Page 40 of Dreaming at Seaside
She imagined he was a sexy combination of both.
Bella brought her attention back to Kurt, staring at his laptop and tweaking the marketing plan for the work-study program. Leanna claimed to think better when her hands were busy. She’d made a catastrophe of Bella’s kitchen, while baking bread and calling out ideas for them to jot down. Now Leanna was poking around in Bella’s refrigerator.
“I think you’ve got a solid plan.” Kurt turned the laptop toward Bella. “I just changed a few words here and there.”
“Really? It doesn’t suck?”
Kurt laughed. “Of course not. What you had before didn’t suck, but this is even better. I like the new spin on it.”
Leanna pulled a fresh loaf of bread out of the oven, filling the small cottage with the delicious scent of warmth and comfort. “You know I’d sign up for the program if you really wanted me to.”
“I know you would, but there’s no need. I’m going to make this work. I just have to be creative.”
Leanna closed the refrigerator door. “Where’d you hide the jam?”
Bella opened the refrigerator and pulled a jar of Luscious Leanna’s Sweet Treats apricot-lime jam from the door and waved it at Kurt and Leanna. Surprise rose in Leanna’s eyes. “Don’t sweat it. I can never find anything in my fridge either,” Bella assured her.
Caden came out of the bedroom, where he’d been installing the last of the new locks on the window. “It smells like heaven in here.”
“Leanna made bread.” Bella glanced at Leanna’s dirty T-shirt. “As you can see by the flour, sugar, and”—she leaned in close to look at an oily streak on Leanna’s jeans—“butter that she’s wearing.”
“That’s my girl.” Kurt kissed a streak of batter from Leanna’s cheek.
“Hey, cleanliness and creativity do not go hand in hand.” Leanna began gathering the bowls and utensils she’d used. “That’s a banana, cranberry, almond loaf, and this mess is a small price to pay.”
“Agreed,” Bella said. “Leave it. I’ll take care of it. Thanks for your help, you guys. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“Of course you could have, but if we didn’t keep you busy, Caden wouldn’t have gotten any work done.” Kurt reached for Leanna’s hand. “Come on, babe. Let’s go check on Vera and give them some privacy.”
“Thanks for helping Bella and for giving me time to get the locks installed,” Caden said. “Now at least I know she’s got ample security.”
Leanna opened the door to leave. “Like she’ll lock her doors? See ya guys.”
“Tell Vera we said hello,” Bella called after them.
Caden placed his hands on her hips. His fingers slid beneath her billowy tank top and skimmed her waist as he touched his forehead to hers.
“Do you feel good about what you’ve accomplished?” His breath was hot, his voice rich and seductive.
Bella’s body hummed with anticipation. She wrapped her arms around his bare back, feeling the muscles she’d just spent more than an hour watching flex and bunch beneath his taut, tanned skin. He felt so good.
“Yeah,” was all she could manage. “How about you?”
He lifted her chin and kissed her softly. It was the kiss of a man who had no place else that he’d rather be, tender and full of promise.
“That depends. Will you use these new locks?”
I’ll do anything you ask.“Mm-hm.”
“Then yes. I feel better knowing that you’re a little safer.”
“I never thought I needed protecting, but I have to admit, there’s something aboutyouprotecting me that feels good.”
“Yeah?” He lowered his mouth to her neck and trailed kisses to her ear. “Everyone needs protecting.” He licked the shell of her ear, then whispered, “Even tough women who make plans.”
Bella closed her eyes, relishing the sound and feel of him.
“Are you sure you can commit to me?” he whispered.
