Page 139 of Banter & Blushes

“That’s how rumors get started, Mayor Hollis.” Her hands rested on his shoulders.

“Are we just a rumor?”

He lifted a hand and brushed her hair away from her face. “I don’t care if we are. However, if I’m going to be a rumor on a bingo card, I want to make it something worth talking about.”

Her eyes widened just as he leaned in. His lips brushed against hers with a featherlight touch, each movement tender, stirring more than he cared to admit. When she sighed against his mouth, it felt like a thread pulled somewhere in his heart.

One arm slid around her waist, the other curved, cradling the back of her neck. She melted into him with a yielding softness he’d been determined to resist. Now, the notion seemed ridiculous.

Slowly, he pulled away, his voice a little wavering but sincere. “Hi,” he said again, much softer this time. His lips grazing againsther forehead.

“Hi.” She stood on her toes and pressed against his lips for a moment before leaning her head against his shoulder. The closeness startled him, the smell of fresh basil and the nearness catching him off guard.

He only hesitated a moment before raising his arms and enveloping her in an embrace. “You know, Hollis.”

“Hmmm?”

“I think you look beautiful tonight.”

“Thank you. I don’t have many casual clothes.”

Beck pulled her tighter into his embrace. “Let me guess. Your lounge wear really is a suit and heels.”

“Pretty much.”

Beck laughed. “We’ll need to rectify your clothing situation. You can’t be hosting a gala wearing a suit to kick off summer.”

“Watch me.”

She snuggled in close, and Beck was suddenly aware of how far he was in over his head.

“Come on,” she said, pulling away. “We should eat.” Her feet padded softly against the polished floor as she grabbed a basket for the garlic bread. “Can you carry the bread to the table? And get yourself a drink. I hope you like Italian.”

He should tell her how he felt.

He should tell her now.

As he followed her into the dining room, he knew it wasn’t the moment. He couldn’t find the words.

“I like Italian,” he finally managed.

It wasn’t enough.

Not even close.

He watched her light the candles and arrange the table, deciding to let the moment lead him. The edges were too fragile. It was all new, open, and for the first time in forever, it terrified him.

Everything he’d been trying to avoid.

Teasing her came naturally to him, a playful way to maintain a safe distance. The project was a convenient barrier, a means to avoid taking anything too seriously. Yet, the notion they’d part ways once it was over tugged at his heart, leaving him torn. The idea of not seeing her every day was painful, but the fear of getting too close was equally unsettling.

Caroline placed a big bowl of pasta, tomatoes, and fresh herbs on the table and set down a wineglass.

“I hope you like pesto.”

“It looks amazing,” he assured her, shaking off the momentary fear. “Everything does.”

She caught the hesitation in his voice and tilted her head like she was ready to ask if he was okay. Instead, she gave him a sweet smile as she slid into the chair across from him. He lifted a fork and hoped it was the correct one. “I didn’t realize you knew your way around a kitchen.”

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