Page 53 of Skid
Chapter 18
Grace
It took four batchesof dough for my new crust to set correctly. I was growing frustrated with my baking, and after three pies with over or under-done crusts, I cheered when the last one baked perfectly. I heard Dalton running down the stairs, and I turned to see what the emergency was. He ran into the kitchen and looked around with worry.
“Are you okay? I heard you yell.”
Stepping up to him, I brought my hand to his chest and chuckled. “I’m sorry. I finally got the crust to set properly, and I got a little excited. I didn’t mean to disturb you.”
He’s been in his office for long stretches of time the last few days, and I was quiet as he worked, trying to be respectful of his space. He kept encouraging me to interrupt, but I told him his work needed to come first. I had no idea what he was working on, but I knew it must be important from the stress he was carrying.
“You never disturb me.” Dalton looked over my head to the counter and saw the four pies in various stages of cooling, and he smiled, licking his lips. “I can see you’ve been busy. I’m sorry I’ve been neglecting you the last two days.”
“You’re working, so you never need to apologize for that. I can find plenty to keep me occupied.”
He pulled me closer to him, letting me feel his growing shaft as he whispered, “When can I have some pie?”
“Whenever you want,” I replied and caught his gaze with mine.
He pulled my face to his chest and wrapped me in his strong arms, surrounding me with his love as he spoke. “I love you, Grace.”
“I love you, Dalton.”
Stepping back, I took his hand into mine and tugged him closer to the counter. “This one is for me to give to Sadie tomorrow, so hands-off.” I pointed to the perfect pie cooling on the rack. “The rest you can have at,” I explained, sweeping my hand over the three that didn’t turn out as good as I hoped.
“We can take two of them to the clubhouse for the brothers, and I’ll keep one for myself,” he explained and grabbed a knife to cut into one of the sweet desserts. Picking it up with his hand, he took a bite off the end before turning and offering it to me.
The chocolate and pecans were slightly overcooked but still delicious as I swallowed my bite and watched Dalton licking his fingers with satisfaction. “So good.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I replied and sat down at the small table in the kitchen.
He joined me and took my hands into his as he asked, “Is there anything you want to do? I feel like I’ve abandoned you, and that wasn’t my intention. I wasn’t expecting Devlin to need me, but I hope I’ll be finished in a day or two.”
I could see worry hidden under his smile, and I refused to draw attention to it. I didn’t know what he was working on, but it must be important. “You didn’t abandon me. How many nights did you watch me pour drinks while I worked?” He shrugged, and I pushed on. “You have responsibilities, and I’m not going to make you feel guilty for not spending every waking second with me. I promise. I’m a big girl and can find something to keep me occupied.”
He brushed his thumb across my cheek and asked, “How did I get so lucky?”
“You decided to stop for a drink,” I reasoned, and he nodded.
“Why don’t you get cleaned up, and I’ll take you out to dinner.”
“I can cook something for you,” I said, and he smiled before leaning over and pecking me on the lips.
“I want to show my woman off. Dress comfortably, and I’ll be ready in two hours,” he instructed and stood from the chair. “I promise I’m close to finished.”
He walked away, and I couldn’t take my eyes off his tight ass. Seeing him so comfortable and relaxed, compared to the tough man who watched me for three weeks, was a dramatic change. I could see the real him where everyone else gets a diluted version of Dalton.
He cared deeply, loved fiercely, and was protective to a fault.
In short, he was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I prayed I could keep my secret from him. I couldn’t stand to see the look in his eyes when he realizes what I said to him the first night he spoke to me was true.
I’m not worth the effort.
