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“Thanks,” I mumble when I pass him, privately grateful for the reminder it’s time to act the part.
In the kitchen Alice is directing the removal of a baked pasta dish from the oven. I catch only a glimpse of the woman who must be Bailey before she’s hidden by a large refrigerator. Following David’s lead, I accept a basket of savory garlic bread from Alice to carry to the table.
Four places are set at one end of a large oval table. The casserole takes a place of honor on a thick iron trivet. While our hosts set their dishes on the table, I stand frozen at the sight of the woman waiting with her hands resting on the back of her chair.
A song bursts from my soul, filling my brain with complete harmonies, trilling descants, the sensual throb of vibrating bass strings.
My god. She’s?—.
Alice takes the bread from my unresisting fingers and using her shoulder, shoves me toward the table. “Bailey, I’d like you to meet Marcus Kane. Marcus, this is Bailey Pierce, our vintner.”
Her eyes are wide and she looks like a frightened doe. Then her brows draw together and she studies me for a long moment. “Hi,” she finally says. “Nice to meet you Mr. Kane.”
“Marcus, please. Or just Mars.” I watch her mouth Marcus Kane as though attempting to figure out why it sounds familiar. What are the chances she doesn’t know the great Mars Kane?
Giving a single nod, her face clears and she gives me an attempt at a smile.
My lips begin to form her name then I catch how Alice’s interested gaze is taking in everything. Before the silence draws out for too long, she indicates the table. “Let’s eat while it’s hot.”
I sit directly across from Bailey which thankfully makes it easy to watch her without looking like I’m staring. Her length of red-gold hair is pulled back in a messy bun, leaving a few strands dancing around her face. Her full lips hold my attention until a deep pink tints her cheeks and I understand she realizes how I’m studying her.
Hopefully she hasn’t also noticed how often my eyes have fallen to the swell of her breasts and the hint of deep cleavage exposed by the two undone buttons on her shirt.
Hell. I’m about to come undone at the tempting sight. I shift in my chair but nothing eases the tight throb behind the zipper of Mars’ stupid jeans. The head of my dick is threatening to burst out of the waistband. Maybe this is why his fans love the look so much. As casually as I can, I pull my shirt from my jeans and tug the minimal extra length down to cover any possible impropriety.
Conversation during the meal is kept casual and on basic, non-personal topics. I get my body and my thoughts under control. Until she rises to help David clear the table. Her wide hips and thick thighs make my mouth water. The enticing dip of her waist gives her a perfect hourglass figure. One I’m going to enjoy taking my time exploring.
The music in my head crashes in a crescendo that settles want and need, hot and heavy in my dick. She is my music. The source of my music from this moment until we run out of forever. Until forever ends.
What the fuck? Those are great words for a Mars Kane ballad. But they can’t be real. Not for me. And certainly not for forever. That kind of relationship won’t happen for me. As I have all my life, I’ll remain in the shadows of Mars’ greatness. There is no time, energy, or room for me.
“Shall we go back to the library for our discussion?” Alice asks.
I’ll expose more than is decent if I stand up now. I shake my head and lean back in my chair. “I’m comfortable here, if that’s okay.”
“Works for me,” Bailey says in agreement then gives me a serious once over.
Does she suspect what’s happening in my jeans? A stunning woman like her probably has a wealth of admirers. Lovers. Anger increases my heartbeat at the thought of another man touching her. I’m not sure how I’m able to stop the rumble in my chest from escaping.
Alice sets a plate of what looks like cream filled cupcake tops on the table then slaps her husband’s hand when he reaches for one. “Guests first.”
Three pairs of eyes turn to me. “Uh, what are these?”
Bailey’s mouth forms a perfect ‘o’ before she asks, “You’ve never had a whoopie pie?”
Alice pokes the edge of the plate to scoot it closer to me. “You are in for a treat, Mars. These are a specialty of our local bakery. Go ahead. Try one.”
Choosing one that’s obviously chocolate, I take a careful bite. The tender cake and smooth, sweetened cream fill my mouth and this time I don’t hold back my moan.”
Alice laughs. “See, Bailey? What did I tell you? Darvis’ whoopie pies get that reaction from everyone.”
Reaching for her own, Bailey concedes the point. “You win. Just like you knew you would.”
“And that’s why she sent me into town earlier. Just to show off how smart she is,” David adds.
I down a second treat, this one vanilla cake with a banana cream studded with bits of fresh strawberries. “Where have these been all my life?”
Once the plate is cleared, Alice lays out my meal plan. Wariness fills Bailey’s expression and I attempt to reassure her. “I won’t get in your way. Just let me know when you need the space and I’ll stay away.”
