Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 33261 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33261 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 166(@200wpm)___ 133(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Taking a seat, she watched as Penelope came in, and Amy noticed the orders were for some cakes. Daniel expertly cut the cakes, serving up ice cream, custard, or cream with each order. Amy found herself relaxing, because she knew her job was in very capable hands. The man before her knew what he was doing. Just like last night, when he was helping her get away from that tourist.
She finished her lunch, and then brushed off her apron and went to stand with him. “I think if I’m not careful, you’re going to push me out of a job.” She gave a little tut.
“I doubt you will ever allow that to happen.”
The rest of the day went by without any trouble. The last of the customers left, and it was slow for a Saturday. Daniel had stayed with her, and now as she glanced at the time, she saw it was a little after eight.
“Aren’t you late opening the bar?”
“August has it handled.”
“Right, August, of course. Well, in that case, to thank you for helping me today, I think it’s only fair that I cook you some dinner.” She glanced around the kitchen, which she had already cleaned. “At my place.” She felt her cheeks heating, but she hoped they weren’t showing, that somehow she was not blushing at the thought of inviting Daniel to her place.
“You know what? I’d love that.”
Her heart raced just a little. She had never invited anyone to her place. “It’s not too far from here.” She nibbled her lip.
“No problem.”
They walked out of her café, and she closed and locked the door. It seemed so odd to be walking side by side with Daniel. Martha had been the first to leave a couple of hours ago. She had gotten too tired, and called it a day. Penelope had left with that look of excitement that suggested she was going to have some fun.
Amy had done this walk so many times over the years. When she was a kid, and nearly every single day as an adult. Only, this was different. As a kid, she’d walk with her grandparents or her parents, then as a teenager with Penelope, and now as an adult, she often walked alone.
This was the first time she had walked with Daniel, with a man, and she couldn’t help but admit it felt really nice.
****
Daniel glanced around the streets as they walked up to Amy’s home, which he knew was her parents’ previous house. He knew she had rented her grandparents’ place, as she’d been too attached to sell it. He understood that. They were part of her family, and she wanted to hold onto them as long as possible.
They walked down the small driveway, which didn’t have a car. Amy was often found walking everywhere, and only ever drove the café’s van when she needed to. Most of her produce was sent to her.
He watched as she slid her key into the lock, and she stepped across the threshold. “You’re not a vampire, are you?” she asked.
Daniel laughed and leaned against the doorframe. “I guess the real question is, do you want me to be?”
She burst out laughing as he stepped over the threshold. “I’m sorry, that was so funny.”
He loved her laugh. It wasn’t fake nor did she hold back. It was a full stomach laugh. “I don’t even know why I find that so funny.”
“Was it because I dressed up as a vampire for Halloween last year?”
Amy stopped laughing and then sighed. “I had completely forgotten about that.”
“Martha told me I was too tan to be a vampire, not that she was complaining.”
“I bet. When the sun is out, and the beach is clear, that’s where you will find Martha. You might have a secret admirer.” She raised her brows a little higher as he took a step toward her.
She licked her lips and he couldn’t help but wonder if they were dry. Her mouth was tempting.
He closed the door, and now they were finally alone together. Daniel had never crossed this boundary, and he knew Amy didn’t get close to anyone.
“Dinner,” she said, but made no move to leave.
He stared at her, then he reached up and cupped her cheek, tilting her head back.
“Daniel?”
“I want to kiss you,” he said.
She didn’t say anything, but he knew Amy. He knew there was a chance of rejection here, but he couldn’t resist, so he moved in slowly, waiting for her to put a brake on it. Amy didn’t move. She didn’t make a sound.
And then, she ran her hands up his body, touching his chest, and circling his neck. That was a sign for him to go, and he slammed his lips down on hers, kissing her hard. Amy moaned, melting against him, and he ran his hands down her ass, gripping the fullness as he pulled her in close. He didn’t want to let her go, and at the first touch of those lips, he knew he was addicted and didn’t want to stop kissing her.