Kiss by Kiss (Riggins Brothers Book 3) Page 3

  Chapter 4

  Aurora

  I watch him leave until I can no longer see him. I can feel Aspen’s eyes boring into me, but thankfully I’m saved by the bell. Literally. The next four hours pass by in a blur. The bakery is busier than ever, with a constant flow of customers—many who inquire about our catering services. I’m all too happy to give them a rundown.

  Normally, I’d be willing the conversation to end so that I can get busy prepping for the next day, but not this time. Not only does it keep me from my sister's prying questions, but it keeps my mind busy. Focused. I need to think about anything but Grant. The sexy man who walked into my life just over twenty-four hours ago.

  “Finally,” Aspen says dramatically as the final customer walks out the door. “I didn’t think I was ever going to get you alone. What was that this morning?” She stands with her hands on her hips. I can see the defiance in her hazel eyes, ones much like my own. We both have our mother’s eyes—something Dad always said was a blessing. I’m not getting out of this.

  “That was word getting out about the bakery. Word of mouth is the best form of marketing.” It’s not a lie. Most of today’s customers were a result of someone telling them about us. However, I know that’s not what she’s asking. I’m deflecting, and we both know it.

  “That’s great, and you know I’m thrilled for you, thrilled for us, but let’s get back to the matter at hand. Grant.” She gives me a pointed look.

  “What about him?”

  “He’s into you.”

  “He doesn’t know me.”

  “No, but he’s about to.” She nods over my shoulder, and I close my eyes. From the look on her face, I already know what I’m going to see when I turn around.

  “Aurora.” His deep sexy voice greets my ears.

  After pulling in a slow, deep breath, I exhale before turning around. Grant has his dress shirt unbuttoned at the top, his tie no longer present, and his sleeves are rolled up to his forearms, giving me a chance to rake my eyes over his tattoos. He’s all bad boy mixed with the air of a responsible professional. He’s lethal, and I can’t let myself fall.

  Not again.

  “Grant.” I finally find my words.

  “You ready for lunch?” He holds up a bag from the deli down the street and my mouth waters. I open my mouth to tell him I have too much to do, but he beats me to it. “You have to eat. Both of you have to eat.” He flashes Aspen a grin. “I have lunch for the three of us.”

  My stance relaxes, knowing he bought lunch for Aspen too. I’m sure he’s just trying to get closer to her through me. That’s what they all do. “Okay,” I concede.

  “Actually, I have some calls I have to make,” Aspen chimes in.

  “At least take your lunch with you.” Grant sets the bag on the counter and pulls out what appears to be a wrap and a bag of kettle chips.

  “Thank you. Our fave.” She smiles big, grabs her lunch, and disappears into the kitchen.

  Traitor!

  “Shall we?” Grant asks.

  “Um, I need to lock the door.” I step out around the counter, and his hand on my arm stops me.

  “I’ve got it, go sit. You’ve been on your feet all day.” With a gentle squeeze and a look that makes my knees weak, he releases me and makes his way to the front of the bakery to lock the door and flip the sign to Closed.

  My arm is warm from his touch, which I don’t understand. That’s never happened before. I don’t move a muscle as I watch him. He has an air of confidence that only a man like him can have. A man who knows who he is and what he wants, and right now, his attention is focused on me, but I don’t know why. He places the takeout bag at a small corner table before walking toward me.

  “Come here, baby,” he says, holding his hand out for me.

  Baby. A swarm of butterflies take flight in my belly. I’ve never had a man use a term of endearment with me, and this one, he seems to have plenty in his arsenal. On autopilot, I place my hand in his, and sparks ignite, coursing through my veins. From the look on his face, the way his mouth drops open and quickly closes, he feels it too. I allow him to lead me to the small table and pull my chair out for me.

  It’s on the tip of my tongue to tell him that I’m busy and don’t have time for this, but I know it’s going to fall on deaf ears. “Thank you,” I say instead.

  He gifts me with a boyish grin. His blue eyes have a light in them that tells me he’s enjoying his time… with me. I want to ask him why. I want to tell him that he’s putting his efforts into the wrong sister, but I don’t. Instead, I stay quiet and wait for him to place our food in front of us.

  “How was your day?” he asks, pulling open the wrapper around his meatball sub and taking a huge bite.

  “Busy.”

  “That’s good, right?” he asks, wiping his mouth.

  “Yes. Most of the customers today were here from word of mouth. That’s a good thing,” I say. The excitement that my dream is finally coming true, and it’s profitable, is palpable in my reply.

  “How long have you been open?”

  “Less than a month.”

  He nods. “Layla told me about this place. She brought in some banana muffins to the office, which were delicious by the way.” I grin at his words. “This place is going to blow up. I predict it’s just going to get busier. Trust me. I’m a sweets expert.”

  “We have more than sweets. We have fresh breads and croissants. Although not every day. Right now, it’s just Aspen and me. However, at the rate that we’re going, we’ll be able to hire some staff soon.”

  “That’s good.”

  “Is it?”

  “Yep. I’m going to need you to myself for our date, so you hiring help is beneficial to both of us.”

  “You’re awfully full of yourself.” My pulse pounds in my ears. Trusting men is hard for me, and well, Grant is intimidating with his good looks and confidence. The thought of spending more time with him causes butterflies to dance in my belly.

  He shrugs. “I want to get to know you.”

  “Why?” The words slip out before I can think better of it.

  “Because I like what I see. Because in order to make these delicious treats—” He motions around the lobby. “You have to be just as sweet on the inside. They’re made with love. I can taste it, and I want that in my life.”

  I look down at my lap, hiding from him. I’m not used to a man saying such nice things. In fact, it’s the exact opposite of what I’m used to. All I’ve ever heard from men, other than my father, is that my job is the reason I’m fat. That I need to stop with the baking, so I can lose weight. That’s just a glimpse of the hatred spewed my way.

  “Hey.” Grant reaches across the small table and places his index finger under my chin. He applies just the smallest amount of pressure until my eyes meet his. “Where did you go just now?”

  “I’m right here.”

  “Physically. Where were you mentally?”

  “That’s not something you want to hear. Trust me.” I close my eyes and sigh. What is it about this man that has me speaking words out loud that only my sister has had the privilege to hear?

  “You’re wrong. I want to hear it all.”

  “Another time,” I say, picking up my wrap and taking a bite. I chew slowly before wiping my mouth with a napkin. “Thank you for lunch. This is one of my favorites.”

  He nods. “I might have had some help with that.”

  “Aspen.”

  “Don’t blame her. She couldn’t resist the Riggins charm.”

  I can’t help it. I laugh. “You said you have four brothers, right? Your parents must be exhausted.” I give him a wide smile, letting him know that I’m kidding. Even with my trust issues, I find myself warming up to him. He just seems like a genuine guy. I don’t see any hate or cruelty hiding behind his eyes.

  “Yep. I’m the middleman. I have two older and two younger. As for my parents, they’re incredible.”

  “Are the others like you?”

  “What do you mean, like me?”

  “You know, pushy and don’t know how to take no for an answer.” My tone is light and teasing, but the reality is that I want to hear his answer. I want to see if there is any insight to the man sitting next to me.

  “Well, if you ask my sister-in-law and future sister-in-law, they would tell you yes. Royce and Owen, my two older brothers, they’re pretty stubborn when it comes to their women.”

  “Stubborn, how?”

  “Not in a bad way.” He’s quick to reassure me. “Just opening doors, and Layla, that’s Owen’s fiancée, she’s pregnant,” I remind her. “He frets over her. Not that it’s a bad thing, but they bicker about it. He wants to do everything for her, and she insists that she can still manage on her own.”

  “That’s sweet.”

  “Maybe, but I bet Layla feels differently. I get it, though. I would be the same way if my wife or fiancée were expecting. That’s precious cargo, carrying precious cargo.”

  My heart stutters, and my insides feel like mush, the butterflies taking flight for the second time in a matter of minutes. I know the definition of swoon, but this is the first time in my life I’ve ever felt as though the action was happening to me. I feel lightheaded from his confession, but my heart is full. It’s reassuring to know that there are still good men out there. I don’t know Grant Riggins well, but my gut tells me he is one of the good ones. He doesn’t appear to be putting on a show. He’s just speaking from his soul. That’s a rarity in my experience.

  “Did you always want to own your own bakery?” he asks.

  “I was maybe eight years old. Aspen and I spent the weekend with our grandmother. We made cupcakes from scratch, and I loved it. Mixing the ingredients to create something incredible. I was addicted after that. The magic bars, they were her recipe. I just added a little twist, but it’s mostly the same.”

  “They were delicious. I was right in buying the entire tray. Everyone devoured them.”

  “Thank you.” I take a sip of the bottle of water he placed in front of me with our food. “What about you? What do you do at Riggins?” I rush to ask to hide my excitement that everyone loved my creation. I know Grant is not my ex, but old habits die hard I guess.

  “It’s a family business. We’re a logistics company. My job is to oversee the day-to-day operations.”

  “All five of you work there?”

  “Yeah. My dad started the company, and when he retired, Royce took over as CEO. The rest of us have our own niche, so to speak, that we bring to the table as well.”

  “How is it? Working side by side with your brothers?”

  He shrugs. “We all get along. There are two years in between each of us. We’re stair-stepped in age. That’s what Mom calls it.”

  “I’m sure your parents are proud of you. Of all of you.”

  “They are. They’re saints to raise five rowdy boys, but they’ve done one hell of a job if I do say so myself.” He winks. “What about you? You and Aspen seem close.”

  Butterflies. I don’t understand my reaction to this man. “We are.”

  “I’m sure your parents are proud of you.”

  “They are. It’s my grandma who I wish could have seen this place.” I look up, and the look in his eyes is unexpected. Sadness. “We lost her two years ago. Nothing tragic happened. It was just her time. Mom and Dad are still living in Memphis. It’s just Aspen and me against Nashville.” I feel a tug in my heart, just like every time I think or talk about Grandma Edna, and our parents. I miss them terribly. I know Mom and Dad are just three hours away, but I still miss them like crazy.

  “I’m sorry for your loss.”

  I nod. The sincerity in his voice has me swallowing back my emotions. “Thank you. Thank you for lunch.” I place the remaining half of my wrap in the packaging.

  “When can I see you again?”

  “Grant—” I start, but he shakes his head.

  “I’m not taking no for an answer. You name the day and time, and I’ll make it happen.”

  “I work crazy hours.”

  “Name it,” he says, his blue eyes boring into mine.

  “I go to bed early, and I’m up at ungodly hours to start the day.”

  “I want to see you again.”

  “We’re closed on Sunday!” Aspen yells from somewhere in the kitchen.

  “You need a sister?” I ask him.

  “I have two.”

  “I thought you had four brothers?”

  “My sisters-in-law are my sisters.”

  There he goes again, melting me with his words. “So, Sunday? My mom has Sunday dinner, but I can miss it.”

  “No.” I’m quick to shut that idea down. “I don’t want you to miss out on family time.”

  “Then come with me.”

  “W-What?” I sputter. “I can’t come with you.”

  “Sure you can. The more the merrier.”

  “No.”

  “Please?” He juts out his bottom lip, and I admit it’s hard to hold firm on my answer.

  “I’m sorry,” I say, standing.

  He does the same and steps in close to me. I can feel the heat of his body and his eyes. The blue is mesmerizing this close. “Sunday, you’re mine. Send me your address. I’ll pick you up in the morning.”

  “I— No.”

  “Aspen!” he calls out.

  “Yes?” She’s grinning when she sticks her head outside of the kitchen door.

  “I need your address.”

  My sister rattles off her number. “Text me, and I’ll reply with all the info you need.”

  “I like her,” he says, and my stomach sinks. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told by the men in my life, well, one man in particular that I should be more like my sister.

  “Hey.” He cradles my face in the palm of his hands. “It’s you I want. It’s you I want to spend time with.”

  My skin tingles from his touch. I guess I didn’t hide my reaction as well as I thought. “You can’t skip dinner, and I can’t go with you.”

  “We can see how the day goes. Is that fair?”

  “Say yes!” Aspen hollers out, making me smile, and Grant laughs.

  “Say yes, Aurora.” He leans in close, and his musky scent invades the little space between us.

  “Yes.” My eyes widen at my agreement, and he throws his head back and laughs.

  “I’ll see you Sunday, beautiful.” He leans in and places a kiss on my cheek.

  I stand frozen with my hand on my cheek as he walks away. “Bye, Aspen!” he yells over his shoulder before striding out the door.

  “Holy shit, that man is hot, and he wants you.”

  “I—” I start to reply, but I’ve got nothing. Aspen’s arms wrap around me, and I’m grateful to be able to lean on her. My knees are weak.

  Grant Riggins is dangerous for my heart.

  Chapter 5

  Grant

  I’ve spent the last few days obsessing over my date with Aurora. That’s not me. That’s not who I am. I don’t stress over dates. Hell, I rarely go on dates. It’s been… longer than I can remember. It’s Saturday night, and instead of taking Conrad and Marshall up on their offer to hit the club, I’m sitting at home, watching mindless television. I’m not satisfied with the date I planned for tomorrow, and that’s wigging me out a little. I want her to come to Sunday dinner with my family. I’ve never brought someone, and I know what it means if I do, what my brothers and my parents will think. I know what their assumptions about what she means to me will be. I can’t seem to find it in me to care. I don’t know what it is about her, but I can’t seem to get Aurora out of my head.

  I stopped by Warm Delights every single day this week. I didn’t go this morning. Instead, I made myself go to the gym and meet my two younger brothers. I hated every minute of it. All I could think about was me missing the opportunity to hear her voice, and to see those beautiful hazel eyes trying to hide she’s secretly glad I’ve thrust myself into her life. Her eyes are so expressive. It makes me wonder what else I can see in them, how they would look as I hover over her gorgeous body, raking my hands over her curves as our bodies connect as one.

  Reaching for my phone, I start to send her a text, but I know that won’t calm the desire to hear her voice, but calling her will. We’ve done nothing but text back and forth, but I need to hear her voice. Not giving myself the chance to change my mind, I click on her contact and place the phone next to my ear.

  “Grant?” she greets me. Her voice is hesitant.

  “I missed you.” The words pass my lips before I realize that they’re the truth. How is that possible? I barely even know her, but I missed getting to see her today.

  “You… missed me?”

  “Like a fucking limb.” My voice is calm and serious, but her laughter tells me she thinks otherwise.

  “You always laugh at a man when he’s baring his soul to you?” I counter, with a hint of my own laughter in my tone.

  “Oh, is that what you’re doing?” she volleys back.

  My smile is huge, and I’m kicking myself in the ass for not calling her sooner. Fuck texting. I want her voice in my ear. “I’m on my knees,” I tell her. She laughs again, and I feel the sound deep in my chest. “How was your day?” I ask, settling back into the couch. It’s as if hearing her voice is all that I needed to relax.

  “Good. We were busy again today.”

  The smile in her voice is prominent. “That’s great, babe. Are you ready for our day together tomorrow?”

  “All day?” she questions.

  “Yep,” I say, popping the p. “You’re mine all day.”

  She’s quiet for several beats of my heart and so am I. I give her the time she needs to work through whatever it is that’s plaguing her mind. “What are we doing?” she finally asks. Her inquiry is soft.