Page 5 of Turning Up the Heat
“Sure. I’ll just get started.”
He scurried through the double doors leading to the kitchen as I began re-testing outlets and marking egress points.
“Hey.”
Her voice grabbed my attention. I hated to admit it, but a rush of heat definitely traveled down south at the sound. Looking over my shoulder, I met her gaze. “Hey.”
She locked her blue eyes on mine and my pulse shot up. Ignoring the drumming in my chest, I broke eye contact and focused on the task at hand. Best to move forward with the inspection, quick and dirty, and get the hell out of there before I did anything that got me into trouble.
I ducked down behind the counter, checking the expiration date on the fire extinguisher, marking it off the list.
“Everything good so far?” Delaney crouched down, right next to me. Our shoulders brushed and I caught the faint scent of fresh lemon.
“Yeah, it’s all good so far. You don’t need to tag along. I’ve got this.” I glanced over at her, but she shook her head.
“I’m sure you do. I want to be certain everything’s in tip-top shape, though.” She flashed me a tight smile, her rosy lips pressed together.
I pushed away the thought of kissing those lips, shrugging. “Suit yourself, Cupcake.”
She trailed me through the empty café, then back into the kitchen. I sensed her eyes on my back as I tested and retested outlets and documented extinguishers. I tried to concentrate on safety details, not on her sweet scent as she leaned over my shoulder, her breasts skimming my arm.
I stood up and so did she. “I’ve done this before, you know,” I said, glancing over my shoulder as she tagged behind me to the freezer.
“I know. I trust you.” She brushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear, and I wondered what would happen if the freezer door locked behind me.
For better or worse, that didn’t happen and I continued the inspection, making my way to the alley, Delaney right behind me.
By now it was almost dark, and the temperature had definitely dropped. Delaney hopped from foot to foot, rubbing her arms in an attempt to stay warm. She hadn’t even put on a coat.
“Go inside. You’re freezing,” I said, glancing over at her from the curb.
She stuck her chin out, determined to stay through the entire inspection. “I’m fine. I spent the last five years in New York, you know.”
“Are you always this stubborn?” I asked, standing.
“I’m not stubborn, I’m tenacious.” She bit her lower lip.
I chuckled. “Oh, so that’s what we’re calling it these days?” I crossed over to where she stood, her back to the brick building.
Rising to her full height, which was only mid-chest to me, she locked her eyes on mine. “Yes, it is.”
I reached around, stretching my arm over her shoulder, resting my hand on the metal fire escape behind her. She inhaled sharply and a flash of warmth rushed to my gut as my arm brushed against hers. We were only inches apart now and I noted the smoothness of her skin, the light splash of freckles across the bridge of her nose. I rattled the fire escape, testing the stability. Delaney started at the sound of the metal scraping, jumping a little.
Leaning down towards her, I put my lips close to her ear. “Don’t worry, the ‘scape’s stable, should you ever need to use it.”
Then I dropped back into my own space and Delaney shivered.
“All done.” I grabbed the door, holding it open for her. “Ladies first.”
She spun on her heel and sashayed into the warmth of the bakery. I followed behind her, fully appreciating the view.
The scent of vanilla and lemon enveloped me as I entered the bright kitchen and suddenly, I was starving.
“Sample?” Marsden materialized beside me, offering up a bright yellow confection, covered with powdered sugar.
“Sure. I won’t even cite you for attempting to bribe a government official.” I snagged the pastry before he changed his mind and took a bite, savoring the tangy sweetness and the buttery crust.
“Mmmm, that is good,” I said, brushing white sugar from my lips. “Your mom’s recipe?” I looked to Delaney for confirmation.