Sweet Heat Rising (Thoroughbred Men Series) (8 page)

Sarah turned, walked out the rear door and saw both Matt and the driver kneeling, looking at her car carefully as he readied the hook and chain to drag it up the flatbed. “Lady, you have someone that has taken a dislike to you! It has been a while since I have seen slashed tires on a car out here,” he said, and spat tobacco onto the ground nearby.

Sarah walked over to where Matt stood. She looked at his grim expression and saw that he was upset. Sarah could feel herself pale, as she thought of exactly who she knew could be that hostile towards her. She felt him steady her, as she felt her knees buckle in fear. “Slashed?” she asked and looked at the tires for herself. She could see where the driver pointed that there were several marks that had been punched through the sidewall of the tire. It was deliberate and intentional. Sarah could only think of one person who had been that angry with her, and she had divorced him and ran like hell.

Matt wanted to comfort her. He did not like how pale she was, her normally pinked cheeks were now white as a sheet. He slid an arm around her waist and pulled her to him, he whispered to her, “I am going to check into a camera too. This is not safe for you and I can’t stand knowing you might be in danger. Maybe we can talk about this more over dinner while we don't have ears around us,” he said gesturing at the bakery door where Tyler stood watching, and the tow truck driver who dragged her car up onto the flatbed.

Sarah was still stunned and processing the damages to her car. “Yes, that sounds good... shall I cook again or did you want to go somewhere?” she asked absently. She was afraid and was not sure if it was Josh or someone else.

Matt rubbed her back lovingly, “Let’s see what you are feeling like later. You might let me spoil you and take you out since you are always feeding me, or so it seems,” he said with a smile and kissed her nose. He turned to the tow truck driver and gave instructions to take it to the tire store in town, and asked if he could ride in with him. Matt gave her his own keys and said he would be back later when the car was fixed. He climbed up into the tow truck and waved.

Sarah watched them drive off and headed back inside. When she stepped inside, she went right to work at the counter boxing up items and serving up breakfast for her customers who had already arrived. She needed to keep busy to keep her mind off of the past few days’ events.

14

Matt had the two tires replaced on her car, came back to the bakery, switched cars and went to the electronic store in the next town over. He found a small camera that clipped onto an item or could be set on a shelf but operated via app on a cell phone. It wasn't much and wouldn't record but it would allow her to check her store any time she needed too.

He also picked up a pamphlet for a security system and set it up for installation later in the week. Matt drove home, went for a quick run, showered, shaved and thought the whole time about Sarah and her safety. Would she carry a Taser? A knife? Something to at least protect/defend herself if she was at the shop alone. He thought of  giving her a small mace can that could easily go on a keychain, but decided he would take her and let her pick. He wanted her comfortable enough with whatever it was to be able to use it if necessary.

It was late afternoon when Matt returned to the bakery to pick up Sarah. He waited patiently in the corner while she finished up for the day and counted the register to do the deposit.  He noticed that Tyler never acknowledged that he had arrived, nor was it unexpected either. Matt informed her that he had a security company coming out at the end of the week to install sensors and a keypad for her.

He neglected to tell her about the camera. That was only for her to know and he suspected Tyler may have had something to do with the money disappearing and the tires on her car, but he was not sure. By Sarah’s expression earlier, he could see she thought it might be her ex-husband.

Tyler turned to Sarah and told her he was finished for the afternoon and heading out. He dragged it out for a few minutes, asking if she needed anything, and did she want him to stay until they all left at once. He felt resigned as she declined, and thanked him for his concern.

He hoped she was alone in the morning, when she confirmed that she was coming in. He wanted to talk to her and tell her how he felt. Tyler nodded and gave her a quick hug. He held her close for a few moments, feeling her against him and breathed in her sweet perfume. He then left quickly afterwards without a word.

Matt looked at Sarah and she looked back at him. “That was odd,” Sarah said. Matt was very quiet and did not comment. He escorted her to her car and they opted to drive both cars rather than leave them in the dark lot. They both drove over to Sarah’s place so she could change, get ready and only take one car.

Sarah unlocked the door and let them in to the house. “I will not be but a few minutes,” she told him and headed back to her bedroom to change. She shut the door and quickly stripped out of her polo and jeans. She opened her closet and slipped into a long dress with a gathered, flowing skirt. It had a form fitted bodice but was very modest. It had a high neckline but sleeveless.

It reminded her of a Grace Kelly dress from the fifties and when she saw it, she picked it up right away regardless of having no occasion to wear it, at the time. She removed her French braid and gave the waves shake so they cascaded down her back. A dab of mascara, a bit of perfume and lip gloss completed the look. She smiled in the mirror and twirled around. Sarah stepped out of her room and saw Matt looking at the bookshelf.

Matt asked without looking up, “You read quite a bit, don't you” he said. He then glanced at her and did a double take, his mouth dropped open. “Damn, Sarah, you look stunning,” he said, “you take my breath away.” He dipped down to kiss her, amazed by the change in her. He admired the dress, how it fitted her and saw a peek of lace or crinoline under the gathered skirt. That one peek, instantly set his mind racing as he thought of what it would be like to toss it up over her head in the heat of the moment. He shook his head, still surprised at how she looked.

Sarah laughed at his expression and felt like a million dollars. She kissed him quickly, reminding him, “You promised to wine and dine me, sir. Let’s get out of here,” she said lightly and grabbed his hand pulling him to the door.

Matt felt supremely under dressed in khaki’s and felt there was nowhere on the planet nice enough for her the way she was dressed. She looked like a movie star and he wanted so much more for her. “Your wish is my command, princess. What are you feeling like tonight? Italian? Chinese? A steak? Is there somewhere nice in town or shall we drive up to Cincinnati or into Louisville?”

Sarah happily said, “I am low maintenance, you pick I will be happy with anything.” She just wanted to have a nice evening with him, knock his socks off, and forget some of the stresses of the day. She was feeling a bit overwhelmed and thankful to have him supporting her by handling the problem with the tires being replaced. It was truly a load off of her mind.

Sarah admitted she did not feel like driving an hour to go somewhere fancy, she just wanted to spend time with him and suggested a small place up the road. She felt like a princess all dressed up, and being led to her coach by her prince.

Matt opened the car door for her and bowed low, “My lady?” He watched her delicately get in the vehicle, watching her legs happily swing inside of his car. He had to admit he really liked seeing her in a dress and she looked breathtaking.

They drove to a local, small restaurant and were seated quickly in a small booth off to the side of the dining room.  The lights were low, plastic grapes and vines were suspended from the ceiling to give the illusion of fields in Italy or California. The walls were painted with murals to reflect it too. Each table had a chianti bottle covered in wax from the burning candle and it set a nice, romantic, but cheesy relaxed atmosphere. Matt unfolded his napkin and placed it on his lap, and smiled at Sarah.

Matt asked her lightly, “Have you come here before? It is nice but not quite big city and fancy. It is highly recommended from a few people I know from the office, but I have not been here yet.” According to the guys at the warehouse, this was the best place in town to take your significant other. She looked like a fairy tale princess and he would rather put her on a pedestal instead of some tiny hole-in-the-wall restaurant, but as long as she was happy, he was happy.

Sarah smiled from ear to ear. He seemed nervous for some reason and that put her at ease because usually she was the one stumbling and stammering around him, not vice versa. “I haven't been here before, usually I end up microwaving something or making something light at the house. This will be different for both of us then,” and she stopped as the waiter arrived to take their drink order.

Matt ordered a small glass of red wine and a glass of water. Sarah ordered just water for herself. “Please, if you would like something? Help yourself... maybe you could use a glass of wine too to help you relax a bit. I know I feel a bit nervous and I’m not sure why,” he confessed.

She smiled at him. She appreciated his candid remark. It made her feel good to know that she made him nervous too, and that it was not only her that seemed to be excited about their budding relationship. “I am good, thank you. It has been a long day and I am afraid that if I have a glass of wine or a beer, I will be asleep in no time flat. I appreciate the offer though.” He nodded in acceptance and raised his glass towards her and pointed to her water in the goblet.

Matt was glad they had a table away from everyone so he could openly admire how beautiful she looked tonight. He felt she should be dressed like a princess every day, even if it was impractical, and all she was missing was a tiara. “A toast,” Matt said, “to new friends, new places, new faces and new love... cheers,” he said looking at her.

Sarah smiled softly at his toast. She really admired how open and candid he was with every situation, there was no ‘games’ and she needed that in her life. She clinked her glass against his “Absolutely! To new things! Cheers!” she said and sipped on her water.

They agreed to order two different dishes and split each with the other. They chatted amicably and easily as they ate. She mentioned to him about the camera and how she had it staged up in the vent. She had climbed up on the table at the end of the day and clipped it to the ac vent pointed towards the register. Sarah had downloaded the app and tried to sync it but it hadn't worked yet.

Matt asked to see her phone to check it out and was able to turn it on for her.  He was pleased to see nothing present in the shop. He handed her back the small, pink, slim phone and Sarah said she would check it randomly.

She didn't really think it was going to do much because it didn't record in live stream. It was just an instantaneous snapshot of the bakery and unless you happened to open the app and catch whoever it was at the register... it was really quite useless. Her best bet was the fingerprints or the alarm system, which was soon to be installed. She hoped it would give her some sort of resolution when the police got the results of the prints.

They finished up their meal and decided to split a slice of cheesecake. Matt took one forkful and tried to feed it to Sarah. She was game and took it as a challenge, and grabbed a forkful herself and proceeded to wave it towards Matt. He opened his mouth and she slid the fork in, he sighed in delight. “Mmm, there is nothing better than a good cheesecake,” he said in pleasure.

Sarah made a mental note to make him try her cheesecakes she had just made for the bakery. She was curious if there was more that he liked and wanted to please him, as well as her customers. Perhaps, she would look for a few new things to try?

Matt held up another fork of the cheesecake and waved it towards Sarah. Growing bold, Sarah licked her lips slowly and watched him focus on that single movement. She leaned towards the out-held fork and licked the cheesecake playfully.

He let out his breath in a whoosh and watched heatedly as she licked it again, getting some on the tip of her tongue and rubbing it on her upper lip. Matt groaned. He loved this sexy, playful side of her.  He watched as smiled widely at him and innocently bit the cheesecake without a care in the world. “Are you a tease?” he said softly, “or is that just for me?”

Sarah laughed and said, “Well, I have never been accused of being a tease. So I am guessing it is all for your benefit.” Her bravado was fading a bit and she felt on the spot by the hot gaze that lingered on her mouth. She felt such anticipation as he studied her lips.

Matt was overwhelmed by the desire to lick the cheesecake off of her pink mouth. Matt gestured to the waiter and asked for the check. Looking at her, he asked, “Would you like to head anywhere else? A movie? Go for a walk?” Matt wanted to ask if she wanted to go to his place, finish the night together with breakfast in bed the next morning, but thought that would be hugely inappropriate - and smiled. One can always hope?

Sarah said she was good with either suggestion. Neither of them ready for their date to end. Matt paid the bill, stood, and held out his hand. She delicately placed her hand in his and stood. She watched as he dropped a kiss on her nose and whispered, “Our night isn't over yet, Cinderella,” and wrapped his arm around her waist escorting her out of the restaurant.

They drove by the bakery and she checked her app again. Nothing. Matt drove through town, got on the highway and headed towards the theater a few exits up the road. She watched as he  parked, hopped out and ran over to her door. He held it open while she stepped out and he again placed his arm around her waist. Sarah sighed. It felt so good to have him there and to just hold her. They walked up, ordered their tickets and stepped inside. Just before the movie started, she check her phone again out of curiosity, frowned and put it away. Nothing.

They watched the movie together and he laughed when she jumped in fear. In turn, she swatted at him for laughing at her. They just enjoyed being together. He had lifted the arm on the seat between them so they could sit together. Sarah adored feeling his arm around her shoulders.

After the movie, he glanced at his watch and announced that he probably needed to be getting her back home soon due to it getting late in the evening. He still was not ready for the evening to end and had spent most of the movie watching her profile in the dim theater. She had the loveliest smile and he wanted to make her happy.

“I know, I know” Sarah said with an embellished sigh. “I really have enjoyed tonight. Thank you so much. This was exactly what I needed,” she said gratefully. It was like he read her mind. Dinner was wonderful, the movie distracted her and let her escape from her thoughts, and now it was time to rest so she could face all the worries and fears again tomorrow.