Chapter Fourteen
After nearly two weeks of being on the receiving end of Brooke’s death glare, Angel was determined to befriend her. Balancing a confectionery box on the palm of her hand like a waitress, Angel swung open the door to Ethan’s garage. “Good morning,” she said, smiling at Brooke, who was behind the counter, applying mascara.
Brooke glanced up from her compact at Angel. “How can you be so cheerful this early in the morning?”
“Hazard of the job,” Angel said as she crossed the room. “I’ve been up since three this morning baking.”
“It’s only eight o’clock. Why are you out of work so early?” Brooke asked as she set down her mascara.
“Suzi overstaffed the morning, so I have a couple hours off,” Angel explained.
Brooke brought an eyelash curler to her eye. “Lucky me,” she said dryly.
“Lucky you, indeed. I’ve brought fresh baked donuts.”
Brooke eyed the box through her glittery lashes. “What kind?”
Angel knew this was her chance to win over Brooke. The beauty’s body had that sinewy, starved look—the kind of figure that could only be the result of endless workouts and meals of iceberg lettuce. Angel opened the box and placed it on the counter in front of Brooke. “You get first pick.”
“Oh God,” Brooke said as she quickly piled her makeup back into her hot pink leather satchel. Then she gripped the box between manicured fingers and stared at the puffy pastries. Several boasted a thick chocolate glaze that shone under the fluorescent lights. Others tempted the eye with a confetti of rainbow sprinkles.
“I’ll have to do double duty at the gym,” Brooke said, her voice strained. Chewing her bottom lip, she seemed to consider each one.
“You have to treat yourself occasionally,” Angel said soothingly. “You deserve it.”
Brooke smiled at her. “I do, don’t I?”
“Absolutely. That one is really good,” Angel said, pointing to a chocolate frosted donut. “It’s Boston Cream, but like no Boston Cream you’ve ever tasted.”
Brooke moaned softly. “Oh God,” she said as she pinched the thick donut between her turquoise, diamond-studded talons and took a bite, making a sound that was almost orgasmic. “Oh God. It’s amazing.”
Angel smiled at the frosting dotting Brooke’s pouty lips. “I’m glad you like it.”
Brooke flashed Angel a genuine smile for the first time. “Thank you,” she said softly. “I really needed this.”
“Hold on,” Angel said, smiling. “It’s not quite perfect yet.” She crossed the room to the coffee station and poured a cup. “How do you take it?” she called to Brooke.
Brooke covered her full mouth and mumbled, “Black,” between her fingers and giggled.
Angel smiled. “A girl after my own heart.” She returned to the counter and placed a steaming mug in front of Brooke. “Now, this is how you start the day.”
Brooke’s smile stretched from ear to ear. And just like that, Angel knew she had won her over thanks to the irresistible power of fresh baked donuts.
Angel smiled and gave her new friend a little wave before popping into the garage to offer Nathan and the other guys a pick from her goodie box. Then she headed into the bike room.
“I only have a few left,” she said, holding up the white, confectionery box.
Ethan took the box from her hands and passed it off to Lucky. “I prefer the baker.”
He wrapped his arm around her waist and kissed her. She savored the taste of his warm mouth.
“I think I prefer the baker as well.”
Angel froze in Ethan’s arms. She glanced to see who had spoken, and for the first time, she noticed a stranger standing off to the side. He was tall and impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. From his stance to his gaze, he oozed confidence. He had startling green eyes, dark hair, and he had spoken with a refined English accent.
Ethan kept his arm possessively around her waist. “Only the bike’s for sale.”
The man walked toward her, his movements unhurried while his gaze traveled the full length of her body with a predatory glint in his eye, making her feel instantly wary. She tucked herself a little behind Ethan.
“Mr. Calloway, I meant no offense. I was merely admiring this young woman’s beauty.” He offered her his hand. She looked up at Ethan and waited for his approval. His expression looked lethal, but he nodded. She let the Englishman take her hand.
“I am Lord Nicholas Winthrope.” He bent and pressed a kiss to the top of her hand, all the while keeping his gaze locked with hers. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss?”
Angel swallowed. “Sullivan,” she answered nervously. “Angel Sullivan.”
A smile curved his lips as he continued to stare at her. Then he straightened and stepped back. “A pleasure, Angel.”
She smiled, then looked away, not knowing how to respond. Ethan’s newest client made her nervous. Her shoulders inched up around her ears, but then she felt Ethan’s hand tighten around her waist. Instantly, her apprehension dissolved. She straightened, standing tall. Ethan would always protect her.
“I think we’re done here, Nick,” Ethan said. “You’ve seen the design basics.”
Angel watched Lord Winthrope smile at Ethan. “I cannot begin to express my delight. You have a rare talent,” he said, offering Ethan his hand.
Angel relaxed when she saw the level of respect the Englishman showed Ethan.
“We’ll talk next week,” Ethan said to his client. Then he turned to Lucky. “Enjoy the donuts. I’ll see you all tomorrow.”
Ethan led her out to the parking lot. “Are you okay?” he asked as he helped her slide on her helmet.
“He frazzled me,” she confessed. “He was just a little intense, but I’m fine now. I could tell he appreciated your work, which is what really matters.”
“You are what really matters,” he said, firmly. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
She smiled and put on her sunglasses. “Never better.”
He squeezed her hand, then put up the kick stand. “Hold on tight.”
“Gladly,” she said, wrapping her arms around his waist.
She loved riding on the back of Ethan’s motorcycle, her body flush against his, her head, helmet and all, resting on his strong back while he skillfully wove through the cars to bypass the city traffic. It was a beautiful time of year with the heat of summer behind them and the cold of winter not yet on the horizon.
They pulled onto Beacon Street and, together, made their way up the granite steps. She squeezed his hand tighter, savoring the security of his strength. His capable presence at her side allowed her to walk more confidently through life. She was no longer afraid of what might await her around the corner.
Standing outside his door, he bent his head and whispered in her ear. “Close your eyes.”
Trusting him fully, she smiled, closed her eyes, and allowed him to lead her through his home. When he stopped, she inhaled deeply. Her favorite scents of lilac and vanilla reached her nose.
“Open your eyes.”
She gasped, her hands covering her mouth. His massive, round soaking tub glistened with bubbles. Candlelight illuminated the room with a soft, sensual glow. Steamy warmth enveloped her, and her body started to melt just at the sight of the frothy suds. “How did you do this?”
He shrugged. “When you called to let me know that you were going to have a break, I made a few calls of my own to surprise you.” He drew closer, his eyes narrowing on her with wicked intent. “Stand still,” he said softly.
She did as he asked and stood unmoving, her arms hanging at her sides. He circled around her, his arm sliding across her waist and stomach. Then he stopped behind her and covered her eyes with a soft strip of fabric. Her heart raced as he secured it in place with a knot. The air was thick, the bath scent now stronger. She licked her lips, nervously waiting for what would come next.
“Lift your arms,” he said.
She raised her arms up over her head. Standing behind her, he slowly eased her shirt up, dragging his fingertips up her torso before he swept it off.
His tongue and full lips grazed her shoulders, sweeping down her back, sending shivers shooting through her. She groaned and leaned into him.
“I told you not to move.”
She froze, her hands at her sides, her heart racing faster still.
Several moments passed while she waited for him to touch her. Her body tingled in anticipation.
He gripped her hips, causing her to gasp with surprise. He pulled her against him. She could feel his hard length through her jeans. Then he undid her button and zipper and eased her jeans and panties down.
She was completely naked and utterly vulnerable. Her breaths quickened as he nudged her legs apart, but still he didn’t touch her. She stood, unmoving, heart pounding, waiting for what would come next. Her body ached to be touched. Then a ripple of sensation shot through her as he gently stroked between her thighs. Her hips pressed forward, her body hungry for more.
“Don’t move,” he commanded, withdrawing his touch.
She held still, her heart blasting in her ears, her body burning hot with need. Waiting, she became even more breathless, anticipation governing her every thought. Every inch of her body longed for him, her nerve endings vying for his caress.
“Please,” she whispered, but then a squeal came unbidden to her lips when he suddenly scooped her up and set her feet down in the steamy tub. Gently, he eased her down, immersing her body in heavenly warmth and scented bubbles.
“Lay your head back,” he said, his voice low and husky.
A soft cloth glided over her breasts. Her nipples tingled, becoming hard nubs as he gently washed them. Slowly, he dragged the soft cloth across her stomach. Then he washed her inner thigh in slow circular motions.
“Oh God,” she groaned, lifting her hips, yearning for his attention to move higher, but instead his cloth swept to her other thigh. She squirmed as need burned through her. Again, he massaged her, creeping exquisitely close to where she wanted to be touched most before moving away again.
“Please,” she begged.
“I know what you want,” he rasped in her ear. A breath later, his hand glided back up her thigh. At last, he ran the cloth between her legs. Soft moans escaped her lips when his finger penetrated her, slowly, deeply. And then another finger. Pressure built within her, making her writhe. Her body throbbed, strained, ached for release.
“Don’t stop,” she begged. “Please, Ethan, don’t stop.” She seized as exquisite pain erupted into endless pleasure.
Breathless, her body still reveling, she was aware of being lifted, dripping wet from the tub. He carried her in his arms. A cool chill told her when they had left the bathroom. And then soft warmth cradled her as he laid her down on his bed.
He untied the blindfold. The soft glow of dozens of candles illuminated his room. He stood before her, his cut, chiseled body on exquisite display. One look at his arousal, and she was ready for more.
Hunger darkened his eyes. “You are so hot,” he growled.
She arched her back and spread her legs wide. He entered her in one thrust. Her breaths came in ragged heaves. Her heart pounded as he filled her, again and again, and then her body erupted, spiraling and spinning.
Ethan felt her body quake around his hard length. She was so slick and tight, so pure and untouched. Her body hugged his arousal until aching need turned to glorious relief.
∞∞∞
Angel laid her head on his smooth chest. “That was amazing,” she said.
He kissed her head. “You’re amazing.”
Her fingers grazed cool metal. She lifted her head to take a closer look at the cross he always wore. It was silver with Celtic knotwork. “This is beautiful.”
He remained silent, unchanged except for the beating of his heart, which quickened beneath her fingertips.
At length, he spoke, his voice low and intimate. “It was my father’s. He gave it to me a week before he died.”
“How did he die?” she asked quietly.
“He killed himself.”
She sucked in a sharp breath as her hand flew to her lips. “I’m so sorry, Ethan. That’s horrible.”
Ethan’s own words echoed in his mind. He never told people about his father. To his even greater surprise, he realized he wasn’t done either. Words, so personal and secret, poured almost unbidden from his lips. “My dad was always a little manic, you know. He soared high when times were good and crashed when things turned shitty. But then something happened that just pushed him too hard. He couldn’t handle it.”
He sat up, and her arms came around him from behind.
“What happened?” she asked softly.
He shook his head, still amazed how the callousness of one man could bring about the demise of another. “He poured his heart and soul into his business. Gave everything he had to it. Then a bigshot client cheated him, and he lost it all…everything.” He lifted his shoulders. “It broke him.”
She stroked a hand down his back. “That’s so awful. Who was the client?”
“Lockwood Luxury,” he said, the words dripping from his lips with disdain. “The company is run by a shameless scumbag.”
She buried her head in his neck. “I’m so sorry.”
“What’s that,” he asked, suddenly hearing a repetitive beep.
“Oh no,” she gasped behind him.
“What it is?” he said, turning to look at her, but she scurried off the bed.
“Damn it, Ethan. I’m so sorry. It’s my alarm. I didn’t realize the time. I have to go back to work.”
She dashed from the room. He followed her into her closet and watched her frantically grab a pair of jeans and a t-shirt.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I can’t be late. I promised Suzi. She has an appointment, so Matty will be on his own.” She pulled on her clothes and hurried from her closet into the kitchen to slip on her chef’s clogs. “I have to go.”
“Give me a minute.” Ethan returned to his bedroom and quickly donned a pair of jeans and a thermal charcoal-colored Henley. Then he pulled on leather boots and grabbed his wallet.
She was standing by the door, clutching her bag so tightly that her knuckles were white.
“Don’t worry, Angel. I’ll drive you. I promise you won’t be late.”
They made it to Bake Off with ten minutes to spare, but when she stood and removed her helmet and their eyes met, he could tell that her anxiety lingered. He reached for her and pulled her close in his arms. “You’re on time. Breathe, Angel.” Brows drawn, he cupped her cheek. “Are you okay? You look a little pale.”
She nodded and drew a deep breath. “I just got myself worked up, but I’m fine now, just a little hungry.” She pressed a soft, tender kiss to his lips. “Thank you for getting me here on time.”
He ran the back of his fingers down her cheek. “I bathed you, made love to you, but I forgot to feed you.”
She smiled. “It’s a good thing I work at a bakery.”
He pulled her close. “Only for another two days.” He kissed her long and hard, then forced himself to release his hold on her waist. “Go ahead. I’ll pick you up at the end of your shift.”
He watched her disappear inside before he climbed back on his bike.
As he pulled onto Beacon Street, he parked behind Angel’s car. Running his hand over the curve of her hood, he smiled. He had offered to buy her a new car, a Mercedes or Jeep, anything she wanted. But she had refused, saying she now loved her car so much, she couldn’t bear to part with it.
The first leaves of autumn had fallen. A few clung to her windshield. When he pulled them off, he noticed her inspection sticker was due to expire at the end of the month. He headed inside and quickly showered. Then he threw on some old jeans, a white t-shirt, gray hoodie, and work boots and grabbed Angel’s keys off the counter. Once outside, he crossed to Angel’s car, slid onto the white leather seats, and turned the engine over. It purred. He revved the engine a little, pleased with the smooth sound. He had to admit, he was touched that Angel preferred the car he rebuilt. He drove to work, pulling into one of the open bays.
Nathan came right over. “You just overhauled this baby. She’s a beauty. What could she possibly need?”
“A sticker,” Ethan said, getting out of the car and tossing Nathan the keys.
“Do you want me just to throw one on?”
Ethan shook his head. “No. Check it over again just to be sure it’s safe and by the book.”
He headed into the bike shop to check out how Lucky was coming with the build.
“So far, so good,” Lucky said as he polished the embossed metal tank.
Ethan nodded absently while he stroked his hand over a wide, heavy piece of distressed leather that would eventually be the seat. He envisioned an intricate interlace of rope and leather that would mirror an ancient Viking shield. “She’ll be hard to give up.”
“At least it’s going to royalty,” Lucky joked.
“Nick’s an alright guy,” Ethan said, checking the leather for thin spots. “I can tell he appreciates a good thing when he sees it.” Satisfied, Ethan looked at Lucky. “You’re making great time.”
Lucky nodded. “We were a little behind because some of the parts took an extra week to ship, but we made it up with a few late nights.”
“Keep it up. If we finish ahead of schedule, everyone gets a bonus.”
“Even me?” Brooke said, smiling sweetly as she came into the room. “JK,” she laughed. Then she looked around. “Where’s Angel?”
Ethan raised a brow at her. “Why are you so interested in Angel? I thought you weren’t a fan.”
“Keep up, Ethan. I absolutely adore her and her donuts.” She offered him a coffee. “Right now, you’re too busy to play here with the boys. You have some messages up on your desk.”
He took the steaming mug and started up the stairs, but then he turned and looked down at Brooke. “I’m glad you warmed to Angel.”
Brooke smiled. “She’s a special girl, Ethan. Real genuine.”
With a nod of approval, he climbed the rest of the stairs to his office to catch up on business.
Ten minutes later, there was a quick rapping on the door before Nathan peered inside. “Is it cool if I come in, boss?”
Ethan waved him in. “Does Angel’s car check out?”
Nathan nodded. “Her car’s fine. It’s Angel that doesn’t check out.”
Ethan stood up. “What are you talking about?”
Brows drawn, Nathan looked down at the clipboard in his hand. “I thought you said her last name was Sullivan?”
“It is,” Ethan said impatiently, a feeling of foreboding creeping into his mind. “Her name is Angel Sullivan.”
“Not according to her registration,” Nathan said, passing Ethan the clipboard.
Ethan snatched it from Nathan’s hand and skimmed over the paper.
Then his heart sank.