Page 66 of Son of a Preacher Man

“I have to.”

It was my sin, not yours, sweet sister.

Her lips pressed together, Linnea nodded. “I know.”

A year ago, if anyone had told her this would be her life now, she would’ve laughed right in their face. Seriously. Not that it was horrible. It wasn’t. In fact, life had been going pretty darn good, considering. Kelly just couldn’t have imagined then that she would have more, that it would be better.

But then one day, she took a chance and made a friend.

Then she took another, and another, and another…

It’s funny how life changes then.

Two short weeks from now, once they got through the summer festival, the bigger and better Beanie’s—make that Sugar Beanie’s—would be ready to open. The blue plastic tarp serving as a temporary wall could finally come down. Kelly was tired of looking at the hideous thing—and the mess behind it.

“Patience, Snicks.”

That man. She could hear him in her head, but then Kodiak was on her mind every minute of every day. Yeah, life sure is funny because Kelly never would’ve imagined loving him a year ago. But she did, despite the fact he owned a penis. Then again, maybe she loved him because of it.

Well, it is a nice one. Restocking the pastry case, she giggled to herself.

“Something funny down there?”

She looked up, her face splitting into a grin. “Penis.”

And getting off her haunches, Kelly popped a snickerdoodle into his mouth. “It’s a funny word.”

Linnea snickered behind her hand.

Chewing his cookie, Kodiak looked at her like she’d gone and lost her mind. He swallowed. “Call it what you usually do then.”

“And what’s that?”

He leaned in close, warm breath tickling her ear. “God.”

“Only you, baby.”

“Damn right,” he breathed, then straightening he winked and took another bite of his cookie.

Muscles pumped from running, each and every one of them defined, sweat glistened on his skin, sending a wave of tingles through her body. If they were anywhere but here, she’d be pouncing on him. Licking the salt from his pulse. Scoring her nails down his abs.

But they were here. His sister, with the baby in her stroller, at his side.

Turning to Linnea, Kelly wet her lips and smiled. “Coffee?”

“Yes, please.” Her smirk a little too all-knowing. “I’ll take an americano, iced, and a water. It’s hot out there today and your beast of a boyfriend here thought an extra lap was a good idea.”

“That’s what brothers are for. Someone’s got to push you.” Playfully, Kodiak swatted her bottom. “Got three miles out of you, didn’t I?”

“Yeah, yeah.” Linnea rolled her eyes.

Chuckling, he leaned over the counter to kiss her. “Can you make one for me too, Snicks?”

“Well…” Kelly pursed her lips and grinned, pretending to think about it. “…I suppose I could.”

“How’s it looking next door?” Linnea asked, taking Charlotte out of her stroller.

“It’s getting there.” Snapping the lids on their drinks, she handed them off to Kodiak. “Want to see?”

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