Page 21 of Silk and Honey

After I shower and shave, I head to my bedroom to change, wondering what my sexy bee farmer is up to. Just as I’m pulling a clean shirt over my shoulders, a heavy, solid knock sounds at my front door.

My heart skips a beat. Kai is still out with Hayes, which means it can only be one person.

I hurry into the living room and pull the door open.

Gideon is standing on the landing, and the sight of him takes my breath away. He’s wearing a dark navy blue shirt that stretches across his muscular chest and broad shoulders. His dark jeans are brand new, and his wavy black hair is neatly combed back, still damp from a recent shower. He smells so fucking good. It’s a clean, intoxicating mix of cedarwood, expensive cologne, and the faint, permanent sweetness of fresh honey.

He looks down at me, his eyes studying my face with this raw possessive vibe that looks like he either wants to devour me, or swoop me up into his arms and protect me forever. I’m good with both.

"Hey, you." His deep voice sends shiver straight down my spine.

"Hey," I breathe, leaning against the doorframe with a helpless smile breaking across my face. I glance up into his brown eyes, appreciating our size difference. "Look at you. You look... wow, Gideon. You look hot." So fucking hot.

Gideon rubs the back of his neck, flustered by the compliment. His chest expands as he takes a deep breath. "I clean up okay. I know I usually look like I just crawled out of a hive."

"I always love how you look, no matter where you’re crawling out from under," I tease, stepping closer to him. My voice drops into a playful whisper. "But this is definitely a very, very good look for you. What are you doing here?"

Gideon reaches into his front pocket, his fingers twitching slightly before he pulls out a small, beautifully folded piece of heavy parchment paper. He hands it to me, his dark eyes locking onto mine with an intense, steady focus.

"I told you the other day that I wanted to help you. That means I also want to take care of you," he says. "And I told you I wanted to do this right. Well… this is our first official date."

I unfold the paper.

In neat handwriting, there’s a note: The Celestial Cask. 7:00 PM. Everything will be ready for you and Avery to pick up.

My heart flips. "The meadery? Gid, this is amazing. I’ve been dying to try their meads ever since you mentioned they sourced your honey."

"Yup. My family and I supply the honey for their seasonal reserves and some of their specialties," Gideon explains, a small, proud smile finally breaking through his serious expression. "The owner is a friend of mine. He set up a private table for us in the orchards. If... if you're not too tired from working all day?"

"I’m never too tired for you," I say instantly, grabbing my wallet and keys from the counter. I step out onto the landing and lock my door, turning to face him. "Lead the way, Honey Bear."

The drive out to the meadery is beautiful. The valley is bathed in glowing embers of the sunset, the sky a stunning mix of pink and orange. Gideon drives his truck with a calm, effortless confidence, one of his large hands resting casually on the steering wheel. Cool evening air rushes through the open windows, and I can’t help but steal sneaky glances at him.

The Celestial Cask isn’t too far from Honey Meets Pandesal. The main building is beautiful, and off in the distance I can see Gideon’s field of sunflowers.

He parks the truck and hops out. Walking around to my side, he opens the door before I can even reach for the handle. “Such a gentleman.” I smirk.

Gideon offers me his hand, his calloused palm sliding against mine as he helps me step down onto the gravel path. He doesn't let go of my hand once I'm down. His thick fingers entwine with mine, his grip firm and possessive, sending a wave of warmth to my core. I give his hand an appreciative squeeze.

We walk past the main tasting room, bypassing the small crowds of locals laughing near the bar. A handsome man named Callum spots Gideon, offering a warm nod, before leading us toward the back. Paxton, the owner greets us and helps us pack a few boxes in the truck.

“That should be everything, Gid. Let me know how you like the new blends. I hope you two have a wonderful night,” Paxton says, patting Gideon on the back and giving me a knowing wink.

I can’t help but notice the way Paxton and Callum smile at each other. There’s clearly something between them, and I make a mental note to ask Gideon about it later. It warms my heart knowing just how many queer couples there are in this area.

After we make it back to Gideon’s farm, we park on the opposite side of the property. Away from the beehives, and sunflower fields, and closer to the orchards. I haven’t been on this side of his land yet. He reaches for two of Paxton’s boxes and leads the way.

When I finally stop appreciating Gideon’s fine ass, I take in my surroundings. My breath catches in my throat. A grassy path cuts through the rows of trees, illuminated by dozens of twinkling fairy lights wrapped around the wooden branches. At the end of the path, under a willow tree, is a wooden table. A single lantern is lit, casting a soft, romantic glow over a spread of food and a chilled bottle of golden mead.

"Gid," I whisper, turning to look up at him. "This is... this is… wow. It's absolutely beautiful. You did all this for me?"

"Mmm,” he hums. “I begged my sister to set up the food when we were on our way," Gideon says, as he guides me toward our seats. He places the boxes on the table then pulls out my chair for me. "I wanted it to be quiet. I know your week is full of stress with the designs, and I wanted a place where you could just breathe and relax."

Fuck. He’s perfect. "Thank you," I say, leaning my elbows on the table and looking at him through the soft flickering light.

Gideon reaches into the box and pulls out several small sample size bottles of mead, his large hands handling the delicate glass. On the table are several small tulip-shaped glasses. He pours the golden liquid into each of the glasses before placing them in front of me and handing me the first one.

It dawns on me then; I’m getting my very own exclusive tasting. I know these meads aren’t cheap, and there’s something awfully intimate knowing that the honey Gideon works hard to harvest is used to make these meads.