Page 10 of Hers to Hold
Her boss’s suggestion to exploit her connection with Wes unsettled her more than carrying a load of Kat’s best sweets.What connection? So he tackled me in the bakery. I was in front of him. It meant nothing.Now she had to generate a relationship out of thin air.I’m not even attracted to him.
She blinked, her mind conjuring large arms that held her tightly against his firm chest. Warm, golden-brown eyes and an easy smile. She remembered her tongue having trouble forming words.
And then he tackled her.
At least she knew he was the take-charge type in a dangerous situation. No running away and leaving her to fend for herself. He’d protect her with his own body.
Kady shivered as pleasure shot from her heart south. She was raised by a strong woman who taught her the value of independence. She didn’t have a man and she’d do just fine without one too. Yet, in all her life, Kady never met a man willing to die for her.
“Excuse me, miss?”
Kady’s head swiveled around at the voice. She saw a man standing off in the distance staring at her. “What?”
“Are you okay, miss?”
How long had she been standing there daydreaming about Wes?Long enough to look confused.“Yes, um…” She cleared her throat and walked forward. “I’m fine, thanks.”
“Can I help you?”
“Yes, that would be great. I’m looking for Wes—”
“Ah, Wesley! Sure thing.” The man eyed the boxes. “Tell me that’s for us. From Kat’s bakery?” He rubbed his hands together.
Kady playfully turned her body to put distance between him and the boxes. “I have to deliver these personally.”
The man chuckled. “Of course you do. Can I just take a peek?” Kady smiled and shook her head. The man shrugged. “Well, I tried. Follow me to the manager’s office. What is he paying you for this delivery?”
Nothing…yet.“This is complimentary. We messed up his order the other day.”
His brows came together. “That’s unusual.”
“Well…I messed up his order. I’m new.”
He cast her a gentle smile. “Don’t worry about it. Kat is one of the sweetest women on the earth. And you’re still employed. I’m sure she’s forgotten all about it. You’ve got one of the best bosses you’ll ever work for, I guarantee it. And I’ve got the other in her husband, Drew. They’re good people.”
Kady smiled politely and kept silent. Kat and her husband were good people? Kady wasn’t sure how to feel about that. From her vantage point, Kat’s father chose to stay with her whereas Kady was unloved. Could Kat really learn to be good from a man who abandoned his responsibilities? She was a phenomenal baker, okay, but a good person? She hadn’t met either of the Callaghans.
They ascended a few steps to a nondescript gray trailer with the Callaghan construction logo on the side.
“Hey there, Wes! You’ve got some goodies here.”
Kady stepped inside the trailer and caught the rising gaze of Wes. He was leaning over a large table, his hands atop a sheet that nearly covered the width and length of the table. His mouth opened slightly and then he snapped it shut. Kady could’ve sworn she saw approval spark in his eyes, but his face swiftly became impassive.
“Thanks, Mike,” Wes said, his eyes still latched to Kady’s.
“Save one for me please? Any of them will do.”
Wes arched a brow, breaking his connection with Kady and finding the boxes in her hands. Kady lifted them. “Replacements for the ones I destroyed the other day.”
A hint of a smile vanished too quickly. Wes stood to full height, leaving little room between the top of his head and the ceiling. “That wasn’t necessary.”
“We don’t want to lose your business.”
Wes grinned fully and brought his gaze back to her eyes. “There’s no chance of that,” he said softly.
Electricity hummed between them as strong as it had when he had covered her with his body, shielding her from the non-existent threat. Warmth surrounded Kady like he was still holding her even while across the room.
Mike cleared his throat. “Lemme just take these from you.” He took the boxes from her hands and placed them on a nearby counter. “I’ll just go ahead and grab one…”
