Page 78 of Meet Me at the Fudge Shop

His heated gaze consumed her, especially when it flitted from her eyes to her lips.

“Lil…”

“Yeah?”

“You told me what you want—but you didn’t tell me how you feel about me. Because in case it isn’t clear, I kind of really like you.”

She couldn’t help but giggle. “Okay. Well, then, I kind of really like you too.”

Understatement of the century.

Something flashed in his eyes and he pulled her close, angling his mouth close to hers.

But before their lips met, she whispered, “I still don’t know what we’re doing here. Or where this is going.”

“I don’t either. But at some point, we just have to make a leap of faith and believe that it will all work out.”

“Faith, I can do. I’m willing to weather the storm with you. But Declan, please don’t kiss me if you can’t choose me this time.” The plea fell from her lips straight from her heart before she could stop it. “Don’t start something that you’re not willing to finish. Please.”

“Aw, Lil.” Once again, he cradled her face in his hands. “Do you trust me?”

“I want to.” Oh, how badly she wanted to.

“Then trust in this.”

And he kissed her.

Oh, he kissed her.

The kiss was gentle at first, a tender exploration filled with unspoken promises. Lily’s fingers curled into the fabric of his shirt as she melted against him.

Declan’s hand slid to the small of her back, drawing her even closer. His other hand stroked the nape of her neck, fingers tangling in her hair. The kiss deepened as they poured years of longing and uncertainty into this one perfect moment.

Lily’s lips parted with a soft sigh against his mouth. The taste of him, the scent of his cologne, the warmth of his body against hers, it all overwhelmed her senses. He was hers, and she was his, and nothing else mattered in this moment.

Oh, she loved him. Loved every part of him. The tenderness, the steadfastness, the protectiveness. How could any woman have turned away from all that he was simply because he didn’t make enough money?

Kim’s loss had definitely been Lily’s gain.

And Lily kissed him again and again to prove that she loved him forhim—for all that he was. Just poured out her heart there in the moment, on that grassy knoll, with the stars shining overhead and the emphatic hoots of a barred owl.

Finally, Declan rested his forehead against Lily’s, his eyes closed as if savoring the moment. “I choose you, Lily,” he whispered, his voice husky with emotion. “I choose us. No more doubts. I don’t know how things will go with the fudge shop or our families, but this, right here, with you, is where I want to be.”

Lily’s thumb traced his lower lip. “Promise?” she asked, her voice barely audible even to herself.

“I do.” Declan captured her lips in another fiery kiss—a seal to his promise.

And as they stood there in the moonlit park, wrapped in each other’s arms, Lily knew that this time, it was real. This time, they were choosing each other.

No matter who won this stupid competition.

ChapterTwelve

One week later, and two things were clear.

Lily had a real shot at winning the fudge competition.

And she was terrified at the prospect.

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