He didn’t stop to think that this could be the biggest mistake of his life.He didn’t let himself think that he might end up losing any sort of relationship with Holly.
Instead, he wore his heart on his sleeve.Her mouth gaped when he took her into his arms.“Holly Berry, I love you.”
He dipped his head and claimed her lips with his own.At first, she didn’t move.He worried that perhaps he’d taken things too fast and scared her away.But then her lips moved beneath his.
He tightened his hold on her, drawing her closer.Her hands wrapped around the back of his neck as she kissed him back.His heart thump-thumped hard against his ribs.This moment with her lips on his was so much better than anything his mind could have dreamed up.
“Arf!Arf!”
Tater Tot picked that moment to grow bored.He jumped up between them.The moment was ruined, but it left the promise that there were more kisses to come.
Colin looked down at the pup.“You have terrible timing.”
Holly let out a laugh.It was a melodious sound.It was a sound he wanted to hear the rest of his life.
When he saw Holly was shivering, it prompted him to unlock the front door and get them inside.His three dogs barked their greeting.Tater Tot joined in the dog chorus.
“Enough!”When they didn’t listen, he said, “Quiet!”
His three went silent, leaving Tater Tot barking a solo.Holly shushed him.Tater wanted down, and he wouldn’t quiet until his feet touched the floor.
Colin turned his attention back to Holly.He was waiting for her to say something about his proclamation.And yet, she remained quiet.Did this mean that she didn’t feel the same way?
The thought made his heart still in his chest.But then he thought about her kissing him.She wouldn’t have done that unless she felt something for him.Maybe it was because he’d done the one thing he’d been trying to avoid—he’d rushed her.
So, where did things go from here?He wanted to ask her, but he didn’t dare.He’d pushed her enough for one day.The fact that she was still in his house had to be a good sign.
After they took off their coats and boots, he led her to a couch in the living room.He sat down next to her.“What brought you here?”When she jumped up and headed toward the door, he followed her.“Where are you going?”
She didn’t say anything as she opened the front door.In stocking feet, she stepped out onto the porch.A second later, she returned with a basket and a gift bag.
She smiled at him.“These are for you.”
“Hold that thought for a moment.”He slipped on his boots and rushed outside.
It was snowing out.Maybe he should have paused to put on his coat.Then again,nah.He just had to grab her gifts from his pickup.His stomach knotted.What if she didn’t like them?Maybe he should have gone with something more romantic like roses and chocolates.Wait.No.That was Valentines.
With the card in one hand and the ornament in the other, he bounded up the porch steps and inside the house.He pushed the door closed.
Holly stepped up to him and lifted up on her tiptoes.She brushed the snow from his hair and then his shoulders.Then she stared into his eyes, causing his heart to slam into his chest.For a moment, he thought she was going to kiss him.Instead, she pulled back.
He slipped off his boots.“Let’s go in the living room.I’ll start the fireplace.”
He’d had a gas fireplace installed, so all it took was the flip of a switch to ignite the gas.Flames danced over the ceramic logs.It wouldn’t take long until the room warmed up.
He joined Holly on one of the couches.“Now what were you saying?”
She held out a basket heaped with goodies.“Here you go.”
He smiled as he took it from her.“How did you know I was craving carrots?”He picked up one of the snack packs.“And salmon slivers?”
“They aren’t for you, silly.”She smiled and shook her head.
“They aren’t?”He feigned a pout.
“No.They are for the furbabies.”
“Well, thank you.They’re going to love all of those goodies.”He got up.He placed the basket up on a shelf, out of reach of the dogs, and then returned to his spot on the couch.
