Page 28 of Love Grows

“You’re going to need a raise if you continue schmoozing the customers like that.”

He grinned. “I’m emulating my mighty leader.”

I laughed. “Just to forewarn you. I’m holding at bay a very interested Pip who can’t wait to Tarot you.”

He squinted. “Is it my turn?”

“Nope. But apparently you and Kadee having coffee last week has piqued her interest and she is desperate to see what the cards say.”

“Oh, geez. Okay. I’ll drop by this afternoon, otherwise she’ll bug me to death.”

“Can I ask a personal question?”

“Sure.” He leaned against the counter.

“How’s it going with Kadee?” I’d gone into mum-mode. Not just for Kadee, but for Lucas. They were my kids, like all the Bonsai Brainiacs, and my interest in this budding relationship was rather parental.

He pursed his lips, then folded his arms. “It’s nice. I like her a lot. I know that she’s one of yours and I’m—we’re taking it slow. Lots of conversation and coffee. And cake.” He grinned, then sobered. “I’ll take care of her heart, no matter where things go, Angel.”

“I know.” I patted his bicep. “Take care of yours, too.”

* * *

Speakingof taking care of hearts, Steph turned the heat up a notch a bit later in the week.

“Are you interested in dinner at my place?” Steph’s mouth quirked up into a soft smile.

I leaned over my hands that were splayed on the potting table. “Hmm. Let’s see. A hot woman who keeps kissing me wants to have dinner with me at her house.” I hummed and looked at the roof. “Ooh. I’m not?—”

Steph took a step towards the table, caught up her shoulder-length blonde hair in her fingertips, and smoothed it behind her ears, then leaned over her hands as well so our faces were brought closer.

“I can guarantee excellent food. I make a great paella.”

I brought my gaze back and looked into her eyes. “Will there be dessert?”

“Depends on what type of dessert you like.”

Our gaze never wavered. “I don’t think I’m ready for that type of dessert yet,” I whispered.

Steph brought her lips to brush against mine. “Just as well I’m not ready either.”

Our lips touched again, then we pushed and softly pulled in the timeless actions of a toe-curling kiss. Then she slipped her tongue into my mouth and I nearly levitated through the roof.

I pulled away, breathing quickly.

“Dinner sounds great. I’ll bring dessert.” I ran my finger over the knuckles in her hand. “The edible kind.” Then I jerked my hand away. “Oh! The, you know, the bought-from-the-store edible kind.”

I must have blushed a decent shade of crimson, because Steph laughed softly then kissed me again. “I am enjoying you. I’ll cook. You bring dessert.” Then she picked up my hand and drew circles in my palm. “How about tomorrow night at seven? You know where I live. Buzz for apartment eight.”

The hand-holding, finger-spirals, whisper-murmuring, and eye-contact were sending goosebumps rippling across my skin. Steph spotted the hairs standing to attention on my arm. She narrowed her eyes and grinned, then she leaned past my face to whisper in my ear. “You’re not the only one with reactions like that, Angel Whitlock.”

Gah. What was it about a woman saying my full name that reduced me to a liquified mess? So damn sexy.

Steph left, after another soft kiss, and I stared at the table not really looking at anything at all. I wondered when I’d be ready for the fancy dessert. Maybe soon. Steph was incredibly desirable, incredibly sexy, and it wasn’t as if I was a lost cause in the bedroom. In fact, I regarded myself quite skilled. But this thing with Steph felt like it needed tending with soft movements. I had no idea why.

Meanwhile, I needed to think of a dessert and a gift. A gift that said, “Hi. Thanks for the invitation. I like you. This is all very fast but I like the speed. Please put your lips on my lips and maybe other bits. You’re so ridiculously attractive. Dinner was awesome.”

I wondered what type of gift said all that.

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