Page 91 of Make Mine Sweet
He turns to leave, but I tug on his hand like a yo-yo, pulling him back to face me again.
“Do you want to come to the Fourth Fest with us on Saturday?” I ask. “As long as August’s better, I mean. There’s a parade and then a farmers market and live music. Wren and I will have a little cart selling hand pies, but it should be a fun time. You could join us for the fireworks in the evening, too. If you wanted.”
It’s not really asking him on a date if my whole family will be there. Which…now that I think about it, is worse than asking him on a date.What are you doing, Tess? Oh, nothing, just casually asking Ian to spend time with the entire Krause clan.
The slow smile spreading across his face is like a sparkler lighting—just a glimmer at first, but soon, it’s too bright to look at directly.
“I’d love to.”
My stomach tumbles down, down, down endless flights of stairs. I might never find my footing again if he keeps talking to me in this low voice.
“Text me how he’s doing tomorrow,” he says. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”
I nod on autopilot.Whatever you need.These baby steps aren’t enough. I thought they could tide me over, but I want more. It’s time for a leap.
He starts to turn for the door, but I tug him back. And this time, I meet him in the middle.
My lips brush against his, so painfully uncertain, I’m convinced he can feel it in my touch. My hand on his shoulder might be trembling. But then his hands slide over my back, locking me to him. His mouth responds to mine, and oh, does he participate.
Our gentle kisses would pass for chaste if it weren’t for the heat coiling through my belly. His lips press and pull, responding to mine without demanding more. There’s a tenderness to his kisses that takes me by surprise. They’re a kiss hello. A welcome home. A new beginning.
Sweet, like spun sugar.
I finally draw back enough to give us space, our arms still around each other.
“Thank you,” I breathe out.
He turns his eyes to the ceiling, his mouth slanted to the side. When his gaze reconnects with mine, there’s a fire of challenge in it.
“Don’t thank me for kissing you yet.” His low timbre is the closest thing to a legitimate growl I’ve ever heard. “Not until I’ve kissed you so thoroughly you can’t open your eyes. Not until I’ve left you sighing for more. Not until the only word in your head is my name.”
I draw in a shaky breath. It’s a good thing his arms are still around me because I’m not sure I could stand on my own right now.
He nuzzles his nose against mine. “Then, you can thank me for kissing you.”
I swallow, my swooning brain cells grasping for words. “Something to look forward to.”
THIRTY-ONE
IAN
I have never seen somany American flags in my life.
Maple Street teems with red, white, and blue. Sunshine’s residents are decked out in everything from Captain America shirts to striped Uncle Sam top hats. I passed one storefront stuffed with so much patriotic merch my eyes watered.
Was that a hyper-American Gandalf doll in there?
It’s over the top, but it’s actually kind of fun. Durango had big celebrations, too, but I was usually booked for private guides over the holiday. I can’t remember the last time I participated in a small-town Independence Day festival like this.
The day is clear, and the top of McKenzie peak is visible in the distance. That mountaintop calls me. Hard to believe I’ve been here four months and haven’t explored the closest mountains. Honestly, I’ve barely explored my own neighborhood. Maybe it’s time to change that.
But first, I have an urge for something sweet.
I weave through the farmers market aisles, not fully registering the handmade goods laid out at each booth. I’m on a mission to find one particular food cart helmed by one particular woman. Until then, nothing else can hold my attention.
Finally, I spot her. Tess and her sister are stationed at a red cart topped by a big glass display loaded with cupcakes and hand pies. She’s talking with a customer and slipping treats into paper boxes, smiling the whole time. Her red-and-white striped shirt and dark blue shorts make her look like a flag. I have never wanted to salute anything more.
It’s a warm day, but now all the heat around me seems to coalesce behind my ribs. My angel glows in the sunlight, a vision I can’t stop staring at. I move closer without thinking. I’m a thirsty man crawling across the desert, drawn to the shimmering oasis before me.
