Brax spotted me right away and called out to me from the counter. “Morning, sunshine. Coffee?”

“God, yes.” I groaned, reaching for the mug he held out. Our fingers brushed, and I felt that now familiar spark. How was it possible that after just a few days, this felt so normal?

Brax leaned against the counter with his tattooed arms crossed over his chest. “So, I was thinking we could do something different today. How do you feel about boats?”

I took a sip of coffee, buying time.

“Boats are… fine?” I hoped my voice didn’t betray my nerves. Truth was, I’d never been on anything bigger than a rowboat on the river back home.

“Great!” Brax clapped his hands together once. I loved how excited he would get. I loved that he never hid his emotions. “Boat ride it is. We’ll need to be careful, though. I don’t want us seen and have the paparazzi following us, ruining our day.”

I agreed. An hour later, we were weaving through the crowd at the bay. Brax had on a snapback pulled low over his forehead and dark sunglasses. I couldn’t help but giggle at the sight.

“What’s so funny?” he asked.

“Nothing.” I bit my lip to keep from laughing again. “You just look like a celebrity trying not to look like a celebrity.”

Brax grinned. “That’s the idea, sweetheart. Now, come on. Our chariot awaits.”

Boat may have been an understatement. This was a freaking yacht. As we boarded, I felt a flutter of excitement in my stomach. This was so far from my normal life; it was like I’d stepped into someone else’s shoes. Brax guided me to a spot near the railing. His hand was warm on the small of my back.

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