Page 14 of The Duke's Brother

He nodded. “Sure, of course. We can talk about it. But now, I just want to relax.” His wide smile warmed her heart. When Tripp smiled, the world joined him.

“You’re on.”

He opened a set of double doors and she sucked in her breath. “This is beautiful!”

“Thank you. Not quite the hotel but…”

“So much better than the hotel.” She paused. Dared she continue? She took in his profile and decided. “The company is especially better.”

His eyes flicked to hers. “Glad to hear it.” He stood taller and she could have sworn all his muscles expanded.

She bit her cheek so she wouldn’t laugh at his rooster like posturing.

“Jorge Guntheim might be on the German ski team but he’s got nothing on my….” He paused and frowned. “Well, he’s got nothing.” Then he grinned again and Jenneca thought her heart might stop at how handsome he looked.

The Valdez hot tubs were more like pools of water, like a row of natural hot springs. They were flat against the pool deck and steaming with a delicious heat. She removed her cover and placed it and her towel on her chair.

Tripp had gone quiet, and she felt his gaze, but she didn’t know what to do about it. At last she braved a glance in his direction.

He held a hand out to her. She stepped to him. His naked chest inches from her, her breath coming short, she looked up into his face. His eyes were intense. He ran a finger along her collar bone and down her shoulder. She shivered under his touch. “You are a beautiful woman.”

She swallowed.

“But I knew that the first moment I saw you behind the counter in your bakery. I am attracted to that woman, and this one, and the one who would rescue me on the slopes and the one who can do a flip off a snow bank…and, well all of the ones I haven’t discovered yet.”

She held up her hand. “Alright. As much as I enjoy hearing you say all these things, now I’m embarrassed.”

“So she’s humble as well.” He eyed her with a new sense of praise and she had to turn from him.

“Ok, let’s get in that water. My body is still sore from our week.”

He held her hand and they stepped down together into the closest pool. The water swirled around her in a softness that caressed her skin. “Oh, it’s lovely, are these salt water pools?”

“They are, and mineral, our own blend. They’re actually good for your skin.”

She sunk in and let the water lap up against her chin. The jets turned on, and she almost groaned in happiness. “I could get used to this.”

Tripp was quiet again so she opened her eyes. “I could too.” He sat, near enough but not touching. He shifted so that his face was closer, his lips almost near enough to kiss. “I could definitely treasure Jenneca Faluna here in my home. Every. Day.” His eyes spoke their sincerity, so she believed him.

“Well, I don’t think the store will be fixed tomorrow so we have some time.” She tried to lighten the intensity. He seemed sincere. She didn’t know what to do with his sudden intensity.

“We will get the bakery up and running as soon as we can. And make the most of our time here too.” He leaned his head back and lifted his toes out of the water. “So, tell me about your store. Why are you worried about it?” He lifted his chin. “I mean, before a tree fell through your roof.”

The heat of the water, the relaxing jets, barreling into her sore and tired muscles, the kindness and interest of the man at her side. She felt like talking.

“We are struggling financially.”

“What? Stefano’s? Impossible.”

She laughed. “It’s true. My brothers have no interest in the place and it’s been up to my mom these last few years. She refuses to franchise…”

“Ah. I can see how that would make things difficult. You are somewhat isolated here in our village.” He sat up, “But you are a historic landmark of our country. You’ve been around almost as long as the crown itself. Torren wouldn’t be Torren without Stefano’s.”

She grinned. “I appreciate your love of tradition. I’m passionate about it myself. That’s why I came back…”

He sat back in the water and reached for her hand. His fingertips brushed across her thighs, sending zings of electricity through her. “You left training with the team to help your mom.”

She nodded, then realized his eyes were closed so she spoke aloud even though there was a growing lump in her throat. “I did. But I have to go back. Coach said I’d lose my place on the team if I don’t fit in more training hours.” She swallowed, suddenly the lump in her throat grew sharp. “And now that the store is damaged…”

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