Page 36 of The Fake Girlfriend's Billionaire Match
“I’ve never kissed anyone like that before,” he said through a straggled breath. He pulled away and coughed. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have kissed you.”
She balled her fist in the collar of his coat and pulled his lips down to hers. “I’ll take my chances.”
This time, she took charge of the kiss, and he’d never loved being bossed around so much in his life. How long they kissed, he had no idea, but when they broke away, the air was cooler, and the sun was definitely lower.
“I guess we should at least make an appearance at the festival.” She laid her head against his chest. “I did box a lot of pies.”
“Yeah, I suppose so.”
They slowly untangled themselves and walked to the truck. He held the passenger door as she got in and didn’t jog or even trot around the front. He walked. His head was in such a whirl that he needed the extra time to clear it enough to drive.
Slipping in behind the wheel, he knew he wasn’t going to be able to stay out as long as he wanted. He felt better, but his strength was already sapped. Tomorrow, he’d be staying in and learning the ways of the couch potato.
“You looked winded,” Winnie said as she slid closer to him. “Maybe we should call your m—”
“Nope. I need some time out of my room.” One more second in there, and he’d pull his hair out. He wasn’t in dancing shape, but he could walk. On top of his desire for a little freedom was the surprise he’d planned. Well, he’d asked Gabby and Wyatt not to let Winnie know about the horse-drawn carriage they’d have this year. Bear knew Winnie loved them.
“If you don’t feel good, you don’t feel good. There’s no reason to push yourself.”
Slipping his arm around her, he pulled her closer. “I’ll be okay. We’ll walk around a little and then come back. I promise we won’t stay long.”
She took his chin in her fingers, pressing her lips to his. “No, we won’t.”
The drive to the orchard wasn’t as quick as he expected, nor were the number of cars present. It was a good thing his brother and sister-in-law planned ahead and carved out some parking for family. Otherwise, they’d have been parking in the back forty.
As Bear opened the door, Winnie looked up, and little flakes of snow were falling. “I’m actually happy the meteorologist was right. We’ll have a white Christmas.”
“Looks like it.” He put his arm around her waist, and they walked into the thick of the festival. “This is the biggest it has ever been.”
Winnie smiled. “I’m happy for them. They’ve put so much work into it, and seeing this turnout…it’s great.” She took a deep breath. “And it smells divine.”
“Yeah, the kettle corn folks are here. I love that stuff, and these guys make the best. I usually try to grab a bag when it’s hot.”
“That sounds good.”
Milling around the festival, they stopped by table after table of different goods for sale and games to play, and they took Travis to pet some of the goats a friend of Wyatt’s had brought. People were tickled to see the goats dressed in pajamas. Families were taking photos of their little ones as they jumped around with the playful baby goats.
It was more fun than Bear had experienced in a long time. He laughed harder, smiled wider, and it seemed the weight of his heartbreak had finally lifted. When they finally wound their way to the sleigh ride, Winnie gasped. “You didn’t.”
“No, Gabby and Wyatt planned this, but I asked them to keep it a secret to surprise you.”
She lunged forward and grabbed him around the neck. “A carriage ride through the snow. I love it.”
He lovedher, and making her smile was the best gift he could receive. “I hoped you would.”
“Oh, I do.”
Once they were seated, the ride started. Winnie sat as close to him as possible with her legs over his and her head against his shoulder, snuggled flush against him. It had turned colder since they’d arrived, and Bear was grateful there was a blanket available.
It was the best way to spend time together, just soaking up the warmth of the woman he loved, enjoying her body next to his, and not worrying about the future. The ride didn’t last near long enough, and it was twice as long as the guests were getting.
As they got out of the carriage, his mom and dad met them. “I should have known you’d be here,” his mom said, eyeing him.
“I’m okay. We’re leaving in just a few minutes.”
His mom wagged a finger at him. “You bet you are.”
“Have you guys not had a ride yet?” asked Bear.
