Gemma pulled the tray of freshly baked cupcakes out of the oven. Mmm, they smelled good. Next, she pulled out a tray of dog treats too. These were a new flavor for Atlas to try—peanut butter and pumpkin with bacon glaze. They were shaped like little dog paws.
After Boone had carried her back to bed for an hour this morning—a very pleasurable hour for both of them—he’d headed out to the barn. Declan had organized for Boone’s uncle’s truck to be shipped back from Denver. Boone was repairing the bullet holes in it himself.
She loved popping out there to watch him. She could picture him now, leaning under the open hood, denim cupping his magnificent ass.
She laughed. Fantasizing about Boone, and then making those fantasies a reality, was one of her new favorite pastimes. She touched the stubble burn on her neck. She had it in a few other places too.
She was so in love.
So happy she could burst.
Her gaze dropped to the cooling cupcakes and her belly clenched. Okay, there was one little niggle.
She had a business plan for the bakery done, and she had a bunch of recipes prepared and ready to go.
But she was still dragging her feet.
Butterflies took flight in her belly. It was easy just to stay busy, settling into her new home in Vermont, and enjoying her time with Boone.
Deep down, she was still afraid of taking a risk and failing. Not financially. She was fortunate that wasn’t something she had to worry about. No, she was afraid of putting her passion—something she loved—out there, and people not loving it back.
She heard the back door to the mudroom open, then Boone stomping snow off his boots. He appeared, the red flannel shirt she loved hugging his chest.
“Smells good in here.” He saw the cupcakes and his face lit up.
“They’re not ready yet,” she told him. “I need to make the frosting.”
A wicked smile crossed his rugged face. “I could help.”
A full-body shiver moved through her. She kept waiting for this heat between them to mellow, but it just seemed to get stronger. “I might let you.”
“Actually, I need you to grab your coat and boots. I have something to show you.”
She raised a brow.
“A gift.” He held up some black fabric. “But I need to blindfold you first.”
She laughed. “What?”
“It’s a surprise.” Stepping up behind her, he put the fabric over her eyes and tied it behind her head. “Trust me?”
Her heart swelled. “Always.”
After they’d put their winter gear on, he led her carefully out to the truck, and whistled for Atlas.
“Boone, where are we going?”
He helped her into the seat and fastened the seatbelt. “Not far.”
It was a short drive and when he finally stopped the truck, she was feeling a tiny bit nervous. “This is a little bit kinky, Boone.”
He opened the passenger door. “No peeking,” he warned.
Gemma held onto his hand as he helped her from the truck. She clung to him as they walked across what felt like gravel. Nearby, Atlas made an excited noise. Where were they?
“Okay, you can look now.” He loosened the blindfold.
She blinked at the light. The temperature had dropped from the sunny morning, so she was bundled up in her favorite coat, scarf, and hat. She saw May and Frank’s general store. The couple were at the window, waving at them.
She smiled and waved back. She’d gotten to know the pair quite well since she’d moved to Vermont.
Boone turned her to face the stone building beside the store. It looked like it had once been a shop or café of some kind, but was now empty.
“What is this place?” she asked.
“It’s yours. For your bakery.”
Her mouth dropped open. She was speechless. He’d known. Known she was nervous and dragging her feet. Known that she just needed a little push…with him at her side.
“Boone…”
“There’s decent traffic on this road, and a lot of locals come to the general store. You’ll get a good number of customers.”
She nodded.
“Come on.” He grabbed her hand and led her to the door. He pulled out some keys and unlocked it.
There was a musty smell inside, but she instantly saw the charm and possibilities. The large windows at the front would let in great light, and the place had lovely wooden floors, even if they did need to be refinished.
“It needs some paint and attention, but this would be a good storefront.” He towed her around the counter and through a door. “There’s a large kitchen back here. We’ll need to put in your ovens. And whatever else you want.”
Her heart swelled as she turned in a slow circle. The place was dusty, and there were cobwebs in the corners, but in her head, she saw her shining bakery.
Boone believed in her. No questions. No hesitation. He had her back, and he loved her.
She knew he’d love her even if she failed, or if she was wildly successful. If it didn’t work out, he’d catch her and help her get back up. If it went well, he’d celebrate her success.
“I love it.” Tears welled.
He took her face in his hands and brushed the tears away with his thumbs. “Gemma’s Bakery. It’ll have the best cupcakes in Vermont.”
“And it will also specialize in baked dog treats. Atlas will be the official taste tester.” She smiled. “I want a little area where people can bring their dogs.”
“That’s a brilliant idea.”
She pressed her hands to his chest. “I love the place, Boone, but not half as much as I love you.”
He lowered his head and got busy kissing her.
The door jingled and Atlas appeared. Gemma still couldn’t believe the dog could open doors. Atlas leaned his weight against them, almost knocking them off balance.
“Atlas,” Boone growled.
“He just wants some love and attention.” She rubbed the dog’s flank. “Don’t you, boy?”
Atlas licked her hand and she laughed.
“Atlas needs a woman of his own, so he stops hogging mine.” Boone swung her into his arms.
Gemma gasped and slid an arm across his broad shoulders. “Don’t worry, Boone, you’re the love of my life.”
“And you’re the love of mine, Gemma. My love, my heart, my light.”
She smiled, loving when her protective hero was sweet. She pressed her lips to his temple. She knew whatever life held for them, it would be bright.