Page 29 of Pretty Desperate (Pine Village #6)

KAMERON

I ’m startled by the loud knock on the back door.

Looking up, I take a quick count of the staff left, closing down the kitchen.

The front staff just left, having cleaned up and prepped the dining room for the next day, so I’m not sure who it can be.

Unless someone forgot something, which is a possibility.

Setting down my cleaning cloth, I head for the door and release the lock. I’m shocked when I find the prettiest girl in town standing there, a wide, excited grin on her face. “I’m so sorry to just drop by like this,” she starts.

“Is everything all right?” I ask, reaching for her hand and practically dragging her inside.

“Yes,” she replies quickly. “I just heard the best news, and I wanted to share it with…someone.” A look flashes in her eyes, but it’s quickly masked by her anticipation.

“Come on, let’s head to my office,” I suggest, taking her hand and leading the way. Even though she said it was good news, I can’t help this little bubble of uncertainty that erupts in my chest.

As soon as we cross the threshold, I spin around and give her my full attention. “TD and Ellie are pregnant!” she declares, beaming from ear to ear.

I can’t help but smile myself. “Yeah? That’s great.”

She nods. “It really is. They’ve been trying for a while,” she adds, dropping her voice, as if sharing a secret. “Pretty much since they got married.” There are tears in her eyes as she gazes up at me.

“I’m happy for them,” I tell her, reaching out and resting my hand on her upper left arm.

“Me too.” But mixed in the depth of her green eyes swirls heartache, and something tells me it isn’t because TD and Ellie are finally expecting.

She refuses to acknowledge whatever else is bothering her, but I could wager a guess easily. Instead of bringing it up, I notice the way she’s swaying back and forth. This movement is different than her normal nervous energy. This almost looks like an ache.

“What’s up?” I ask.

Jillian must catch my eyes watching her shift, perhaps trying to adjust her back.

“Oh,” she replies, waving off my concern. “Just my back. The bleachers were uncomfortable as hell, and I think I slept funny last night.”

An idea instantly pops in my head. “You should go sit in my hot tub.”

Her eyes widen a bit. “What?”

Shrugging, I reply, “It would help. I know it’s late, but even just for a little bit. It’ll help relax your muscles and soothe the achy ones.” Placing my hands on her shoulders, I gently start to knead.

“Oh, my God, that feels amazing,” she replies with a groan. My cock notices, recalling the sounds she makes when she was about to come.

“Just think, relaxing in the hot tub while I massage your shoulders,” I whisper, unable to keep my dick from joining the conversation. He’s hard and eager for some action.

Her eyes narrow just a bit. “I don’t have a suit.”

I lift my shoulders. “There’re privacy shades. I rarely wear trunks,” I confess with a wink.

She looks confused. “I didn’t notice shades.”

“They drop from the ceiling. There’s a button just inside the door.”

I can tell she’s considering it, but then she mumbles, “I have to work tomorrow.” I think she’s trying to talk herself out of it, and if that’s the case, I’ll support whichever way she decides.

“Well, the offer stands tomorrow night too. Or even Sunday.” I dig my thumbs into the tight knots around her neck.

“But…you could just stay at my place. It might actually be a little closer to the bakery, you know? I mean, that would save time in the morning so you could stay up just a few extra minutes tonight and soak in the hot tub.”

Her eyes sparkle, and I can tell she’s considering my offer. “I don’t have clothes.”

“That does bode a problem,” I reason, continuing to rub her shoulders. “Of course, you won’t need them until the morning.”

She chuckles, holding my gaze. “You seem to have all the answers.”

“Just helpful little suggestions.” I offer a cheeky grin.

“Helpful little suggestions. You sound like Bob Ross.”

A gravelly chuckle slides from my mouth. “That’s me. Bob Ross.” Sobering, I add, “I’m not trying to push you. I thought a dip in the hot tub might help you, but I know it’s late and you’re usually in bed by now.”

She stares up at me, and I wish I knew what she was thinking. Did I go too far by suggesting she come over? Was it the part about spending the night? That was a pretty bold statement to make, especially in light of our…situation, but I don’t regret it.

“I have a confession to make,” she whispers, leaning a little closer. Her lips are just within reach, and even though I long to kiss her, I hold back. “I kinda want to try out that hot tub.”

My lips curl up in a wolfish grin. “Your wish is my command.”

“I think,” she starts, clearing her throat, “I may run home and grab some clothes. It would be easier to just…get up and go to work.”

My heart is pounding in my chest at the idea of waking up with her beside me in the morning. “Makes sense. I’ll give you my door code so you can go in. I shouldn’t be too much longer here, but I do probably have another thirty minutes or so.”

Of course, if I don’t get back in there and help tear down the kitchen, my staff will revolt and leave me with all of it to do.

She nods in agreement, and I don’t miss the light blush covering her cheeks. I quickly write down my six-digit code to the door and tell her how to turn on the jets on the hot tub and lower the privacy shades.

“I got it,” she replies, gazing up at me with those damn hypnotic green eyes. “I’ll see you soon?”

“As soon as I can get out of here. You can count on it.” I don’t think I’ve ever been this anxious to go home before.

With a smile, she exits my office, my eyes glued to the sway of her hips with every step she takes.

When she reaches the back door, I help her open it and lean in.

I can’t help but brush my lips against hers in a soft kiss.

Yet, it still packs a punch to the gut like Mike Tyson. “See you in a bit,” I whisper.

“Uhh huh,” she murmurs, sending bolts of desire straight to my groin.

I watch her go, making sure she gets to her vehicle okay.

The moment she starts to back out of the parking spot behind the restaurant, I close and relock the door.

Catcalls fill the kitchen, making me grin with pride.

I’ve never—and I do mean never—brought a woman to my place of business the way I’ve invited Jillian into it.

From the multiple dinners throughout the week to taking her into my office to steal a kiss or two, this is a new side my employees are seeing.

Considering I’ve always been an incredibly private man, I don’t hate it.

Not at all.

Even their teasing, like now.

Shaking my head, I return my attention to the task I was completing before Jillian’s surprise visit.

“All right, everyone. Get back to work.”

I do the same.

With a smile on my face.

The moment I step inside my house, I feel her presence. Sure, her car parked in my driveway the moment I pulled in was a pretty big indication she’s here, but there’s something different that hangs in the air, not to mention the vanilla and sugar scent that seems to follow her wherever she goes.

There’s life within these walls, something I don’t think I’ve felt at all since I purchased this place.

Making sure the door is secured behind me, I take off in search of the woman I can’t seem to get off my mind lately.

And knowing she’s here—in my house—is doing a number on me.

My heart is pounding in my chest, and my cock is already hard in anticipation.

Where will she be? In the hot tub, waiting?

Will she be in a suit or naked? I’m not sure I’d care either way, honestly.

She could be already naked or wearing a wetsuit that covers her from head to toe, and I’d still be just as eager to see her.

I make it to my bedroom and find the room dark—and empty. But I can hear it. My hot tub jets are running, and my blood starts to heat even more. Probably not a good idea for me to get in the hot tub, if I’m being honest. I’m liable to stroke out from overheating if I’m not careful.

The door to the back porch is open, so I move to the doorway and take a look outside.

Even though the party lights are off, I can see her in the water.

She’s resting on the side, her head lying on her arm.

She looks so peaceful, and I worry she’s fallen asleep with the faintest smile on her face, but I can hear her humming faintly over the sound of the jets.

Leaning against the doorjamb, I listen to her hum a classic country tune.

I recognize it right away, recalling the late-nineties power ballad by one of country’s biggest names.

I stand here for a few before the desire to be closer to her becomes too great.

I walk over to my closet and strip out of my clothes.

I noticed a bright pink strap around her neck, indicating she’s wearing a bathing suit, so I quickly grab a pair of trunks off my shelf and slip them on.

I head for the bathroom next and grab two towels, just in case, before making my way to the door.

It’s the first time I spot her overnight bag sitting off to the side, and this overwhelming wave of happiness washes through me.

Having her here, in my space, feels better than anything else I’ve ever experienced, and I just don’t want to wait a second longer to be with her.

As I step outside, she lifts her head and smiles. “Hi.” There’s a touch of shyness to her greeting that makes me grin.

“What do you think?” I ask as I hang the towels on the hooks attached to my house, noting she did bring a towel out with her.

“It’s heaven,” she practically sings, closing her eyes and letting the warm jetted water massage her back.

Climbing inside, I slowly lower myself into the water, taking a seat directly beside Jillian. Our legs brush against each other, and even the faintest touch does a number on my libido.