Read Online Sweet Surprise by Candis Terry - Free Book Online Page B

elderlies hopping.
    “We know you must be busier than a bee in spring,” Gladys said, handing over a basket loaded with bottled water, cookies, a phone book, and an empty picture frame. “We just wanted to drop by and let you know how excited we all are about the opening of your new shop.”
    “Thank you.” Fiona shook Gladys’s extended hand. “I really appreciate the hospitality.”
    “Some of us who’ve already had the opportunity to taste your goodies can’t wait for opening day.” Arlene winked a rheumy hazel eye and did a finger wiggle. “Especially if he’s gonna be here. Hey there, handsome.”
    Gladys gave Arlene an elbow to the side. “Always gotta be scamming on the young ones, don’t you.”
    No doubt Gladys, Arlene, and some of their eighty-plus-year-old chums were either a bit eccentric or tipping the bottle a bit early. Fiona knew for certain there was no one behind her. All the movers had left a long time ago, and she’d been alone since she came back from having lunch with Izzy.
    “I plan to open the shop in a few weeks.” Fiona smiled. “And I’ll make sure y’all get a personal invitation.”
    “ Him serving the cupcakes in some skivvies would be a mighty nice addition to the festivities.” Arlene gave another wink.
    Fiona chuckled even though she thought poor Arlene might need to see a doctor about those wild hallucinations she was having. Or at least get her bifocals adjusted. “I’ll see if I can make that happen.”
    Imaginary men she could do.
    The real thing? Uh-uh.
    After a few introductions, the crowd left their welcome gifts and scooted out the door. Fiona lifted a vase containing a colorful bouquet from the top of the display case to take to the back and add water. She turned and yelped with surprise. The vase slipped in her hands and nearly crashed to the floor.
    There stood Mike Halsey—hottie fireman. Arms folded. Biceps bulging. Beard shadow dusting his strong jaw. And sensuous mouth smiling.
    “I’m not sure what skivvies are,” he said. “But I’m dying to find out. And I might be interested in tasting your goodies too.”
    “Oh my God. You scared me to death!” Fiona slapped a hand to her hammering heart. “I thought for sure poor Mrs. Potter was having a senior moment.”
    “Sorry. I should have cleared my throat or something to make my presence known, but I didn’t want to interrupt your moment.”
    He came closer, and his clean cotton and fresh manly scent turned on a crazy little vibration in her girl parts. And . . . good Lord, had he just said he wanted to taste her goodies?
    Yeah, sure, she knew he meant her cupcakes. Didn’t stop her mind from wandering off in a completely different direction. And that little side trip verified it wouldn’t take more than a mouse’s IQ to realize she’d gone too long without s-e-x.
    Mike unfolded his arms, revealing the broad chest beneath a snug white T-shirt and just the hint of a tattoo on his left biceps. Levi’s worn to a pale blue at the edges of the pockets and the interesting area around his zipper fit him like only a well-loved pair of jeans could fit a man. To perfection.
    Yep.
    Way too long without s-e-x.
    The jury was in. Her overactive imagination had finally deteriorated to the level of a bad Skinemax movie.
    “I brought my truck, so I parked in the alley and came in through the back door. It was standing wide open.” He hitched a thumb over his shoulder. “You should keep that locked when you’re here alone.”
    “I’ll keep that in mind.”
    “I didn’t mean to startle you.” His look was apologetic.
    Startle her? She couldn’t get past the hum vibrating through her blood to even think straight. “What are you doing here?”
    Those dark mysterious eyes glimmered. “Day off.”
    “And you decided to drive all the way to Sweet?”
    He nodded and glanced around her shop. That drew her attention to his thick black hair. Cut short, it had been carelessly groomed. Her fingers tingled