The Inn At Rose Bend by Naima Simone

Author:Naima Simone [Simone, Naima]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2021-09-11T16:42:28+00:00

Twelve

“I’M NOT SAYING the contest was rigged. But I am saying having Patience there all cute and snuggly didn’t hurt Cole and Sydney’s chances,” Nessa muttered, pushing open the passenger door of Wolf’s truck and climbing out of the vehicle.

Wolf snorted as he exited behind her and rounded the hood. For someone who claimed not to get into all the Christmas festivities, Nessa possessed a competitive streak as long and as wide as the Berkshires.

“Careful there, Nessie.” He tsked. “You’re starting to sound like Jenna.”

“Take it back,” she growled. “Take it back right now.”

He laughed. “No can do. I overheard her complaining to her father that Cole and Sydney only won because he’s the mayor.”

Nessa groaned, tipping her head back on her shoulders. “Okay, fine. I’m sorry. I’m a sore loser. Their tree was gorgeous and all color coordinated and worthy of Woman’s World magazine. But our tree should’ve won something for the sheer gaudiness factor,” she added with a pout.

A pout that, frankly, delighted and aroused the hell out of him. What would she do if he leaned over and sank his teeth into that plump bottom lip and tugged? Sucked? Slid his tongue over the damp curve before thrusting inside?

Would she back away, turn away from him?

Or would she open wider for him, grant him deeper access? Moan for him...

Jesus, he dragged his gaze from her face and swung his attention to the elegant yellow-and-white Victorian sitting several feet back from the curb.

He was doing this. What he’d promised himself he wouldn’t do. Getting entangled. Getting...complicated. A very real fear slicked his skin, coated his tongue. Boundaries. As long as he maintained boundaries, he could help her solve this mystery and not get involved.

Not forget.

“Ready?” He settled a hand on the small of her back and guided her up the walk and steps to the wide front porch.

Dropping his hand, he curled his fingers into his palm, trapping the heat from her body, while raising the other arm to knock on the front door. They waited several moments, and then the door opened, and Eva Wright stood in the entrance.

“Hi, Wolf. And you must be Nessa. Wolf told me he might bring you by after the tree contest.” The older woman stepped back and waved them inside. “Come on in out of the cold, you two. And let me get those coats.”

They entered Eva’s home, peeling off their outerwear and handing them to her. Once the coats were in her closet, they followed her to a cozy living room with a huge bank of windows that encompassed nearly one wall, a cavernous fireplace with dancing flames, an overstuffed couch and love seat, a coffee table and inviting armchairs that appeared large enough to comfortably fit his frame. If he remembered correctly, Eva’s husband had been a big guy, too. Though he’d passed more than ten years ago, she’d obviously kept the furniture that must remind her of him.

“Have a seat. Can I offer you some coffee or tea?” she offered.

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