Page 6 of Theirs to Treasure

“You know about my sisters?”

“Betty’s been talking about your arrival nonstop. She’s so proud of all that you’ve accomplished. I would have thought that growing up with your sisters would have been the best part of your childhood,” Chance stated.

“After Sarah and Becca were born, my childhood kind of came to a halt.” Josie pulled away from Chance and started to bend down toward the box. He stopped her and picked it up.

“What’s in here?”

“Some treats for Betty and Butch. Do you want them?” Chance saw that she was already turning to get back in her car, and he was having none of that. Apparently, asking about her childhood away from the Hutchins’ was not the way to go. He deftly grabbed her elbow and steered her toward the house.

“I was just making some coffee. Betty and Butch asked me to check on their house while they were away. Why don’t you come in since you made the drive and I’ll tell you about my business like you asked? I’d love to sample some of the goods from the town’s new baker.” He smiled down at her, waiting for her to catch on to the double entendre. When all he received was a shy smile in return, he began to realize that his Zee might be a little more sheltered than he’d expected. As he guided her into the house, he was surprised by how much that thought pleased him.

* * *

After a couple of hours passed sipping coffee and eating cupcakes, Josie was totally impressed by the man that Chance had become.

He told her a few stories about his time in corporate America, but he was obviously happy with his decision to cash out. Chance had founded a charitable foundation that created shared databases for local homeless shelters and service centers. The shared databases allowed people to easily find the services they needed. However, he said that working with volunteers was akin to herding cats.

Josie choked on her cupcake.

“Seriously, Zee. They show up and just don’t listen. They think because they’re volunteering their time, they don’t have to do what they’re told, so they all go off in a different direction. Sometimes I just want to hire it out of my own pocket so it can be done in half the time, but then I wouldn’t have nearly as many funny stories to tell.”

“I think you just like the challenge,” she teased. “I’ve got to tell you, I am impressed with you. I can’t believe my little brother has made such a success of himself.” She watched as Chance flushed a deep red and choked on his third cup of coffee. If she spent much more time with him, she was really going to have to suggest that he cut down on his caffeine intake. It couldn’t be good for him.

“Little brother?” he gasped out.

“Well, sure. That’s how I always thought of you. You’re two years younger than me and look at the business success you are. It’s amazing! I’m so proud of you, Chance.”

She looked at him sitting there, so confident and happy. What’s more, he was kind and honorable, having moved to be close to the people who’d raised him. She hoped they could be friends. Josie would be lucky to have him in her life, and when she said as much, she was more than a little hurt by his stunned expression.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you might have time to hang out.” Josie waited for a response, but when he greeted her with nothing but silence, she knew she had to get out of there fast. She stood up too quickly and tweaked her back but kept herself from gasping. Apparently, she’d read the situation entirely wrong. She really didn’t need Chance’s pity.

She grabbed for her purse and started for the door. As she reached to open it, Chance’s big arm went over her head and his hand pushed against the door, effectively keeping her inside. She slowly turned to look at him in confusion.

“Look, I’m sorry if I misunderstood, you probably just wanted…” She didn’t know what he wanted, so she didn’t know how to continue, and stopped speaking. She just gazed up at him. He seemed so large standing over her, invading her personal space. He looked frustrated. The man made no sense at all.

“Look, Chance, we’ve been talking for over two hours. I thought we were on our way to becoming friends, and then you act like you didn’t want to be around me. What’s your problem? How in the hell did I manage to offend you? You are being completely unreasonable.” Josie realized her temper was starting to ramp up, something she tried to avoid at all costs. But damn it, she had done nothing wrong and he was making no sense whatsoever.

“So, you see me as your little brother, is that it, Zee? How is that possible when I’m a foot taller than you.” As he looked down at her, his eyes glittered in the afternoon light.

“You’re two years younger than me,” Josie responded doggedly.

“I built a company and have already retired,” he responded with a slow, smoldering smile.

“I practically raised two children,” she gritted out.

“I can do this.” His hand resting against the door then sifted into the hair at the back of her head, and he dipped down and placed the lightest of kisses on the side of her neck, just below her ear. Never in her life had Josie felt something so erotic. She about slid down the door.

She smelled coffee, chocolate, and Chance on his breath. C, C, and C she thought dreamily. What a wonderful combination. Maybe she would try to imitate that new flavor at the bakery.

His hand slid around her waist. She wished she could feel his warmth, but her sweater and the thick corset prevented it.

“You’re beautiful,” he whispered.

That brought her up short.

She wasn’t. She was a fraud. He was feeling the fake her, the trussed up her who was two sizes thinner in her corset. She might be wearing the oversized sweater, but he felt a slimmer version of who she was because of her bad back. Once again, she was falsely advertising herself, and it was bound to bite her in the ass. Josie struggled out of his arms.

When she looked up at Chance, this time she saw confusion on his face. “Now I must ask, what did I do wrong? I thought you were with me.”