Page 102 of 'Tis the season of Wicked Deeds

“If you don’t work full-time at the resort, what else do you do?” I ask Kingston.

It’s strange that I didn’t think to ask about his main profession until now.

We’re strolling hand in hand at the vintage market at the town’s yearly fair. So many unique treats, famous local wines, and artistic paintings and items line the stalls along the street. I’ve stopped at almost all of them to peruse.

“I co-founded a sports agency with my best friends in New York,” he casually answers. “We formed it two years ago.”

The revelation stuns me enough that I abruptly come to a halt. His calm tone counters to what a big deal it is. I bet he’s downplaying how successful he is, which increases my respect for him. He’s a hotshot businessman.

He turns and arches one brow in amusement, realizing I’ve stopped walking.

“With Josh and Pierce?” I question.

“Yes.”

“So do you represent super famous athletes?” My eyes circle wide and I gasp. “You must be famous too!”

“Yes, we do have famous athletes from all kinds of sports.” Again, that casual and down-to-earth tone. “And the spotlight is more for our clients.”

“Do I know any of them?” I bite my lip in anticipation. “Maybe I could get their autograph.”

The corners of his eyes crinkle with silent laughter and he teasingly says, “Darling, I mean no offense, but you’re the most clueless person regarding sports.”

“That is so not true,” I huff.

“Tell me one famous athlete you know.”

I draw a blank, making him smirk smugly. “Whatever. If I don’t know a renowned sportsperson, you probably don’t know a famous pastry chef either.”

“I do.”

“Who?”

“You, darling.”

My lips twitch. “I’m not famous, you flirt.”

“I have faith you will be one day.” Yanking me closer, he skates his fingers down my back. “People from everywhere will be lining up outside your café.”

“Will you be one of them?”

“No.” Before my smile can disappear, he softly says, “Because I’d be with you and watching you shine like the bright star you are.My Star.”

An image of him and me standing and serving our customers in my cute little café flashes through my mind. Of us waking every morning and baking in the kitchen, just like we did the first day at his resort. It’s such a wholesome dream, a part of me aches for it to become true. However, the first step toward it is me being brave.

“Won’t you be busy running your company?” I tease, tilting my head back.

A grin curls his lips. “There are perks to having best friends as your partners.”

“As long as you’re reaping the benefits only with me.”

His eyes flare at my ownership of him with a hint of jealousy. “Is that possessiveness I hear, darling?”

“Yes,” I rasp, rising to brush my lips over his.

He captures them with a savage growl and kisses me shamelessly on the street. With no regard for the fact that we could be punished for indecency in public, he swipes his tongue deep into my mouth and nips my lips until he’s satisfied and I’m weak in the knees.

Slanting my head, I kiss him back and match his passion.

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