Page 49 of Dream Weaver

Then,zoom!A car rushed by on the adjacent road, blaring its horn at a truck. They were gone within seconds, but we slowly pulled apart.

I took a deep breath, tempted to duck back into Cooper’s arms. Instead, I stepped away, dragging my hands along his arms.

“Um, thanks. I needed that,” I admitted, trying not to meet his eyes.

Failing, and glad for it, because they were two glowing gold coins, an unexpected treasure in this small adventure of a night out.

“Happy to help,” he rumbled quietly.

I stood watching his eyes glow — and wow, sparkle — for the next long, quiet minute, imprinting the wonder of it all into my mind.

This man had been kind, just because. He didn’t exploit my moment of weakness. He’d helped me move past it.

I cleared my throat, erasing the thank-you on the tip of my tongue. I’d already said that, right?

“Time to go, I guess.” He gestured to his car in a way that invited me to come up with a better idea.

I had dozens, but I couldn’t get any of them out. So, we went.

I kicked myself the whole drive back to the fire station, where we slid out of his pickup and stood by my car.

Last chance,a voice screamed in my mind.

I pursed my lips. Cooper stuck his hands in his pockets. Neither of us wanted this night to end, but habit drove us through the motions.

“Thanks. That was really nice.” His voice was low and controlled, but his eyes still glowed.

I nodded. “Yeah, it was.”

I didn’t want to go. I didn’t want this night to end.

“Glad you got back safely,” I said, then tried covering up. “I mean, all of you. I mean…”

His lips curled, and his eyes twinkled. “I’m glad too.”

I clutched my keys, reminding myself of all the bad choices I’d ever made. Telling myself to get in my car and drive away, fast.

My lip wobbled as I looked up — and up.

“I’d better go,” I whispered, though I didn’t budge.

“I guess you should,” he murmured, just as quietly and just as immobile.

I nodded because, there. We were in agreement.

Agreement about something else too, as it turned out. Like a kiss.

Because instead of leaving, I rolled onto my toes and looped my arms around his neck. Cooper dipped at the very same moment, and our lips met.

My soul sighed, and every muscle relaxed — except the ones that made my lips dance over his. Giving. Getting. Exploring. Then a few other muscles kicked in, making my hands caress his broad back.

Our noses bumped, so I angled my head. And, oh. That was even better. Warmer. Rougher, then softer when my lips reached the small square of skin framed by his beard. That left my cheek nuzzling his beard, where the prickly sensation was just right.

I cupped his face, deepening the kiss. An amazing, confusing kiss. No fireworks, no jolt of lust. Just a feeling of rightness. Of connection. Of home.

Cooper murmured something, changing the angle, and whoa.Therewas the jolt of lust. I slid my free hand down his back and pressed closer. And, yep.Therewere the fireworks.

The whole deal. Everything I’d ever felt with Jay, but more — way more — without the warning flags.

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