Read Online Wildflower Wedding by Luann McLane - Free Book Online

cannoli.”
    â€œAh, so I had you at the cannoli? I’ve got several decadent desserts up my sleeve.” He wiggled his fingers.
    â€œYou’re not wearing sleeves,” Gabby joked, but when she looked at his tanned, muscled arms and the hint of the tattoos peeking out of the short sleeves that were stretched by his biceps, she suddenly wondered what he would look like shirtless. The thought brought warmth into her cheeks and she was glad that he couldn’t read her mind either. A hint of what she was feeling must have shown on her face, because his playfulness faded and was replaced with something sultry and . . . hot.
    Gabby had dated here and there while in college, but with the death of her mother and starting her business, she’d put any thoughts of romance on hold. Drew was the first guy Gabby had set her sights on and wanted to date. Still, she couldn’t recall ever experiencing this kind of longing or desire so potent.
    â€œIf you keep looking at me like that, I might get the idea you’re going to throw yourself at me again.”
    Gabby fisted her hands on her hips and leaned forward. “I did
not
throw myself at you! Would you stop saying that?”
    â€œNo,” Reese said, and then grinned.
    Gabby found herself smiling back. She remembered that after his father left, Reese rarely smiled. He’d obviously done some healing over the years. She understood. After tragedy strikes, you have to pick up the pieces and keep going.
    Reese arched an eyebrow. “Well, let me go on record and say that I wouldn’t mind if you did.”
    Whoa. Reese really was flirting with her. “I’ll make a note of it.”
    â€œGood. Feel free. You know, don’t hold back. My arms will be wide open.” When he demonstrated Gabby considered taking him up on his offer. Although his tone remained teasing, Reese dropped his arms to his sides and stepped closer, making her pulse kick into overdrive. He might have matured, but he still had that wicked bad-boy edge that felt like a walk on the wild side. And she would do well to remember that. “And hey, if you’d like to stop by the restaurant sometime this week and check out the color scheme so you can plan the flowers, I’ll reward you with lunch.”
    â€œI just might take you up on your offer.”
    â€œGood. The offer includes dessert.”
    â€œYou’re making your offer hard to resist.”
    â€œThat’s the plan.” He didn’t step closer, but Gabby felt as if he did.
    â€œOh, but hey, listen, if Saturday night is a problem with work, let me know. I’ll understand.”
    â€œIt won’t be,” Reese answered firmly. His eyes dropped to her mouth and for a second Gabby thought he might kiss her this time. But just when her eyes started to flutter shut, the bell over the front door dinged.
    â€œHello!”
    â€œMiss Patty!” Gabby stepped away from Reese as if getting her hand caught in the cookie jar. She greeted her friend who lived in the Whisper’s Edge retirement community. “What brings you in?”
    â€œI was over at the bakery ordering a big cake for the dance and thought I’d pop in and see your pretty little face.” Miss Patty gave Reese a once-over. “Well, hello there, handsome.”
    â€œMiss Patty, this is Reese Marino. He and his uncle own River Row Pizza and Pasta.”
    â€œWell, bless your heart for bringing some delicious pizza to Cricket Creek.”
    â€œYou’ve had a slice?” Reese asked.
    â€œSure did at our last craft class. I have to tell you that the crust was to die for. Hand-tossed, I’m guessing?”
    â€œYou betcha. I can do some serious flipping-in-the-air action. The sauce is our own too.”
    â€œIt’s so good.”
    â€œThank you.” Gabby couldn’t help noticing Reese’s obvious pride in the restaurant.
    Miss Patty gave him a sassy smile. “You