Page 24

CHAPTER 24

CASPIAN

The bell above the door chimes as we enter Special Blend, our arms loaded with boxes of maple syrup samples from Moon Meadows. The familiar scent of coffee and wood welcomes me home, mixing with the sweet maple aroma from our delivery.

“Just set those on the counter,” I tell Nate, heading behind it to store the bottles in the cabinet underneath. I keep one bottle out, placing it next to my main coffee maker. Already, my mind is racing with flavor combinations I want to try.

When I straighten, I find Nate wandering around the space, taking in all the changes I’ve made since he was last here. His eyes linger on the exposed brick wall I spent days cleaning and restoring, then move to the new signs I’ve hung—simple wooden plaques with hand-painted coffee quotes.

“This place is really coming together,” he says, running his fingers along the polished counter. “It feels completely different from when Mac owned it.”

“Different good?” I ask, though his appreciative expression already tells me the answer.

He nods, making his way toward the back of the shop where I’ve set up the book corner. “Definitely good. It feels…warmer somehow. More inviting.”

I follow him to the space that will soon house my small bookstore. Right now, there’s just a table piled with sorted books waiting for their permanent home.

“I wish I’d finished the bookcase already,” Nate says, running a hand through his hair, “but since the storm, I’ve been swamped with work. The damage assessments are keeping me busier than usual.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it,” I assure him. “I’ll love having the bookcase when it’s ready, but my temporary setup works fine for now.” Nate picks up one of the books, his eyebrows rising as he reads the back cover. “These are…detailed descriptions.”

Heat creeps up my neck as I realize he’s holding one of the spicier romance novels. “They’re, uh, pretty popular in the genre.”

He sets that one down and picks up another, flipping through it with growing amusement. “Do you actually read these?”

“I do,” I admit, lifting my chin slightly. “I love them, actually. Not as much as my mom did. She could devour three books in a day. But there’s something magical about getting lost in a good romance.” I step closer, plucking the book from his hands. “And if it’s spicy? Even better.”

His eyes darken at my words, and suddenly, the air between us feels charged with electricity. He takes a step closer, close enough that I can feel the heat radiating from his body.

“Is that so?” His voice is low, sending shivers down my spine. “And what exactly do you like about the spicy parts?”

I swallow hard, very aware of how alone we are in the shop. “I like…the anticipation,” I say, my voice coming out breathier than intended. “The slow build of tension. The way two people can get completely lost in each other.”

Nate’s hand cups my cheek, his thumb brushing my bottom lip. “Sounds familiar,” he murmurs.

Before I can respond, his mouth is on mine, and I’m being backed up against the brick wall. The book falls forgotten from my hands as I grab his shoulders, pulling him closer. His kiss is hungry, demanding, making my knees weak.

Nate’s lips leave mine, and a trail of featherlight kisses moves down my neck. My breath catches as a shiver of anticipation runs through me. God, how does he always know exactly where to touch me?

“Caspian,” Nate murmurs against my skin, his breath warm.

Nate’s kisses travel lower, and my heart races. Every touch sends sparks through my body, building a delicious tension. I bite my lip, trying to stay quiet even though the shop is closed and empty. The last thing I need is someone passing by on the street to hear us.

When Nate sinks to his knees in front of me, looking up with those piercing blue eyes, I nearly combust on the spot. He hooks his fingers in the hem of my sweater, pushing it up slightly.

“Is this okay?” he asks softly, his hand hovering at the button of my jeans.

My voice comes out breathy as I nod. “More than okay. Please, Nate.”

He smiles, a mix of tenderness and hunger in his expression that makes my knees weak. As he slowly unbuttons my jeans, I can’t tear my eyes away from his deft fingers. The anticipation is delicious torture.

“You know,” I manage to quip, my voice only slightly shaky, “when I pictured my first winter in Vermont, I didn’t imagine it would involve quite so much stripping.”

Nate chuckles, the sound sending vibrations through me. “Just trying to keep you warm, baby.”

I laugh, the sound turning into a gasp as Nate’s hands slide teasingly along my hips. “Well, mission very much accomplished.”

Nate slowly lowers my jeans to my knees, revealing the light-blue lacy panties I chose this morning. A shiver runs through me, part excitement, part exposure to the cool air. But when I see Nate’s eyes widen, pupils dilating with desire, any chill evaporates instantly.

“God, Cas,” he breathes, running a finger along the delicate lace. “You’re killing me here.”

I grin, a mix of pride and nervousness bubbling up inside me. “Good kill?”

“The best,” Nate murmurs, leaning in to press his face against my hip. His breath is warm through the thin fabric, making me tremble. “Missed you so much.”

“It’s only been two days,” I tease, though my voice wavers as his lips brush my skin.

Nate looks up, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Two days too long. Do you have any idea how distracting you are?”

I laugh, the sound turning breathy as his fingers play with the waistband of the panties. “Me? Distracting? I’m not the one on my knees looking like every fantasy come to life.”

“Flatterer.” Nate chuckles, hooking his thumbs under the lace. “May I?”

I nod, suddenly grateful for the locked door and drawn blinds. As Nate slowly pulls down my underwear, I’m hyperaware of every sensation—the slide of the fabric against my skin, the brush of Nate’s fingers, the cool air hitting newly exposed flesh. My breath catches in my throat, anticipation coiling tight in my belly.

“Beautiful,” Nate whispers, and the reverence in his voice makes my heart skip a beat.

His mouth on me is exquisite torture. I gasp, my fingers tangling in his hair as waves of pleasure crash over me. Every lick, every subtle movement of his tongue sends sparks shooting through my body. I’m hyperaware of every sensation—the warmth of his breath, the gentle pressure of his hands on my hips, steadying me as my knees threaten to buckle.

“God, Nate,” I moan, struggling to keep my voice down. The intensity is overwhelming, each touch feeling magnified a hundredfold.

I look down, meeting Nate’s eyes, and the connection between us feels electric. There’s such tenderness in his gaze, such devotion, that it makes my chest ache.

As the pressure builds, I feel myself spiraling higher and higher. My breath comes in short, sharp pants, my body trembling. “I’m close,” I warn, tugging gently at Nate’s hair.

He hums in acknowledgment, the vibration sending a jolt through me, and redoubles his efforts. The world narrows to this single point of contact, this moment of pure, unfiltered bliss.

When I finally tumble over the edge, it’s with Nate’s name on my lips. The release is intense, leaving me shaking and breathless. As I come down from the high, I feel boneless, satiated in a way that goes beyond the physical.

Nate rises, pressing soft kisses to my hip, stomach, and chest as he stands. When he reaches my lips, I kiss him deeply, tasting myself on his tongue. The intimacy of it makes me shiver.

“Let me,” I murmur against his mouth, reaching for his belt. But Nate gently catches my wrists, stopping me.

“Later,” he says softly, kissing my forehead. “This was for you.”

Nate’s fingers trail lazily up and down my spine, sending pleasant shivers through me. I’m still catching my breath as my heart rate slowly returns to normal.

“You know,” Nate murmurs, his lips brushing my ear, “I should probably head back. But I promise, we’ll pick this up later.”

I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. “Is that so?”

His answer is another deep kiss that leaves me breathless before he finally pulls away.

As we reluctantly make ourselves presentable again, all I can think about is how different this winter is from last year. Back then, I was drowning, barely keeping my head above water and wondering how I’d live without my mom. Now, here in Maplewood, I’ve found a home, a purpose, and something else I’m too scared to think about, let alone voice.

“Hey,” I say, catching Nate’s hand as he reaches for the door. “Thank you.”

He raises an eyebrow. “For the mind-blowing orgasm? Because, trust me, the pleasure was all mine.”

I blush but shake my head. “No, I mean yes, that was…incredible. But I meant thank you for today. For lunch, for being here, for everything.”

After Nate leaves, reassuring me he can walk back to the office for his car, I decide to focus on work rather than let myself get lost in daydreams about him. The maple syrup from Moon Meadows is calling to me, and I’ve been itching to experiment with new recipes.

I spend the next hour testing different combinations. A classic maple latte is obvious, but I want something special. After several attempts, I find the perfect balance—a maple custard latte inspired by Red’s famous pie. The syrup adds warmth and depth to the espresso while a hint of vanilla and a dash of cinnamon creates that custard-like sweetness.

Pleased with my creation but still restless, I can’t shake the feeling that I should be doing more. The shop is ready. The coffee recipes are perfect, the space looks amazing, and I’m tired of waiting. I want to see people sitting at these tables for longer than a couple of hours a day, drinking my coffee, reading the books.

I pull out my phone and dial Catherine’s number. She picks up on the second ring.

“Please tell me you’re calling about what I think you’re calling about,” she says instead of hello.

I laugh. “We’re ready for full throttle. I’m done with the soft opening. Let’s do this.”

“Leave it with me, honey. You’ll have a full display of pastries and cakes, and I’ll start on the cookies for the festival.” The excitement in her voice matches mine. “I’m so happy to be back to baking. The kitchen has felt too quiet.”

“I know exactly what you mean.” I look around the empty shop. “I think I was pulling back from opening full-time because I wanted everything to be perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. I just need to be here.”

“I agree, honey.” Catherine practically squeals. “I’ll have everything ready for you first thing in the morning. I’ll get started right away.”

After hanging up, I can’t stop smiling. Tomorrow, Special Blend will finally open its doors full-time.