I savor those words for point-five seconds before his mouth meets mine. He kisses me like he’s trying to prove the truth of it in every soft caress. Like he’s opening up his ribcage to reveal the tender heart he’s tried so hard to hide.
His fingers slide into my hair, keeping me where he wants me. The kiss turns fiery, all heat and desire. I make a sound of encouragement, and he groans his approval. He expertly redefines the wordkissin my mental dictionary to includegoing absolutely weak-limbed in Reed Bridger’s arms.
He slows the pace again, languid kisses stealing my breath just as thoroughly as the passionate ones. I can’t decide which I prefer. I’ll need a lifetime of them to make up my mind.
Reed draws back, keeping me in his arms. “I’m not selling, firefly.”
“Really?” Excitement flares up before I tamp it back down again. I meant what I told him earlier. I don’t want him to stay in a job he hates. “You’re not happy there, though.”
“I found a way for everyone to be happy. I hope.” He finallyreleases me, grabbing the paper he abandoned on the couch and handing it to me. “You’ll have to tell me if I’m way off.”
For a second, I think he’s giving me the same letter he received this morning. But it’s so much better than that. It’s hand-written in the clear, angular script I’ve seen a thousand times at work.
Rose,
I’m not good at owning a coffee shop. I don’t understand customers. I struggle with regulars who ask for “the usual,” but I have no idea what they get. I’m annoyed by how dedicated people can be to their caffeine fix even when I’m the one providing it. The thought of joining the Sunshine Small Business Society makes my eye twitch.
But you? You make our customers feel valued. You learn people’s names even if they’re just passing through. You create specialty menu items people develop worrisome addictions to. You’ve made the shop what it is today, and you have a vision for making it even better tomorrow.
You are the heart and soul of Perk Me Up.
Nothing would make me happier than to give it to you.
Yours,
Reed
I look up to find him watching me, uncertainty dancing behind his eyes as if there’s any doubt how I’ll respond. So I make it crystal clear. I throw myself at him, pressing kisses to his neck.
His strong, delicious-smelling neck.
He laughs, collapsing onto the couch and pulling me down with him. Stormy leaves in a huff, but I can’t be too upset when I’m busy loving on my other grump. This one doesn’t run away when I get grabby. Arranging myself in his lap with my knees on either side of his hips, I hold his face in my hands. “You are the sweetest man.”
“Might be the first time I’ve been called that. I don’t know how I feel about it.” He’s smiling though, so he can’t mind it too much. Maybe it’s all the kisses I’m peppering over his face.
“But what will you do? I don’t want to take away your job.” He told me his friend left him money, too, but Reed’s not the kindof guy who can sit around and do nothing, living off of the interest, or whatever wealthy people do.
“That’s the rest of what I wanted to tell you.” His hands flex on my hips, then smooth in wide circles across my lower back. “I talked to Lila about the new parks department jobs. There’s an application process and nothing’s guaranteed, but there’s a services supervisor position that sounds like a good fit for me.”
I push my arms out straight, resting my hands on his shoulders so I can stare fully into his face. “You’re going to work for the parks department?”
“That’s the hope.” His expression grows softer. “I’ll be able to support parks and encourage residents to appreciate nature right here in Sunshine.”
I don’t know if I’m going to cry or kiss him again. Probably one and then the other.
“That’s so perfect for you.”
“There’s more. I want to use some of Harry’s money to establish a grant for the outdoors skills program Jovie attended. Give them the funds to extend it through high school, with classes and camps for all ages. I’m still figuring it out. But I want to use his money to share his love of nature with generations to come.”
This man doesn’t have an ounce of gargoyle in him. He’s a giant, cuddly softie at heart.
I cup his cheek, running my hand over his beard. “That’s a beautiful way to honor him.”
He turns to press a kiss to my palm. “There’s a lot of moving parts. I’ll have to write a proposal for the town council, and work with accountants to draw up the donations. But if we’re lucky, next year, Jovie will get to go to camp again. A lot of kids will.”
I run my free hand through his hair. It’s thick and soft, and I want to touch it forever. “I think Harry would be proud of that.”
“Yeah. He’d be proud of me for this, too.” He pulls me in for a long, slow kiss. When he releases me, his gaze is dark beneath his heavy eyelids. “I don’t want to be alone anymore.”