Series: Little Cakes Series by Pepper North
Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45066 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
“All I need is zombie lips from the witch’s brew cupcakes to finish my costume for tomorrow,” Avery announced when she caught sight of herself in the large mirror on her dresser as she returned to her bedroom for her clothes.
Slowly easing the sports bra over her head, Avery tried to avoid the worst of the sore spots. It was tougher than she expected, finding new smaller bruises scattered over her body. Halloween was one of her least favorite holidays. To make it worse, the moon would be full tomorrow to affect everyone’s mood.
It was a recognized phenomenon that separately Halloween and the full moon each increased rate of calls and emergencies. Together… Avery shook her head. It looked like they were going to have oodles of challenges this year.
She dragged on her light-colored jogging clothes and athletic shoes for her morning run. Avery knew she’d feel better after some exercise.
Letting herself out the front door, she adjusted her reflective vest and blew out a heavy breath as she prepared for the pain the jostling pace would inflict on her injuries. Avery turned at the sound of a car door slamming and spotted a large figure approaching.
Immediately on guard, she called out, “Good morning. You’re out early.”
“A bit earlier than you to drive here to join you,” a familiar voice told her.
“Captain Barnes? What are you doing here?” Avery asked, walking forward.
“Trace, please,” he corrected her as he drew close. “I’m here to jog. I hate exercising alone and hoped you might like some company.”
“Really?” she squeaked, not sure what to say to that.
“What happened, Little girl?” he asked as he stepped into the circle of illumination provided by the security light attached to her garage. His hand cradled her chin delicately but firmly as he turned her head to examine the injuries.
Avery stepped back away from him to avoid his touch. It was either that or lean into the caress. His skin felt too good against hers. Shocked by her reaction, she took another step back.
He lowered his hand without comment. “This happened after our discussion?” he probed.
“It did. There’s an injury report logged into the system,” she assured him.
“Great. I’ll look at it at the station. How long are we running?” Trace asked, fiddling with his watch to start his time clock.
“We’re not running, Sir.”
“You’re exercising. I’m exercising. We can ignore each other and I’ll run five feet behind you if you’d rather.”
That was just ridiculous. She couldn’t throw a fit about him running with her. “Let’s go.”
Avery set off at a moderate pace, testing her pain level. Each footstep jostled her injuries, making them ache. Trace easily matched her pace, his long legs eating up the distance. She soon realized that even though the silver threads in his hair indicated he was older than she was, his fitness level was admirable. This felt good. Avery liked being near him.
She tried not to notice his body revealed by the tank top and abbreviated athletic shorts he wore. That lasted for about thirty seconds. His thickly muscled arms caught her attention and the movement past his torso made her note his flat abdomen. Avery dragged her attention to the street before them. She needed to distract herself.
“Do you do this a lot?” she blurted when the silence lengthened between them.
“Running?”
When she nodded, he continued, “It helps me organize my thoughts and approach the day on a positive note.”
“I like it, too. Mainly because it helps me do my job effectively and I can eat a few extra calories here and there,” Avery admitted with a laugh.
“Cupcakes?” he guessed.
“Definitely.”
They fell silent as they continued in her regular path around her neighborhood. Finally she turned back onto her street and slowed down to a walk to cool down. He paced her step for step.
“You’re off today?” he asked.
“Yes. With any luck the bruises will fade enough to be covered by makeup tomorrow. If not, it’s Halloween. People will think I’m in costume. You know—zombie?”
His laugh wrapped around her. Low and deep, it resonated inside her. Avery felt her body’s instant reaction to the sensation as her nipples hardened and arousal built low in her abdomen.
He hasn’t even touched me yet!
That thought rumbled through her brain. Avery tried to rein in the fantasy bursting in her imagination, but the simple image of him stroking the length of her arm captivated her.
“Whoa!” Avery stumbled over a branch in the street. Trace shifted close and wrapped an arm around her waist to steady her. He didn’t move away. Unable to resist, Avery closed her eyes to savor the contact. Damn. It is incredible.
“You’ll see more with your eyes open,” he teased, making Avery jerk her eyelids open.
“Oops! That would probably help,” she tried to cover for herself. Immediately, she started to move away but his arm didn’t relax. He held her close to his body.