Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87289 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
I take it automatically. His grip is warm and confident.
“I have to admit to being impressed at the Railers event a few weeks ago,” he says smoothly. “Everything was amazing. I’d love to sit down and discuss the possibility of carrying some of your desserts in my restaurants.”
When he continues holding on to my hand, I carefully tug it free and then take a small step in retreat. “I’d love that. Did you have a specific date in mind?”
Before he can respond, the door opens again, and a jolt of awareness shoots through me as River strides inside. His blond hair is still damp from the shower, the ends curling against his neck. His blue eyes are sharp and searching as they land on me. The pull between us is instantaneous.
More than that, it’s infuriating.
The second River spots Beau, his eyes narrow before slicing to me again, as if assessing the situation. The intensity of his gaze makes my skin prickle. It’s tempting to put more space between Beau and myself, but I refuse to do that.
River’s jaw tightens as his shoulders turn rigid. A muscle tics in his cheek before he forces himself to relax, his expression settling into something that looks casual. But I know better.
“Hey,” River says. He steps closer, hands loose at his sides. “Am I interrupting?”
“Actually,” Beau replies easily, like he doesn’t notice or care about the strange current that runs between us, “you were. Callie and I were just discussing getting together for dinner this Thursday evening.” There’s a beat of silence before Beau tacks on, “To discuss a potential partnership.”
Dinner tomorrow?
“Oh. That’s kind of short notice.” My voice wavers even as I make a concerted effort to steady it. “I’ll have to let you know. I need to find a sitter first. My parents usually watch my daughter during the day—”
“I’ll do it,” River cuts in.
My eyes widen as they slice to his. “I’m sorry?”
Even though he swallows up some of the distance between us, he doesn’t crowd my personal space. That doesn’t mean he’s not close enough for the heat of his body to wrap around me like a second skin, cocooning me in comfort.
“I’ll stay with Nora during your meeting.”
Stunned by the offer, I shake my head. The thought of him babysitting my daughter sends my whole world into a tailspin. “I don’t think that’s—”
“You know you can trust me with her, right? I would never let anything happen to Nora,” he says quietly, as if it’s meant for my ears alone.
The seriousness in his eyes has my throat tightening. Somehow, I do know that.
“Yes.”
It should be Beau who flusters me. By every logical standard, he checks all the boxes. The man is handsome, successful, and if I can trust my instincts, interested in more than a business partnership.
Instead, it’s River who makes my pulse race and tangles me up inside.
Beau grins, mischief flickering in his whiskey-colored eyes. “Looks like we’re all set. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at six.”
My lips part to say… I’m not even sure what, when River leans in, his warm breath ghosting over the shell of my ear. “Wouldn’t an afternoon meeting be more appropriate for a business discussion?”
“Nope.” Beau’s grin grows. “We’re planning on mixing business with pleasure.”
A low growl rumbles up from River. The deep reverberation of it sends a shiver through me even as heat curls low in my belly.
When neither man speaks, I say, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Beau heads to the exit, tossing one last parting shot over his shoulder. “I look forward to spending more time with you, Callie. It’ll be fun.”
The door clicks shut behind Beau, leaving me with River. The air shifts, thickening with tension that sparks hotter now that it’s just the two of us.
My hands twist in front of me, a feeble attempt to ground myself before I swing toward him and blurt, “I don’t understand why you did that.”
8
River
The good news is that Callie doesn’t sound mad by my unexpected offer. More like thrown off.
As if she can’t quite figure me out.
And that’s okay.
For the time being.
“I think we can both agree that it’s a great opportunity,” I say honestly. “Even if I don’t like the idea of you spending time alone with Beau Masterson.”
She blinks, clearly not expecting that response.
“I’m thinking about what’s best for you,” I add. “Not me.”
Confusion flickers in her expression for half of a second before it’s masked again. “I can check with my parents. I’m sure they’ll watch Nora.”
“That’s not necessary,” I insist. “I’ve got you covered.”
She swallows before glancing toward the front of the bakery, as if needing a moment to collect herself, before her narrowed gaze slices back to mine.
“And you’re really okay watching her?”
“Of course. Believe it or not, I’ve spent time around kids.”
Her expression turns even more skeptical. “You’ve actually held a toddler?”