Sighing, I decide to change the subject. We’ve been friends since third grade, and she’s tenacious. “We’ll talk about it at the book club meeting tonight. You still coming by at six to help me set up?”
My best friend’s eyes narrow before she raises one eyebrow and squints at me. Feeling like a bug under a microscope, I wait until she shakes her head and agrees, “I’ll be there at six, but I’m not going to forget about our little conversation.” I close my eyes and sigh. At least she’s giving me some reprieve. After she hands me my afternoon pick-me-up latte, she snaps her fingers. “Oh, I forgot to tell you. I’ve got us covered on pastries.” Sally looks over her shoulder at several boxes lined up on the back counter. “Dan went crazy baking this morning.” She wiggles her eyebrows, and I groan. When her husband has his baking urges, my waistline suffers. While my lips love Dan’s sweets, my hips hate them. Ugh. I’ll start my diet next week.
Sally walks into the kitchen and rolls her eyes. Mrs. Darling is the last book club member left, and she’ll stay until I politely tell her I’m ready to call it a night. The nosy widow wants to stock up on all the town gossip while we clean up. “I heard you have a date tomorrow night.” Mrs. Darling doesn’t have to look so shocked. I do go out every now and then. I know it’s been a while, but I’m still adjusting to life on my own.
For my entire life, it’s been me and Grams. She raised me ever since I was four years old when my mom decided she didn’t want to raise a child and disappeared. Over the years, I’ve gotten cards and presents periodically from her, but I haven’t seen her since I was a little girl. Grams had no idea of my father’s identity, so it’s always been just the two of us. A year ago, Grams died, leaving me the house and Soap Addiction, along with a broken heart.
“Oh, yes. She does.” Sally jumps in. Ugh. We should avoid this conversation. “You should see the hot piece of man-meat who asked her out.”
As my best friend fans herself, Mrs. Darling looks over at me with her eyes narrowed. “Well, don’t keep an old lady waiting. I might not have much time left.”
Sally doesn't give me a chance to speak. “He’s tall, built. I mean, like, muscles on top of muscles. His expensive dress shirts stretch across his body.” She pulls her blouse tight over her chest to demonstrate, and I roll my eyes. “And not like Bobby Johns, either. There isn’t a plumber’s crack and four extra rolls causing this stretch.”
An eligible, handsome bachelor in Chestnut Landing is unheard-of. Ladies in town snatched up the great catches years ago. Mrs. Darling has two granddaughters my age, and everyone is aware of how much she’d love to find them husbands. The gloves are about to come off.
The elderly woman looks over at me. “How did you manage to attract him?” Oh, that was uncalled-for.
I glare at my best friend before smiling at Mrs. Darling. “I met him at The Caffeine Shoppe.” I shrug. “He asked me out, and I said yes.” When she looks unconvinced, I have the urge to kick the old lady out.
Sally, my ever-faithful protector, steps in to change the subject. “Mrs. Darling, how did you like Kandy’s New Daddy?” My eyes widen, and I cover my surprised snort with a cough. Tears nearly overflow as I try not to laugh out loud. We’re all aware the little old lady loves to ready naughty books, but no one ever discusses it. After Mrs. Darling gasps, Sally smiles. “I heard it’s well written, but you need to keep a glass of ice water close by to cool you off.”
“I thought she’d never leave.” I watch my friend slam the door behind the old lady and sag against the wall.
“Oh my God.” I finally release the laugh that’s been crawling up my throat. “How did you know she’s been reading Kandy’s New Daddy?”
“Jodie has a big mouth,” Sally smirks. “She says Mrs. Darling has inside information on the best dirty books. We order two of every book and read them.” After dropping onto my faded floral sofa, she looks over and offers, “I’ll let you borrow it when I’m done.” Then she bites her bottom lip. “You might need some pointers before you take on that hot man.”
I pick up the pillow from the end of my sofa and throw it at her head. “Thanks, but I’ll pass.”
“Oh, hell no.” I look at Sally and shake my head. “I’m not stuffing myself into that half-dress.” There isn’t enough material to cover my rear end.
She pushes me through an open fitting room door and shoves the hanger into my hands. “Don’t come out until you have it on or I’ll come in and dress you myself.” After she gives me her stern face, I attempt my overdramatic pout. Shoot. It usually causes her to fold like cheap laundry. Today, she glares and steps out.
I bite my lip and stare into the mirror. The navy-blue slip dress does look great. Ending mid-thigh, it’s skimpy and slinky.
Sally’s eyes widen when I walk out of the room, “Wow. That’s the dress you need.”
Two hours, “the dress,” new underwear, new shoes, and three hundred dollars later, I’m ready for my date. Now, I need to convince my nerves to calm the hell down.
Sally isn’t helping the situation. I ask her to leave and let me stress alone. As I shower, I lean back in the steamy spray and question myself. What is a virgin like me going to do with an experienced older man? Nerves eat away at me, so I decide to ignore my reservations and enjoy the night. This is my chance with a hot man who isn’t a Chestnut Landing loser. I plan to make the best of it.
Dressed and ready thirty minutes before the time we agreed on, I pace the front hall and give myself a pep talk. When the doorbell rings, I smooth down my skirt and wish I’d chosen something that covers more of my body. Oh well, too late now, dummy.
Chapter Three
Roan
She opens the door, and my cock turns rock hard in my pants. Fuck, she’s the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen. My eyes zero in on the tiny, navy-blue dress that barely covers her ass. Oh, hell no. No other men are going to stare at her luscious rear end all night long. “Baby, you look beautiful.” I kiss her lips then point up the stairs. “But I need you to go put on a dress that covers your backside.”
Addie’s mouth falls open before she puts her hands on her hips. “What?”
“There’s no way I want another man to see you in that dress. Please have mercy on me and go change.”
She’s shaking her head “No,” while I’m asking. “I bought this dress especially for our date. I’m not changing.” She glares at me, and I cave. Addie looks gorgeous. I’ll convince all the other assholes she’s taken. Off the market. Permanently.
“Sorry, I’m jealous.” I lean down and kiss her nose. “You look good enough in that dress to eat. In fact, we need to leave before I say fuck the restaurant and have you for dinner.” Addie’s eyes pop wide as her mouth drops open. After gently lifting her chin, I lightly kiss her soft lips. When I plan to pull back, her tongue touches the seam of my lips and I groan before opening for her.