Seducing the Baker (At First Sight) Read Online Free PDF Page B

briefcase. He went to her door in time to keep her from falling.
    He held her close, inhaled her scent and the crisp smoke-tinged aromas of the night. “You smell like the bakery and good enough to eat.”
    She laughed. “You’ve turned cannibal?”
    “Just a man who believes you’re beautiful.”
    They walked to the door. She pulled keys from her pocket.
    The temptation to grab her and ravish her mouth nearly caused him to blow his plan. He felt like the teenager he’d been, wanting more than a kiss from Grace. At the door he tilted her chin intending just a taste. He teased the seam of her mouth with his tongue.
    Like melting snow she leaned against him. He resented the clothes preventing him from reading her physical reaction. He wanted to experience the heady experience without the bulk of cloth. He dropped the briefcase and tugged her closer. As his tongue thrust and retreated he slid his hand to her rear.
    He paused to take a breath. “I sure wish I hadn’t been a hormone hungry teen.”
    “Jules, I…”
    He gazed into her eyes but the dim light hid her reaction. “Do you bake chocolate mocha cupcakes? I would order a dozen since they would remind me of you.”
    Her posture changed. She turned toward the house. Jules groaned. Why had he asked that question?
    “I don’t but that’s a great suggestion. Can’t wait to create the recipe. Maybe with a fudge icing.”
    Jules tugged her back. “Does the suggestion deserve another kiss?”
    A smile curved her full lips. “Just might.” She touched his mouth.
    With one hand he cupped her head. The other pressed her ass. Though the night air was frigid lava flowed through his veins. When their lips parted he grinned. Her fingers striped the dimple in his cheek.
    “Shall we continue this inside?”
    She shook her head. “Not a good idea.”
    Jules changed gears. “We can talk about the contract and get that out of the way. I think you have the wrong idea about the terms. You don’t have to sign tonight but I’d like to explain matters so you can run the contract past Tony.”
    “I could do that.”
    “Here’s a teaser. The feature won’t be scheduled until next November or December.”
    She turned the key in the lock. “That far away. I thought she meant next month.”
    “Magazines work months ahead of the issue.” He felt sure he could convince Allie to wait that long. She had thought of the summer months but she should be willing to wait. The holiday cupcakes were the ones she’d tasted.
    When Grace opened the door he grabbed his brief cast and knocked off the snow. After closing the door he removed his coat. He brushed a kiss on her forehead. Step two accomplished. With caution and charm he could ace the remaining steps of his plan.
     
    * * *
     
    As soon as the door closed Grace felt antsy. Why had she agreed to talk to him? She knew he wouldn’t harm her but he had the potential to upend her plans. Her usual Friday evening routine was to veg on the couch watching cooking shows until she felt tired enough to climb the stairs to the bed or sleep until she woke to an informational.
    What’s wrong with you? He’s hot. She made enough money to support herself, one of her rules. There was no denying the attraction. How could she give into temptation just one time? She knew the answer. She wouldn’t be satisfied with one night and she doubted Jules could give more. He hadn’t been a one woman man as a teenager. She doubted he had changed.
    Tonight’s kisses had raised a dormant desire she had carried since her teenage years. He’d take charge but he hadn’t forced her. Her response had been to memories and to a dream she must cast aside. She hung her coat on a hook inside the laundry area,
    Jules draped his coat on a dining room chair. He set his briefcase on the table.
    “I’m having hot chocolate.” She said. “Would you like some?”
    “Have anything stronger?”
    “Tea or coffee. I don’t drink alcohol.”
    “Hot chocolate,