“We got it, doll,” York told her and then asked Mrs. Murphy for six loaves. She smiled at him and then gave him a wink.
“You’re so sweet, York. Where’s that brother, Hunter, the giant one? He loves these, too, or at least always did,” she said to him.
“He’s around, and why I’m buying six loaves,” York told her and winked. He was being a flirt and Mrs. Murphy was eating it up. They were both so kind and Caroline had such a funny feeling in her belly. Especially because now C.J. took her hand as they walked away from the table. She pulled her fingers from his and looked around, trying to ignore them. She didn’t know what to say and they remained on either side of her.
“Have you tried Macy’s peach cobbler yet?” York asked her, and she looked up at him and shook her head.
“Well, it’s delicious and she also makes it into an ice cream. Want to get some and then sit for a little bit?” C.J. asked her.
“I don’t know. I was only coming by the market for a little bit.”
“You have plans for the rest of the day?”
“Not really. Well maybe with Shelby,” she added after realizing she was giving them an opportunity to spend more time with her. Did she want that? It wasn’t right. She had no right to even considering letting her guard down.
C.J. ran his hand up and down her arm. She tightened as he held her gaze. “Friends first, remember?” he asked her.
She took a deep breath and looked up at York. He had thick, wide shoulders and such a firm commanding expression. It unnerved her but also attracted her to him. He nodded.
“For a little while,” she added and C.J. smiled.
“Come on then,” he said and went to take her hand but she pulled it away and instead he guided her by her lower back. As they walked through the market, they saw a few of their friends and some people she now knew from town, including Eliza Grace, who was cousins with the Pace brothers.
“How are you, Caroline?” she asked.
“I’m good, and you?” she replied. Eliza looked at C.J. and York and smiled.
“Really good. I see you have your own personal escorts today. I saw Phoenix and his brothers a few minutes ago and they were looking for you.”
“For me?” Caroline asked and then looked at York and C.J. Both men placed a hand at her waist on either side.
“Why?” York asked Eliza.
“I think the same reason you two were looking for her. To be her personal escorts,” Eliza Grace said and winked at Caroline. Caroline felt her cheeks warm and Eliza Grace touched her hand. “I need to get going, but I wanted to be sure you were okay?” she said and held her gaze. Caroline nodded her head and was touched by the woman’s need to ensure Caroline was safe. She had a feeling that Eliza knew Caroline was scared and had been in an abusive relationship. She waved good-bye and Caroline took that opportunity to step away from C.J. and York. When she did, she walked into Hunter.
* * * *
Hunter caught Caroline by her shoulders as she turned from his brothers and Eliza. She gasped and stepped back only for York to place his hands on her hips from behind. She was caught between them and suddenly nothing else seemed to matter but this intense attraction to Caroline.
“I was looking for you guys,” Hunter said.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bump into you,” she whispered and stepped from between them. He looked at C.J. and York, who watched Caroline but kept their space now that she moved away from them.
“We bumped into Caroline and are going to try that peach cobbler ice cream Macy makes,” C.J. told him. Hunter looked at Caroline, who seemed a little unsure.
“That’s great. Come on and I’ll join you, too,” Hunter said and they walked to the area where Macy had her booth setup. A few minutes later they all headed toward the set of benches in the gazebo that was empty.
“What are you doing here anyway?” York asked Hunter.
“I was looking to buy some of Mrs. Murphy’s zucchini bread, but I see you guys hit her up already,” he added, looking at the bags.
“We sure did and especially after she reprimanded C.J. for not doing his job,” York teased and gave Caroline a wink.
She gave a soft smile and then took a spoonful of ice cream. “Oh my God, this is incredible,” she said and took another spoonful and closed her eyes and moaned softly. He didn’t know why but she looked so sexy, and that sound made him think of the things he could do to her to have her purr like that over him.
“Told you, beautiful,” York said to her and she opened her eyes and gave a smile.
“You were right. I guess it’s always smart to take the local’s word,” she added, but when she took another spoonful a drop of ice cream hit her lip. Before Hunter could move, York did. He used his thumb to wipe along her lower lip and she stared up at him in shock.