Page 56 of Cupcake of the Month
A scraping noise from the butler’s pantry had Josh moving cautiously in that area, trying not to react or get Mrs. Halbert’s attention as she left. He’d never seen any vermin in FountenoyHall, but maybe they risked it at night. Or the smell of maple and peach whiskey had lured them out of hiding.
A panel near the floor next to one of the cabinets swung into the room and he jumped out of the way. Maybe it was a mutant mouse. Or a raccoon. He searched for a broom, but made do with a wooden tray, holding it at his knees to help guide whatever was skittering in back outside.
Brandi crawled through the space, ending at Josh’s feet. Her blonde hair was pulled into an efficient ponytail, and she had changed out of her evening gown and into a pair of worn jeans. “Hi.”
“What the hell?” he asked.
“Believe it or not, this is a shortcut.”
“From where?” He held out an arm to help her up.
“Thanks.” She brushed at her knees and avoided eye contact. “You know, the grounds can get creepy at night.”
That wasn’t an answer, but the Belle’s Medicinal Brewery polo shirt she wore clued him in that he wasn’t going to get a straight reply. Brandi and Wendy’s ancestors had run a whiskey still during Prohibition, which had morphed into a legal alcohol distillery now shrouded as a well-known secret. This was probably a passage from the grounds of the brewery to inside the house that had been used to escape revenuers.
“What are you doing here, Josh?” Brandi snapped the panel back in place and took a step into the kitchen. She grabbed the wall, inhaling deeply. “And what is that heavenly scent?”
“Cupcakes!” Jordan mumbled with her mouth full.
“There are more,” Josh said.
“I didn’t need to fit into these jeans anyway.” Brandi washed her hands and grabbed one, then nudged Jordan with her shoulder. “You okay?”
Jordan raised her cupcake. “Getting there. Though I hope Blake is still getting the chocolate out of his underwear.”
Fifteen minutes later, Mrs. Halbert and her sister had joined them. The two women gobbled the cupcakes, making moaning sounds and licking their lips in ecstasy. “These are too much,” said Mrs. Halbert.
Josh basked in the gratification of people gathered around his food, enjoying something he had created with Jordan and instincts instead of relying on recipe cards. He slipped behind her and put a hand on her shoulder.
“Thank you,” he whispered in her ear.
She cupped his cheek with her hand and gave him a quick kiss.
“Honey, if he made me food like this, I’d be doing more than kissing him,” Mrs. Halbert’s sister declared.
Brandi choked on her dessert.
“You’re right.” Jordan rose slowly from her seat, keeping her body an inch from his. Her breath fanned his face. “I’ll help with the dishes.”
“Great,” he said. “I could use an extra hand.”
“No, Jordan, not with that wrist. Don’t worry about them, either of you.” Brandi stacked the plates at the island. “I’ll do them.”
“Thank you.” Josh said. “I’m going to head out now.”
“Good night, Josh,” Mrs. Halbert said. “Thanks for the treat.”
He nodded, then turned to the people in the kitchen and caught Jordan’s eye. “Good night.”
It was too much to wish she would make an excuse and come with him. He trudged back to the stables and crawled into bed. Even though their rooms were on opposite sides, the space felt empty without her.
This permanent state of arousal was torture. At least when he went home, he was able to get away from the constant reminders that she was nearby. Now, being so close to her, therewas no escape.
He closed his eyes, imagining her coming into the stables, reaching behind her, and slowly unzipping that blue dress, showing off her beautiful breasts with their beautiful pink nipples. His dick got even harder at the thought.
Damn. He couldn’t have her, but he had the memory of eight years ago. He shoved his hand under the waistband of his boxer briefs and tugged gently, then a bit harder. The relief wouldn’t last, but he had to do something.
It was hard to imagine Jordan’s delicate fingers in place of his own calloused hand, but he closed his eyes and dreamed. Her long hair tickling his face as she leaned over him. Her smooth caresses, touching him in all the perfect spots. Her short, sexy gasps when he brought her to the edge of a climax. Because he wouldn’t let it end quickly. No. He’d take it slow and steady, filled with joy at being in her bed again. Fondling and exploring the places on her body that he had left eight years ago. The strawberry birthmark below her breast. The smooth inside of her thighs. He’d taste her silken skin, drink in her kisses.
