Im glad, by the way, that I made the choices I did. I enjoy the bakery. I love that its a family business and that despite the bickering, were all working toward the same goal. I love to see my aunt and my cousins pretty much daily.
And it means you bring bread to me. Which is always a plus as far as Im concerned. And if I fall into a crevasse you can save me.
He laughed, standing to brush off his butt and begin to put away their impromptu snack. I will always save you from a crevasse. Not that there are any close. But if we climb Rainier or something, Ive got you covered.
She got her pack secured and gave him a face. That was just talk. I dont go near crevasses. I love hiking and biking and kayaking and that sort of thing. I dont go ice camping or do any sort of extreme climbing.
Im sure youd be really good at it, though.
Maybe. But Ive done enough time in hospitals so I try to avoid more.
He kissed the top of her head. Im on board with that.
Thank you for trusting me enough to share that story. Im sorry for all of you. But Im glad you all had one another to get through, she said.
I learned a lot about who I was and who I could be if I tried harder, he said as he took her hand.
They walked side by side for a while until the trail narrowed and they had to move single file.
Valentines Day is coming up.
She gave him a glance over her shoulder as she hiked in front of him. I dont have any expectations. I mean. This is new and
He interrupted her. This is not new. Ive known you for years. Alexsei and I were thinking of making you and Maybe a dinner at your house. With chocolate cake for dessert. The recipe is a closely guarded secret and I only break it out for the people who matter most to me.
Now that shed let him close he had no intention of sliding back into anything less than true honesty between them. Skittish was fine. Aloof wasnt.
They made their way back to the parking lot, not talking. But he knew it wasnt that she was ignoring him, but thinking of a response.
He enjoyed the birdsong until she stopped, turning to face him. I love chocolate cake. And I love it when people make me food. You have excellent forearms and I like to look at them and your butt when youre in a kitchen. Im fairly sure Id like to watch you bake.
Her words spilled out, tumbling one after the next and he caught each one.
You should feel free to come by the bakery when Im working and Ill set you up in the corner with a cup of tea and something sweet while you watch me knead dough.
Dont joke. I think I just had an orgasm at that visual.
He paused at the revelation of another layer of this woman. Then he grinned. Its not a joke. Especially after that comment. Im there pretty much every day were open. Otherwise, should you need an orgasm, Im happy to deliver that as well as dinner.
She pinkened and he ducked to kiss her.
People came up the trail so they moved to the side as they started back down once more.
* * *
RACHEL WATCHED THE scenery whiz by as he drove. Ideas came often enough that she had her notepad out and began working on a new idea, not realizing how close they were to home until he stopped at a stop sign just three blocks away.
Would you like to come over? she asked him.
Yes. Ill shower and come over after.
As her bathroom had a pretty small shower, one that would challenge the width of his shoulders she was sure, she didnt invite him to share hers.
He dropped her off and waited until shed unlocked all three locks on the front door and went inside. Where she relocked everything, reset the alarm and toed off her shoes, tucking them into the hall closet before padding into the kitchen, where Alexsei stood at the sink.
Maybe was cleaning up what appeared to be an exploding blender.
So I thought, how hard could it be to make smoothies? This is why I dont cook, Maybe said when she caught sight of Rachel.
I suggested moderation in the total volume of fruit in the blender, Alexsei said, making Rachel laugh.
Maybe thinks moderation is for suckers, she told him.
Only when its about food. And sex. And sleep, Maybe added.
Atta girl. Vic is coming over in a bit so Im going to clean up from our hike and be back down.
Of course, Maybe was sitting on her bed after her shower.
Youre in ambush mode all the time now, Rachel said as she got changed. One would think youd have less time to stalk me like a jungle cat when you have a hot dude in your bed to take to bone town.
He sleeps with me. Believe me when I tell you I have a frequent flier card for trips to bone town. Speaking of bone town, I note the very sexy matching underwear youve got going on. I like to see you all giddy and sexy and stuff. Maybe picked up a candle on the nightstand, sniffed it and put it back.
Did Alexsei tell you about Valentines Day? Rachel asked her.
He did. Itll be my first Valentines Day with like a for-real boyfriend. I know this is old hat for you but as such things go, its pretty cool so far. Except I dont really know what to get him. What are you going to get Vic?
Jesus, Maybe! Now Im going to be all nervous about it. I have no idea.
Well fuck. Youre the expert. What did you get Brad? You lived with him. He was all serious business until he put his penis in someone else while you were in a coma and all.
Rachel snickered. Leave it to her sister to know just what to say to make her laugh. Well see, thats why you shouldnt ask me for my opinion.
I highly doubt he cheated on you because you got him what? A watch or something?
Im sure hed say so. Her ex was a total dick. A cheating dick whod stolen money from their joint account while she was in that coma Maybe had just mentioned. As for presents, I got him a cashmere sweater once. A watch, but a really nice one he wanted and wasnt going to shut up about until he got it. And the last one I got him a Coach duffel. All very good gifts. All things he wanted. But I dont think Ill give Vic any of those things.
Why? Hed look gorgeous in a cashmere sweater.
He totally would. But I dont think those presents would be for Valentines Day. I dont know. It just feels like hed appreciate a gift that meant something to him. He struck her that way. Sentimental but not in a negative sense. Im going to look around and when I see the right thing itll jump out at me. I hope. Its not like I can bake him something.
Maybe nodded. Not that you should complain because that means he will bake for you. And by extension, me. But you did give me good advice just now. Ive been looking for the right present but I havent found it yet. I should be patient.
You got him that antique shaving set for Christmas and he loved that. Youre doing fine.
Look at us, panicking about Valentines Day like adults. Maybe linked her arm with Rachels before heading back downstairs where the commotion signaled Vics arrival.