Page 28 of Merry Little Sugar Rush
I can’t help but wonder if I’ll run into the asshole at some point during my time here. It’s inevitable, I’m sure, but I just hope I’m able to contain my comments about what a tool he is. As much as I’d love to tell him off—or better yet, blacken his eye—it’s not the impression I want to leave with Joy or my family.
Joy yawns, and I realize it’s time for me to go. I finish off my eggnog and rise to take my glass to the kitchen. “Just leave it in the sink. I’ll take care of it tomorrow,” she informs me.
I grin because, even though I’m still getting to know the woman she became, I always had a pretty good read on herthrough her youth, and there is no way she’ll leave those dishes until tomorrow. I’d bet my favorite hand plane on it.
“So, I was thinking,” I start, giving her my full attention. “I haven’t been to the festival in years. Well, besides watching the princess competition with you all. But I’d love to go. You know, the whole food, rides, and maybe some ice skating?”
Her eyes light up just how I hoped they would. Joy’s favorite part of the festival when we were younger was ice skating, and we’d spend every chance we got circling that frozen rink. “Yeah?”
“Would you like to go with me? I know we both have work schedules to contend with, but I’m usually off at a decent time on Saturdays. I could probably even ask my uncle if I can leave a little earlier, if we’re not busy.”
She watches me with assessing eyes before asking, “So, is this like…a date?”
“Yes,” I blurt out almost immediately.
“Okay.” Joy clears her throat and adds, “I’m usually done by four on Saturdays, so I can be ready anytime after that.”
I nod, trying to hide my excitement. “How about we keep the time open for now, but at the very latest six thirty or seven. That’s if I can’t get off work early and help closedown at six.”
“That sounds great.” She’s beaming an award-winning smile, and I can’t help but feel this rush of eagerness and happiness, knowing it’s because of me, of my invitation.
“Is it okay if I text you? Throughout the week?”
She nods, nibbling on her bottom lip as she fights a grin. “Absolutely.”
“Okay. Good.” I walk toward the door, slipping on my coat as I go and hesitate when I reach it. I don’t want to leave, but I know it’s time. The last thing I’d want to do is overstay my welcome, especially when we’re getting to know each other again.
Joy moves to stand beside me, gazing up at me with big eyes, filled with longing. This rush of exhilaration is new, and not just because it’s her. I’ve never felt this raw before. It’s fresh and exciting, and even though there’s a touch of scary mixed in, the anticipation overcomes it. I just want…more. More time, more kisses, more…Joy.
“Would it be all right if I kissed you again?” I find myself asking, my eyes locked on her lips.
“I was hoping you would,” she murmurs, stepping closer and wrapping her arms around my waist.
Our bodies press into each other, her curves melting against me, as I claim her lips with my own. This kiss is…perfect. It’s gentle, yet firm, urgent, yet leisurely. I know those are contradictory, but that’s how it feels. Every time our mouths meet, it’s heaven.
And so fucking right.
I don’t kiss her nearly as long as I want, mostly because I’d be here all night. Instead, I press a featherlight kiss on the corner of her mouth and pull away. “Good night, Joy,” I whisper.
“Night, Burk.”
I step back and grab the knob, twisting open the door and stepping through the entryway. As I make my way down the steps, I feel the weight of her gaze on me. “I’ll lock this door when I go,” I tell her, even though I know she’ll need to come down and secure the secondary deadbolt lock.
“Thank you,” she replies.
Finally, I turn around and look up. She’s standing there, leaning against the doorjamb. “Thanks again for dinner,” I say, holding up the leftovers.
She grins. “You’re welcome. Thanks for helping me decorate my tree.”
“My pleasure,” I assure. “Have a good day tomorrow.”
“You too.”
I nod, realizing I’m doing all I can to draw out every second of time I can. Lifting my free hand, I offer a wave, before opening the door, relocking the knob so it’s secured once I pull it closed, and step out into the cold Colorado night.
Walking to my rental, I climb inside and start the ignition. Fresh snow starts to fall, and even though I’m not used to it as part of my normal winter anymore, it feels so damn good to see those little flakes falling from the sky.
Damn, I’ve missed this.
