Fudgeballs And Other Sweets (14 page)

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Authors: Lori Copeland

BOOK: Fudgeballs And Other Sweets
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“Here you go,” Jenny said, setting the aspirin in front of him.
He stared at the bottle, the words on the label blurring in front of his eyes. Jenny pulled him from his morbid thoughts when she set a glass of water and a cup of coffee in front of him. “Thanks,” he muttered, tossing two tablets into his mouth.
She listened quietly as he complained about life in general, his gaze slipping to the gap in the front of her thin robe and the outline of her nipples that showed through the filmy fabric.
“Dave?” Jenny shook her head. “You haven't heard a word I've said.”
“You said you wanted to tuck me in your bed and make me feel better, didn't you?” He smiled when she blushed and averted her gaze.
“You're pretty frisky for a man with a headache.”
She met his gaze across the table, and her eyes told him she wasn't adverse to the idea. Reaching for his hand, she stood and walked toward the living room. “I never should have given you that coffee. You're much too awake for this time of the morning.”
He followed her down the hall of her quaint little cottage into the bedroom on the right. “Pink?” he asked, eyeing the very feminine decor.
“I'm a woman. We like pink.” She sat on the bed and patted the mattress beside her. “Come on, pink won't kill you.”
“You sure?” He sat, stretching tired muscles.
“Your aunt Mosie's lavender didn't, did it?” Her hands slipped to his shoulders. “Let me work the kinks out of your neck.” Eventually, she helped him pull off the green knit Polo and made him lie on his stomach.
“You're getting a little bossy.” He didn't have the strength to argue with her. Her soft hands felt like heaven, and the tenseness in his shoulders began to melt as she worked her magic.
Her hands kneaded sore muscles and worked on knots of stress that had formed since the phone call. He felt the softness of her lips touch the center of his back. Her tongue teased a trail to his belt line then up again. Did she know what she was doing to him? He groaned and tried to roll over.
“I'm not done with you yet,” she said.
“I certainly hope not.”
She kissed him lightly on the lips. “Talk about bossy...”
He rolled to his back and loosened the sash around her waist, then pushed the robe from her shoulders. The short opaque gown left little to the imagination, stirring the heat that already throbbed in his groin.
“Miss McNeill, what will people say?”
“Are you complaining, Mr. Kasada?”
“Hardly.” He opened his mouth as she lowered her lips to his. The sweet scent of her perfume was like an erotic elixir that seeped into his every pore. Her fingers threaded through the mat of hair on his chest, her kiss sheer pleasure.
She filled the void in his heart with feelings he never thought he'd have. It was love she gave, and he selfishly took all she offered. He wanted her, not just for the night, but to be his partner. A woman like her came along only once, and he was determined not to lose her.
His hands found the bottom of her gown and slipped inside, closing over her breasts. As she ended the kiss and sat up, he pulled the thin garment off her and feasted on her natural beauty. “What would I do without you?”
Her eyes softened in the light of the full moon that streamed through the open window, casting shadows over her nakedness. She was a sight to behold, and he memorized her every curve with his hands.
She pushed away without a word and knelt to pull off his shoes and socks, then his belt. He watched the spark of desire grow in her hazel eyes. He took a deep breath and held it while she licked her lips and smiled. She made quick work of his clothes then lay beside him.
Moonlight kissed her tan body as he rolled over and kissed her throat, working his way over her breasts to her stomach. The salty taste of her skin mixed with the scent of bath soap as he worked his way up to her lips.
There were no words to describe his need for her. His love went far beyond simple physical pleasure. She'd become a part of him, consuming his every thought, day and night. He wanted her with him always.
She moaned sweetly when he entered her warmth, and she wrapped her legs possessively around him. He wanted to tell her how precious she'd become to him, but he felt she knew. As he moved within her it was as if he could read her thoughts, feeling the sacred bond only lovers possessed.
This night was different than the first. She trusted him, and he returned that trust. Her shyness was gone, and she met his every thrust with one of her own. He was lost in emotions he could no longer control. She was his, of that he was sure.
Tonight belonged to them, to share and to love. And when he returned, he'd find a way to make every night belong to them. No more empty feelings and sleeping alone. He wanted her by his side, in his bed, for the rest of their lives.
10
“P
REGNANT?” Jake stared wide-eyed.
“Yes, you're going to be a papa.” Princess laid her head on Jake's shoulder and sighed. “That must be why I've had all these strange cravings lately.”
“Pregnant?” He sounded like a record stuck in the same groove.
She nudged his chin with her nose. “Isn't it wonderful, Monsieur?”
“Pregnant?”
“Quit babbling like an idiot.
Oui, oui,
you silly goose. Tiny babies. More than one.”
Jake strutted around her and scratched at the grass. “Are you sure?”
“Look at me!” She jumped to her hind feet and exposed her poochy belly.
Jake sat on his haunches. “Hey, hey! Don't be doin' that. You might strain something. Aren't mothers-to-be supposed to take it easy?”
She rubbed her face against his. “You old softy.”
“Just lie down here and rest. When's these kids supposed to pop out?”
“Any day now.”
“Holy Moly.” Jake swallowed hard. “A dad—I'm gonna be a dad any day now,” he repeated. “Hey, wait right there. I've got something for you.” He strutted to his side of the tree and trotted back with the bone he had hidden from her all these weeks. He dropped it at her feet.
She stared, then sniffed it. “Yuck! Where did you get that nasty old thing?”
“It's yours.”
“Monsieur! I have never owned anything so disgusting in my life!”
He rolled the bone over with his paw. “I got it from your side of the tree.”
She tossed her head haughtily. “It is
not
mine!”
“You mean I've been hiding that bone all this time and it ain't even yours?” He laid his head on his paws, sighing. “Women!”
 
“JENNY MCNEILL,” Dave said, a smile as broad as Texas stretched across his face, “I'd like you to meet Megan Kasada.”
Jenny stood in the open door of her cottage and stared at the little blond-headed, blue-eyed beauty standing next to Dave. His exuberance was contagious, and she found herself grinning. The smell of pepperoni seeped from the large pizza box he had in his hands.
“Come in, for heaven's sake.” She gestured for them to enter, took the box from Dave and sat it on a nearby table. “So nice to meet you, Megan. Your dad has told me lots of wonderful things about you.” She turned to Dave. “I'm glad you're back. I take it your trip was successful?” Her eyes searched his. Had the meeting gone as he expected? Was Nancy demanding full custody of Megan?
She didn't think his smile could get any broader, but it did.
“You're not going to believe this—”
Jake darted into the kitchen, fell to his belly and slid to a stop in front of the table holding the pizza. He leaped up, sniffing.
“No, no, Jake.” Megan patted the side of her leg for him to come. Jake wiggle-walked to her so hard he nearly fell over. “Look, Daddy, he remembers me!”
Dave squatted to pet the dog. “How's my buddy?” Jake answered with an affectionate lick on his cheek. He turned to smile at Jenny. “Thanks for watching him for me. Hope he wasn't any trouble.”
“Not much,” she conceded. She hated to admit it, but the dam dog was lovable.
Princess joined them and danced a circle on her hind feet, delighting Megan.
“Ooh, another puppy!” She held out her arms and Princess and Jake engaged in a licking contest.
Over giggles, yips and woofs, Dave herded Megan and the dogs toward the door. “Sweetie, why don't you go out and play with Princess and Jake while I talk to Jenny.”
“Okay, Daddy. Then can we eat our pizza?”
He glanced at Jenny. “I should have called to see if you were busy.”
Jenny smiled. “Never too busy to eat.”
Or to see you,
her heart added.
He hurried Megan along. “We'll eat in a few minutes, honey. Don't let the dogs tear up anything,” he warned.
When he turned, his gaze locked with Jenny's. “I missed you.” He reached for her hand.
His voice was soft, mesmerizing, his touch electrifying. Had he only been gone a few days? It had seemed like an eternity. She couldn't speak, couldn't tell him how much she missed him. Even if she could, what good would it do?
Finding her voice, she gently pulled away. “I've never seen you look happier. You weren't just spouting fatherly pride. Megan is beautiful.”
“I am happy, Jenny—and I wanted to share it with you. You've been on my mind every moment since I left—”
“The pizza's getting cold,” she interrupted, uncomfortable with the conversation. “Maybe we should call Megan inside. It looks like rain. I'll make some iced tea...” She faltered when she felt his hand touch her shoulder. When he pulled her to him, her body turned to mush and molded against his firm torso.
“Jenny,” he whispered against her hair, “I couldn't wait to get back and tell you the good news. You're the one I wanted to share it with.”
She buried her face in his shoulder, drawing close to his warmth. “I could use some good news.”
Lifting her face, he brushed her cheek with the back of his finger, then slid his hand around her neck and lowered his head to kiss her. Her first instinct was to pull away, but her body betrayed her good judgment. Her lips invited his all too eagerly.
“God, I missed you.”
His voice was low and breathy. She leaned into him and rested her cheek against his chest. She felt his steady heartbeat and even breathing. She had missed him, too.
“What's the good news?” she asked as she pulled away and moved toward the kitchen.
Dave picked up the pizza and followed her. “Nancy didn't want full custody of Megan. She wanted to reverse custody.”
Jenny glanced up. “Reverse? What's that mean?”
“She wants Megan certain holidays and summer vacations only. Otherwise, Megan gets to stay with me.”
“That's wonderful!”
“Isn't it? I can't believe it. I went to Chicago ready for battle. I had to read those damn papers her father drew up twice before it soaked in. I thought they were trying to pull another one over on me.”
Throwing caution to the wind, Jenny flung her arms around him and hugged him tight. “Oh. Dave, that's wonderful! I really am happy for you.”
“For once Nancy did something for the good of our child. She admitted her life-style would not be good for Megan, especially after school starts.”
“And she agreed to just visitation?”
He nodded. “I'd never deprive Megan of seeing her mother, so I had the papers amended to give her more than she asked for. With notice, she can see Megan whenever she wants.”
“How's Megan adjusting to the news?”
“That's what's so remarkable. This is what Megan has wanted all along. Oh, don't get me wrong. She loves her mother. She just doesn't like traveling. She misses our time together. I play—Nancy shops.”
Jenny laughed. “What is it they say? When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping.”
Dave slipped the pizza in the oven to warm. “I'd like you to help me get Megan settled in school. You've lived here and know the ropes. I don't even know who to see about getting her started.”
Ice cubes crackled when she poured tea in the glasses. “You go to the school and ask. They'll tell you what you have to do and the supplies you'll have to purchase.”
“Supplies?”
“Scissors, crayons, tablets. Dave, you're going to have to do this on your own.”
His brows raised.
“I have news, too.” She placed plates, napkins and forks on the table. “I'm leaving the island.”
Accepting a glass of tea, he gazed at her, his demeanor sobering. “No luck finding suitable space?”
She shook her head. “There's nothing.”
“There's got to be something. Let me see what I can do. I know how much you love it here.”
“Dave.” She felt her courage draining. “I hate to see my expansion plans go down the drain, but there's no place on the island for me to relocate.”
“I told you, if it's money—”
She held her hand up. “No. I won't accept charity.” The last thing she would do was take money from him.
He sat the glass down, then pulled the pizza out of the oven and set it on the counter. Their hands brushed. “You could make me a partner, a silent backer.”
That made her laugh. A partner? That wasn't what she wanted. She'd built Fudgeballs from scratch. She didn't need a partner. She wanted him for reasons entirely different. “Don't be silly. You didn't get where you are in the business world by doing charity work for misguided fudge makers.”
“You aren't misguided. Believing what Hank Linstrom told you wasn't your fault.” He put slices of pizza on plates. “I can move.”
His voice was so low, so casual, she didn't catch what he said. “What?”
“I said I'll move. You stay on the island.”
She shook her head. “I couldn't in clear conscience let you do that. You own the building. Your business is just as thriving as mine—”
“But you've lived here longer. This is your home.”
“You love it here, too. You've said as much. Now you have Megan, and this is a wonderful place to bring up a child. No pollution, no—”
“No you.”
“Dave.” She was afraid to look at him, afraid she might cry. “Don't make this any harder than it is.”
Megan burst into the room, squealing as Princess and Jake chased her. “Princess likes me, Jenny!”
Jenny put her arm around the child's shoulders and squeezed her close. “Who wouldn't?” Jenny felt a rush of warmth as Megan hugged her waist.
“You smell good,” the little girl said.
Jenny kissed the top of her head. “Come with me. I'll make you smell good, too.”
She took Megan into her bedroom and spritzed Chanel behind each of her ears. The girl beamed and held her hair off her neck.
“Here,” Jenny said, “let me put it in a ponytail. Then your daddy can smell your perfume.”
Megan fiddled with Jenny's makeup on the dresser while her hair was being tied with a bow. “Can I put some lipstick on?”
“Why not?” Jenny said. “Need help?”
Megan handed the tube to her. As she applied gloss to the child's lips, shivers ran down her arms. It would be so easy to fall in love with Dave's daughter—as much in love as she was with him.
Megan pressed her lips together and studied her image in the mirror. “Do I look beautiful?”
“Absolutely.” Jenny straightened. “Let's go show you off to your daddy.”
“Yeah. I love my daddy.”
Yeah
, Jenny thought.
So do I.
 
A WEEK LATER, Jenny closed a box, then taped it shut. Straightening, she supported the small of her back. Moving would be a lot easier if her heart was in it. The cramped business space she'd rented in Mackinac City could only be considered downsizing. Without the island trade, business would fall off. It would be months, years before she could think about expanding. Winter was coming, and with the island isolated from the mainland during bad weather, she would be forced to give up her cottage and move across the lake.
Sitting on the box, she looked around her. The shop was starting to look empty. It wasn't only business that bothered her. Dave was on her mind constantly. She couldn't accuse him of betrayal, though she wanted to. She was as guilty as he was for the misunderstanding. She laughed. Their farcical circumstances gave new meaning to the phrase
lack of communication.
Tears welled in her eyes when she thought of all that might have been. Megan had taken to her instantly, and she to Megan. Why couldn't she bury her pride, accept Dave's offer to stay on the island, see where the relationship would go from here?
She blew her nose.
Life stinks.
“We're down to the last crate.” Mrs. Wilcox emerged from the back room. “And there's just a few small boxes left.”
“I'll have to get more tomorrow.” Jenny got up, wiping her eyes. “You can quit for the day, Mrs. Wilcox. I'm tired. I want to go home.”
Mrs. Wilcox put her hands on her ample hips. “You sure, dearie? The mister said he didn't mind if I stayed late.”

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