Deep Autumn Heat Read Online Free

what I meant. And it’s been a long time since I’ve seen awoman who’s put together like that.”
    Theo rolled his eyes. “You really are an ass.”
    “Don’t apologize to us. Apologize to Lexie,” Cole said.
    Seb groaned. “Why didn’t you tell me she was the owner?” When Val’s lips formed a hard line, Seb knew there was no point in arguing. “All right, all right, I’m going. Think she’ll throw hot coffee in my face?”
    “Only one way to find out,” Cole responded.
    Seb began to slide out of the booth, but before he’d even reached the edge, Lexie was back at the table. Though she was still in high color, the spots on her cheeks had faded to a rosy pink and she’d swept the wayward curl back into her twist. She looked professional and composed, her chocolate-colored eyes evenly meeting his gaze.
    “One slice of coconut cake,” she said, placing the plate carefully in front of him. When he didn’t immediately take a bite, she frowned.
    “Well?” she asked, tapping her foot on the floor.
    “Well, what?”
    “Aren’t you going to try some?”
    “Oh, yes. Yes, I am.” He was being granted a reprieve of sorts. He picked up his fork with his left hand and dug it into the cake. He placed a large bite into his mouth and chewed it thoughtfully. It was ambrosial—easily the best cake he’d tasted in months. Maybe longer. The crumb was moist with a deep coconut flavor that was enhanced with another flavor he couldn’t quite place. The coconut cream-cheese frosting was whipped to perfection, and it perfectly complemented the cake. “Mmm … delicious,” he said solemnly. Then he gave her a smile. “Really delicious.”
    Lexie looked at him with an air of incredulity and raised one eyebrow.
    “I swear I’m not lying to you.” Seb placed his right hand on his heart. “This is one amazing cake.” Then he took another large forkful.
    Pursing her lips, Lexie addressed the other men. “Now, let’s try this again. What can I getyou gentlemen for breakfast?” she asked.
    Before his brothers could order, Seb spoke. “Lexie … I’d like to—”
    “Apology accepted,” she said briskly, holding up a hand to signal that he should stop talking. “Cole?”
    Cole took Lexie’s cue, giving her a small smile for having so effectively put Seb in his place. “I’ll have the Star Harbor special with hash browns and wheat toast, please. And some more coffee, when you get a chance.”
    Lexie nodded and turned to Theo. “I’ll take the short stack. And could you please substitute fruit for the bacon?”
    “No problem,” she responded. “And Val? You want your usual?” Val nodded. “Great. I’ll put your order in now. It’ll be a few minutes.”
    After she left, Seb’s brothers all turned to look at him. “She’s gonna make you work for it, bro,” Cole warned.
    Seb didn’t reply. He simply ate.
* * *
    From across the room, Lexie studied Sebastian. Slowly, deliberately, he ate her coconut cake. Ignoring his brothers, he would take a bite, close his eyes, and chew, as if he were trying to make the experience last as long as possible. Lexie stared at the strong line of his jaw as it moved up and down. When he finished one bite, he took another, seemingly lost in pleasure. He looked blatantly sensual, as if he might devour more than just the cake.
As if he were devouring a lover with those perfect, wicked lips
. She tried to imagine the low moans of appreciation he might be making.
    Her mouth grew dry again.
    With difficulty, she dragged her gaze away and shook her head.
    “Don’t go there,” she muttered to herself in warning. The last thing she needed was toencourage him. She didn’t have time to get wrapped up with Sebastian Grayson this morning. Or ever.
    Star Harbor residents considered Lexie to be no-nonsense. Spunky. She didn’t feel so spunky at the moment. Deep inside, she knew that if she challenged this man, she’d lose. The thought made her feel oddly drained. He was