Page 14 of Icing on Top
“I’ll answer all of your questions at the ribbon cutting,” he told the reporters calmly as he guided me through the crowd and up the steps. “First, I’ll tour the facilities with my companion, NovaLane.” The reporters hadn’t paid me any attention, but I blushed as their interest shifted to me.
“Was that necessary?” I hissed as we made it past the barrier and out of the crowd of reporters.
“No,” he replied, “but I wanted them to know who the beauty on my arm is and who she belongs to. I don’t want anyone to get any ideas about whisking you away from me.” I shook my head as a woman in her late forties exited the church and beamed at Lincoln.
“Mr. West, I’m so happy to have you with us today. I never thought we’d get here, and I can’t wait to show you the completed project,” she said as she shook his hand first and then mine.
“Nova, this is Gail Johnson, the program director here. Mrs. Johnson, this is Nova Lane. She owns Icing on Top, a successful cupcake shop in Sunflower Falls.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” I said.
“Pleasure is all mine. Welcome to Clair Farrow’s Youth Home.” I looked at Lincoln curiously.
“Clair Farrow was our foster mom,” he explained.
“It’s incredibly sweet that you named the place after her,” I replied.
“She deserves it,” he said, a mixture of pride and sorrow on his face. It was clear that he cared deeply for his former caretaker. We followed Gail inside, and she immediately launched into her tour of the facilities. I was impressed by how much they could fit into the building. The common areas were fully equipped, and everything was top-of-the-line. Two leisure rooms had overstuffed couches, bean bag chairs, and large-screen TVs. There was a library that doubled as a tutoring room with brand-new computers lining one wall. Each dorm room fit four children and had a private bathroom attached.
“We can comfortably fit fifty-two full-time residents,” Gail said as she led us through the cozy-looking dining hall to the kitchen. “We have additional room for up to six more children for emergencies. Those tend to be temporary placements until the child’s situation can be determined and permanent housing found for them.”
I whistled as I stepped into the kitchen. It was nicer than mine and had several stations scattered around the large room for what I assumed must be group classes.
“As you can see, Triple Tech spared no expense,” Gail said proudly. “Besides tutoring and academic assistance, we will also provide essential living courses, such as cooking classes, budgeting, and the importance of maintaining good credit. We want our kids to be able to thrive once they leave us. They’re already starting at a disadvantage, according to society. We also want to ensure they don’t dig themselves into a hole.”
“If you have room on the calendar, I’d love to come in and host baking classes,” I offered. I glanced at Lincoln nervously, hoping I wasn’t crossing a line, but I shouldn’t have worried. He was giving me a brilliant smile.
“I love that idea,” he said.
“So do I!” Gail replied. We immediately began discussing the details, and I felt my heart warm at the idea of being a part of this beautiful place.
Carpe Diem
Lincoln
Ilistened as Nova and Gail talked excitedly about baking classes for the kids.
“You could even bring the kids to visit Icing to see how the shop runs. Or we could have a baking contest for them. Oh!” Nova exclaims, her eyes lighting up. “What if we have a Christmas festival in town for the kids? That would be so much fun. We haven’t had one in years, but I bet I could get local businesses to chip in and help.”
“That would be amazing,” Gail replied, equally excited. “I know the kids would enjoy something like that.”
I was amused by Nova’s excitement and sudden grand plans to do something nice for the kids. I was also turned on as hell by her passion. The orphanage was an important cause for me and my brothers. Seeing her excited about it and wanting to give back made me harder than a rock. Fuck it, I decided as I strode over to her with large purposeful steps. I’m the CEO, and I do what I want.
I swept her into my arms and sealed my lips over hers mid-sentence, swallowing whatever she was about to say. She melted into my arms with a breathy moan that had me deepening the kiss as I pulled her body tighter against mine. I ground my erection into her stomach, and when I felt her body move against mine in response, I growled into her mouth as my hands dropped to her ass to lift her so that she could wrap herself around me. I’d find the nearest wall and fuck her against it.
Gail clearing her throat behind us is what made me pause and remember where we were. I broke the kiss, pressing my forehead against hers as we caught our breath. I squeezed her ass, painfully aware that all that separated my hands from her bare skin was the fabric of her dress. I could barely resist pulling it up to sink my hands between her legs to feel the heat of her core on my fingers. I knew I would find her wet and ready for me, and I wouldn’t be able to stop myself from dragging her into the first private space I could find and having my way with her if I did.
Instead, I lifted my hands to her hips and pulled her against me again before stepping back. I wasn’t sure if Nova was flushed from embarrassment or being turned on. Likely, it was a bit of both. Regardless, she looked stunning. I didn’t remember touching her hair, but some of it had fallen from that damn clip she had holding it up. I liked seeing her mussed and craved seeing her like this more often. I hadn’t immediately stolen her hair clip because I could tell she had put time into doing her hair up, and I knew with cameras being here, she would want to look her best. Before I dropped her off later, that clip would be mine.
I wondered if I could sneak into her bathroom and steal all her hair ties and clips the next time I was over. Concentrating on that went a long way toward helping my hard-on go down. Even so, I couldn’t resist teasing us both a little more. I leaned down so that my lips brushed her ear. “If we didn’t have an audienceand obligations, I’d be taking you up against the wall right now, Sugar.” Her breath hitched, making me smile. “When I get you alone, you’re mine.”
Linking my fingers through hers, I turned to face Gail, who was watching us with amusement. I gave her a big Cheshire Cat grin, refusing to feel embarrassed or ashamed at our public display. I wanted Nova, and I didn’t give a fuck who knew it.
“Why don’t we get to the ribbon cutting?” I suggested.
“I’ll let them know you’re ready,” Gail replied. “Nova, we can talk more during the week about the festival and scheduling classes. I look forward to working with you.”
“So do I,” Nova replied, regaining her composure. I couldn’t have that. I wanted her on edge as I was, so while we waited inside the doors for everything to get set up outside, I bent behind her as if I were tying my laces, even though I didn’t have any. We were alone, so I trailed my hand up her inner leg and beneath her dress when I stood. She tensed when she felt my hand, and I kissed the back of her neck as my fingers brushed against her wet panties, teasing her lightly.
