Chapter 4

Billie

The next morning, I'm back at the bakery, but my head is still buzzing from last night. Every time I close my eyes, I see Rayne. The way his hand felt on my thigh, the heat of his touch, the low rasp of his voice saying he's done holding back. I can't stop thinking about it.

It's still early, and the bakery is quiet, just the smell of fresh bread and cinnamon hanging in the air. I'm pulling trays of muffins from the oven when I hear the bell over the door jingle.

"Morning," a familiar low, rough voice says.

I turn, and there he is—Rayne Miller is standing in my doorway, looking every bit the rugged cowboy. That damn hat, those worn jeans clinging to his thick thighs, and a plain black T-shirt that hugs every inch of his broad chest. I shouldn't be staring, but hell, it's impossible not to.

"Morning," I reply, trying not to sound breathless. "You're here early."

He steps closer until he's leaning against the counter. "Figured I'd stop by. See if you needed any help."

I can't help the grin that spreads across my face. "I told you, you're not getting paid in cupcakes."

Rayne's lips twitch into a small smile as he gives me a look—one of his intense, unreadable gaze that does things to me.

I turn back to the oven, trying to pull myself together. "I'm good. No help needed, but thanks for the offer."

He doesn't say anything, just stands there, watching me with those dark eyes. The silence between us is thick, and after a few moments, I can't take it anymore. I set the tray down on the counter and turn to face him.

"What's happening here, Rayne?" I ask, my voice steady but my heart racing.

He raises one of his thick, inky eyebrows, and there's a flicker of something in his eyes. "What do you mean?"

I cross my arms over my chest. "You know exactly what I mean. The pumpkins, the looks, the touches… the help! What do you want from me?"

Rayne steps closer, his broad frame looming over me, and for a moment, I think my heart might actually stop. His big hand reaches up, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering on my cheek.

I swallow hard, trying to keep my cool.

His hand slides down to rest at the back of my neck, his thumb brushing slow circles against my skin. Then he rumbles, "everything."

The word hits me like a freight train, but instead of being shocked, I feel… relieved. Excited.

His dark eyes never leave mine. "I'm done holding back, Billie."

I feel myself smile. "Good."

Then, before either of us can say anything else, I grab him by the collar of that damn T-shirt and pull him down into a kiss. It's hard, fast, and a little desperate, but it's everything I've been wanting and so much more. His mouth on mine, his hands gripping me, pulling me closer. His lips are firm and soft all at once. His breath, clean. His tongue, talented. And the way he tastes? God, I don't think I'll ever get enough.

* * *

Rayne

The second Billie pulls me into that kiss, I know I'm fucked. I've been holding back for so long, trying to keep my distance, but now that I've got her in my arms? There's no going back.

Her lips are soft, warm, and fuck, she tastes like cinnamon and sugar. I grip her waist, pulling her tight against me, feeling the way her body melts into mine. She's everything I've been craving.

Billie's hands slide up my chest, her fingers tracing my muscles, and it's taking every bit of restraint I've got not to push her up against the counter and show her exactly how badly I want her. But not here. Not like this.

I pull back, resting my forehead against hers, my breath coming out in short, ragged bursts. "Not yet."

She looks up at me, lips swollen from our kiss, her chocolate eyes full of heat. "What?"

I smirk, brushing my thumb over her bottom lip. "We're not rushing this. When I have you, it's not gonna be in the back of your bakery."

Her eyes flash with something dark and playful. "You planning on having me, cowboy?"

I let out a low chuckle, my hand sliding down to the curve of her ass. "Oh, sweetheart, there's no question about that."

She grins up at me, all sass and confidence. "About time."

I press one last kiss to her lips, savoring the taste of her, before stepping back.

"Go out with me," I tell her, more than I ask.

Billie's grin widens, and she nods, biting on that full bottom lip I wish I was the one nibbling on.

I pull my phone from my back pocket. "What's your number, sweetheart?" Her eyes widen at the endearment and I smile. She rattles off her digits. I save them, then I'm out. Leaving before I can't control myself anymore.

I touch the brim of my hat, nodding a silent goodbye, and walk out.