Beauty In Her Madness (Winterland Tale #3) - Stacey Marie Brown Page 0,17
myself. Found my passion, my family, and I found Scr—Matt.” She cleared her throat, turning once again to look at her boyfriend. Even to me that title seemed silly for him. They went beyond the term of boyfriend/girlfriend. Even if he were her husband, it still wouldn’t seem enough.
A sadness lumped in my throat because I knew I didn’t have what they had. I loved Scott. I planned to marry and grow old with him, but I couldn’t say our love transcended through time and space like Alice and Matt. Lately, it didn’t even transcend to the bedroom. But it was unfair to compare. Scott and I were different from them.
“So, no, I’m not afraid.” She cupped her hands over mine, her warm touch making my eyes water. “Sometimes things aren’t what they seem, and once you let go of how you think things should be, you can see clearly.”
Each word she spoke struck like arrows in my gut, stirring me more in my seat.
“What’s going on, Dinah?”
“It’s nothing.” I licked my lips, pulling my hands away from her, shaking my head. “I’m just overworked, stressed, and not sleeping well.”
“It’s more than that. Talk to me.”
“Think I’m sleepwalking again and having some strange dreams.”
“Hey,” a deep voice rumbled, and I snapped my head to the man behind Alice, palms on the table, his arms on either side of her, leaning over her. “Good to see you, Dinah. Surprised, though.” I was definitely not a girl who fawned over sexy movie star-type men, but Matt made even my stomach flutter and cheeks heat.
“Hey, Matt. Yeah, it was an impulse visit.
“Impulse visit?” He lifted his eyebrow, his blue eyes pinning me to the floor. He was intense, and I could barely sit under his scrutiny. “You?”
“What do you need?” Alice rubbed his arm, peering up at him with a grin.
“What do I need?” He scoffed, his mouth twitching.
“Besides that.” She shook her head, loving every second.
“Only that,” he growled, his mouth brushing over hers quickly.
“Later.”
“Better believe I will be holding you to it.” He kissed her nose. Another slice of envy flicked my gaze away. “New batch is waiting and need to go through and help.”
“Okay, I’ll stay here and jump in if they need me.”
He nodded, not moving, looking at my sister as though she were his entire world. One he wanted to strip and fuck in front of everyone.
“Be careful. Dee is on the warpath already,” she said softly to him.
“‘Tis the season.” His mouth took hers hungrily. It was fast, but every person in the small café either sighed in longing or fanned themselves. And embarrassingly, I was one of them.
“Be back soon.” He stood up, looking at me. “You staying with us tonight?”
“Oh, no. I have a double tomorrow. Just a day trip.”
“It was good to see you, and tell Scott hi.” His hand drifted over Alice like he needed to touch her again before turning and stalking out of the room.
All eyes in the café were on his tight ass as he walked out. A woman in the corner practically fell out of her chair watching him leave.
“Jingle my bells…that man.” Alice sighed, slouching back in her chair.
“Sounds like he does…frequently.”
She rolled her eyes, but the blushing grin on her face told me I was right on the nose.
“Sorry.” She waved her hand. “Back to you.”
“No.” I wagged my head, reaching for my bag. “Like I said, it’s no big deal.”
“Dinah.”
“I need to go. It’s over three hours back.”
Alice frowned. “You just got here. That’s a long way to say hi.”
“I know, but I have to work early tomorrow.” Now I couldn’t seem to get away from her quick enough as her eyes tore through my walls, seeing what I was not ready to say.
“I wish you could stay. I feel as if I never get to see or talk to you anymore.”
“Your life is the crazy one.” I stood up. “Mine is the same.”
“Dinah.” Her voice grew louder with exasperation, her words following me out. “What the hell is going on with you?”
I exhaled, dropping my shoulders. “Nothing. I’m fine. I wanted to see you.”
Emotion fluttered over her expression. “Well, let me send you home with some goodies.”
“Oh god, like Scott or I need them. He’s gained at least ten pounds in a month.” Though I didn’t stop following her to the counter as she grabbed a box, filling it with my favorites. “Since I have connections, when do I get to meet this mythical baker?”