The Café between Pumpkin and Pie Read online

Their bodies coupled. Her breasts pressed against his chest and their hip bones rubbed. He curved his arms about her shoulders. She settled her hands at his waist. The man was solid. His muscles taut. She shifted between his legs, flush with his groin. A groin that stirred. Arousal struck hard.

  He bent to kiss her.

  Just as she stretched up to him.

  Time slowed with the exchange of breath.

  The heat of his slightly parted lips blew across her mouth.

  His unshaved jaw brushed the softer skin of her chin.

  Seconds were magnified as each memorized the impact of the moment. It was startling. Unsettling. And unforgettable.

  He moved on her without reservation. The pull between them was inescapable. He slanted his mouth over hers, flicked his tongue along her upper lip, and nipped the bottom one. Then sucked both hard. She nearly came out of her skin.

  He penetrated her mouth with his tongue. A seductive pulse of slow, then fast. Raking the roof of her mouth, then thrusting deep. He was skilled in kissing. She lost herself in the mating rhythm. Her heartbeat sounded in her ears. Her nipples poked her sweatshirt. Her belly warmed. Her skin felt supersensitive. All from a kiss.

  She clung to him, not nearly ready for him to release her. He stepped back. She felt frustrated. Uncertain. Far from satisfied.

  She touched her lips with her fingers. Fingers that trembled. She drew a deep breath.

  His eyes were dilated. A muscle ticked in his cheek.

  Neither spoke. Neither looked away.

  Calling it a night was a difficult choice. For both of them.

  Jake lightly took her by the shoulder and turned her toward her apartment door. “Take the memory of my kiss to bed with you,” he said.

  His kiss would still be with her in the morning.

  Hannah slept little. An hour here and an hour there. She’d tossed and turned and awakened physically stressed, tangled in her top sheet, her pillows on the floor. Her body hummed, physically charged and unfulfilled. Her emotions were stirred up.

  She showered, dressed, and hurried downstairs to the café. The lights were on in the kitchen. Her grandmother stood at the prep table, measuring ingredients for the pancake batter into the commercial mixer. Once on the griddle, the pancakes would rise, thick and tasty.

  “Morning, sweetie,” Gram greeted Hannah. “I hope you slept well. Dolores is already in the dining room. She noticed a line forming at the door. Early birds in need of their caffeine.”

  Hannah glanced at the kitchen clock. She swung her arms at her sides. Fifteen minutes before service began. “I’m ready to go.”

  “Are you sure?” Gram eyed her closely. “You’ve dark circles under your eyes.”

  Thanks to Jake. She would not admit as much to her grandmother. “I went to bed on a full stomach,” she hedged. “I ate too much clam chowder at Gregory’s house.”

  “Chowder can be filling,” Gram agreed. “Did you have a good time?”

  She’d enjoyed seeing Jake on her return home. “I like Gregory’s parents.”

  Her grandma stopped what she was doing. She’d measured a tablespoon of baking soda but momentarily held off adding it to the batter. “His parents, hon? What about Gregory?”

  Hannah shrugged. “I don’t think we can move beyond friends.”

  “Friendship provides a solid basis for a future together.”

  “I’m sure you’re right.”

  “Although I could be wrong,” Gram relented. She pursed her lips, thoughtful. “A long, long time ago the legend sent me a man who made my heart race.” Her eyes misted. “Norman gave me goose bumps from across a room. I think of him even now and feel blessed we had fifty incredible years together. I miss him every single day.” She swiped at a tear on her cheek. “I want that same love for you.”

  Hannah went to her, hugged her from the side. “I want a Norman too.”

  “You will find him, sweet girl. Keep the faith.” She went back to work.

  Dolores popped her head through the swinging door between the dining room and kitchen, called to Hannah, “Your section is filling up fast. I’ve served coffee to your regulars. There’s a darkly handsome man at the counter requesting you take his order.”

  She hoped it was Jake. He’d planned a sunrise breakfast before heading to the garage. “On it.” She followed Dolores back to the dining room, grabbed an order pad from beside the archaic cash register, and surveyed the diners.

  “Darkly handsome” sat tall and broad shouldered on a stool at the far end of the counter. Sipping a cup of coffee. He was dressed all in black. His aviators atop his bandanna. His hair in a short ponytail.

  She caught his eye and he stared back. A lingering look that hastened her heart and made her smile. She was glad to see him. She went to take his order. “What can I get for you?” she asked him.

  He set down his cup, crooked his finger for her to lean close. When she did, he whispered against her ear, “You, over easy.” Bold and suggestive. Teasingly sexy.

  “Not on the menu.”

  He kept his voice low. “Not even as a breakfast special?”

  “Not even.” She drew back slowly, so as not to draw attention their way. Too late. A few customers had noticed their exchange but not overheard his request. They were all ears now, curious, hoping he would speak up.

  Hannah looked him in the eye, said, “How did you want your egg with the corned beef hash? Poached?”

  Jake chuckled deep in his throat. “Good one, Hannah. You got me. I’d prefer three scrambled eggs, grilled ham, and home fries.”

  “That you will get.”

  She turned and placed his ticket on the order wheel. Then filled a carafe with freshly brewed coffee and topped off his cup. She wished she could stand and talk to him longer, but she had six tables of customers awaiting her attention. She hustled to take their orders.

  Dolores passed her in the aisle with a brief, “Hope you don’t mind, but Jake’s order came up and I served him for you.”

  Hannah didn’t mind in the least. Jake was a distraction. She couldn’t neglect her regulars. The Miltons were her priority. Husband and wife were pushing ninety and lived on their Social Security checks. Often spread thin.

  Hannah took extra time with them. She stood by their table and asked, “What would you like for breakfast?”

  She was patient as they adjusted their bifocals and debated the menu. “We’d like to split a meal,” Helen Milton finally said. “One cheese omelet, marble rye toast, two plates, please.”

  Hannah placed their order, after adding a few extras. Gram was the soul of generosity and encouraged her waitresses to keep an eye out for those less fortunate. No one left the café hungry. Hannah returned to the Miltons’ table with two plated omelets, toast, along with bowls of plump blueberries. Both Miltons patted her arm, thankful.

  “It’s my birthday, Hannah,” announced a middle-aged man, prematurely gray, after he motioned her to his table. He sat alone. Always alone. No friends or family. “I get a free meal, right?” he boasted.

  Hal Hanson had ordered the Mariners Platter and eaten every bite. He’d also consumed an extra side of sausage. Nearly a full carafe of coffee. “Didn’t we just celebrate your birthday last week?”

  He shook his head. All innocence. “No, not mine.”

  “My mistake then.” She pretended to believe him. “I’m going to circle the date on the kitchen calendar, so we remember your birthday next year.”

  “Circle the date, huh?”

  “One birthday a year is enough for anyone,” she said. “My grandmother applauds special occasions. Family or work related. I’m sure you’ll find something else to celebrate in a month or two.”

  “That would mean another free meal?”

  “Periodically, not frequently.” She relented and picked up his breakfast ticket. “On the house, Hal. Have a good one.”

  The big man rose. “If I were twenty years younger, I’d court you, girl.” He left her a quarter tip.
r />   Jake finished his breakfast and came to stand behind her. She sensed his presence before he spoke. “Hanson was hitting on you. Should I consider him competition?”

  “Hal’s a good man. Despite his white lies for a free meal. He’s lonesome and seeks attention. All the waitresses are wise to him.” She half smiled. “Although four birthdays in a month is a bit much.”

  Jake gave her shoulder a light squeeze. “Breakfast tasted good, but I’d have enjoyed it more if you’d been able to join me. We’re both working. I’m headed to the garage. I’ll be back to have lunch with Gramps and Moody.”

  “You know where to find me.”

  “Where can I find you after four?” he asked, planning ahead.

  “At my apartment, reading.”

  “Read until I arrive. What about supper? Dine out or order in? Your restaurant of choice.”

  “The café. Gram will feed us.”

  “What about breakfast in bed?” spoken low.

  Tomorrow was her day off. She could sleep in. Or sleep with Jake. “Still proposing over easy?”

  “My favorite position.”

  He left her then. She stared after him, a man larger-than-life who wanted her. Sex would be phenomenal with him. The image of his big naked body in bed stole all thought and left her breathless. Until Dolores brushed by her and said, “Table four is done eating and ready for their check. Table six wants a second order of applejack hotcakes.”

  Hannah got her rear in gear. The morning hours passed quickly. Lauren arrived for the lunch rush. She glared at Hannah for no good reason. Hannah diligently prepared for the noon customers while her sister showed off her new green skirt suit and handed out menus.

  Lauren purposely filled up Hannah’s section. All six tables, and not one was open when the major and Moody came in to eat. Hannah sighed her disappointment when Jake showed up and her sister seated all three at Dolores’s four-top near the front windows. She removed one chair.

  Hannah felt his gaze on her throughout the lunch hour. She warmed, no longer shy or objecting to his outright stare. His dark green gaze was hot and intense. Possessive, if she chose to believe they were a forever couple. It was a nice thought.

  The lunch crowd came and went. The tables and booths turned over quickly. The major and Moody waved to her on their way out of the café. Jake came to her at the counter. He pulled her toward him. Not too close, but close enough to feel his heat. He dropped a kiss on her forehead. Such a kiss meant more to her than if he’d taken her mouth. It was both casual and familiar and perfect for the moment. He winked his good-bye.

  Dolores walked past Hannah, put her hand over her heart, and said, “No man deserves to be that good-looking.”

  Hannah agreed. He had a raw-edge appeal. Women did a double take. He brought silly grins to their faces even when they didn’t feel like smiling. Their hearts beat faster. Tummies tingled. Sighs rose from the breast. Tangible arousal. They fantasized intimacy.

  She was deep in her private thoughts when Lauren cornered her by the soda and ice machines. The confrontation was unexpected and jarring. The space barely fit one but squeezed in two. Lauren clutched a stack of menus to her chest. Her color was high, her tone resentful, as she attacked Jake’s integrity with swift and frenzied words. “He’s not into you. He’s all about himself. I’m warning you off a man who could break your heart.”

  Hannah was taken aback. She listened, maintaining a degree of skepticism. She’d faced off with her sister countless times over the smallest issues. Jake was a big deal to Hannah. A part of her recognized Lauren’s jealousy, perversely misplaced and ongoing. Jake had once dumped her and bruised her pride. She’d been the center of gossip for months afterward. Lauren had never forgiven him. She now took her anger out on Hannah. It was inexcusable and groundless, but understandable.

  Hannah kept her voice even. “Your reason for discrediting Jake?”

  “He doesn’t do long hauls.”

  “Maybe not a lifetime, but we’re living in the present and enjoying each other’s company right now.”

  “He could leave town any second.”

  “That’s your opinion only.”

  “Don’t think you can hold him here. You don’t have what it takes.”

  “And you did?” She should’ve bitten her tongue.

  Lauren fluttered the edges of the menus with her fingers. Halfheartedly said, “I let Jake go and got Grant.”

  Hannah seized the positive. “You’re very fortunate. Grant is a fine man.” Her praise of her sister’s husband slowed Lauren’s rant. “You have three adorable boys.”

  “A husband and sons,” Lauren stated. “A family.”

  “Lucky you. You have it all.”

  “More than you.”

  “Maybe someday I’ll have what you have.”

  “Not with Jake,” she asserted. “Despite what you may think, he really isn’t all that. I’m speaking from experience. Cut his long hair, take away his biker’s jacket and Ducati, and he’s any townie off the street.”

  “He’s smart and strong and his own person.”

  “Whatever.” Lauren and her menus turned to leave.

  One step, and she faced their grandmother. Neither of them had heard her approach. There she stood, arms crossed over her kitchen whites, disapproval in her eyes.

  Lauren turned pale. “How much did you hear?”

  “You tell me.”

  Hannah and Lauren traded a look. In spite of their disagreements, they remained sisters. Hannah characteristically apologized first, even if it wasn’t her fault.

  Lauren surprised her this time and spoke first. “I was interfering in Hannah’s love life.”

  Gram raised an eyebrow. “Hannah has a love life?”

  “She might if I left her alone.”

  “Then leave her alone,” said Gram.

  “I was warning her off Jake,” admitted Lauren.

  “Whatever for?” Gram wanted to know.

  “I knew Jake when,” said Lauren.

  “I know him now,” Hannah inserted.

  “I was trying to be a good sister,” added Lauren. “He could leave her. Break her heart.”

  “Or not,” said Gram. “History doesn’t always repeat itself.” An objective observation.

  She narrowed her gaze on one sister, then the other. “You’re too old to be bickering over boys.”

  No boy in Jake, Hannah reflected. He was all man.

  “Are we done here?” Gram demanded. “I’ve biscuits in the oven.”

  “I’m good,” said Lauren.

  “Fine too,” agreed Hannah.

  “Finish your shifts in peace,” the older woman concluded. “Mind your personal business. Live and let live.” She headed back to the kitchen.

  The sisters went their separate ways.

  Hannah exhaled, suddenly tired. Dealing with her sister stole her energy. Lauren’s good intentions were debatable. Hannah looked forward to seeing Jake later in the day. No chaos around the man. He had a calming presence.

  * * *

  The day sped by for Jake. He’d returned to the garage after lunch at the café with his granddad and Moody, mildly disappointed that Hannah hadn’t been their waitress. Leave it to Lauren to seat them at a table not in her sister’s section. A typical move by a woman who took jealousy to the extreme. Jake believed she loved her husband, Grant, but her pride at his rejection years ago still made her bitter. She didn’t know when to let go. He hoped she’d come to realize the foolishness of her actions.

  He was presently under the hood of the Range Rover when footsteps approached him. He expected Mac, only to glance over his shoulder and find Gregory Manor instead. The man was well dressed in a light blue button-down and navy slacks. Polished wingtips. He carried a trench coat over his arm. His attire was better suited to an office than a garage. Jake wondered what the hell he might want.

  He straightened, set down his wrench, and wiped his hands on a work rag. Greg might well be a good customer, so he
went with polite. “If you’re looking for Mac, he’s in the office,” he directed the attorney.

  “It’s you I’m wanting to see.”

  “See me then.”

  “We need to talk,” he confronted Jake.

  About what? Jake wondered. He had no business with this man. “I’m working—can’t it wait?”

  “That’s my Range Rover.”

  “I need to change the air filter and I’m done.”

  “Take a break. I’m in no hurry on the tune-up.”

  Jake leaned back against the door panel. Crossed his arms over his chest. He took a dim view of Greg. “Speak to me.”

  “It’s about Hannah.”

  “I won’t talk about my woman.”

  “Your woman.” Greg was visibly set back. “Since when?”

  “Since I arrived in town.”

  “You’ve been here a short time.”

  “Long enough.”

  “What are your intentions toward her?”

  “What is your interest in my interest in her?”

  “I’m fond of her.”

  The man had balls. Jake kept his feelings for Hannah to himself. He’d come to several realizations overnight. He needed to sort through them with her before anyone else. He kept quiet.

  Greg didn’t deal well with silence. “Hannah and I had a date last night. She’s close to my family.”

  “Family is important.” Jake gave him that much.

  “Back off, Kaylor,” was more a demand than a request. “You distract her. She loses focus on our future.”

  “On your life together?” It was the first he’d heard.

  “I’ve serious intent.”

  Rather presumptuous. “Hannah feels the same?”

  “She will when you’re out of the picture.”

  Jake had heard enough. “I’m here to stay.” And left it at that.

  He’d witnessed Hannah’s return from dinner and game night. There wasn’t much chance of a permanent relationship with Greg. She hadn’t even let the man kiss her.

  Jake directed their conversation back to the Range Rover. “Fifteen minutes and you can drive off.” Good riddance.

  Greg huffed, “Mind my words.” He stormed off. Profanity echoed in the bay. No legalese. He might be used to winning cases in court, but he’d lost his argument in the garage.