I lean forward and press my forehead against his, our ragged breaths mingling as we both tremble with the aftereffects. His arms wrap around me, holding me close as if he's afraid I might disappear.
For several long moments, we stay like that, our bodies still joined, neither of us willing to break the connection. My heart hammers against his chest, gradually slowing to match his rhythm.
I shift slightly, untangling myself just enough to move my legs to either side of his body. With a contented sigh, I let myself melt against him completely, surrendering all my weight onto his frame.
"I've never," I start, my voice barely above a whisper against his skin, "never felt anything quite like that."
His fingers trace lazy patterns up my spine. "Me neither," he murmurs into my hair.
I close my eyes, savoring the lingering sensations coursing through my body. His heartbeat pulses against mine, a rhythm I could easily fall asleep to.
"Don't move," I whisper. "Not yet."
He responds by wrapping his arms tighter around me, one hand cradling the back of my head. We breathe together in the half-light. I feel weightless and anchored at the same time, like I've discovered something I didn't know I was searching for.
"Are you okay?" he asks, and I feel his lips brush against my temple.
I nod against his shoulder, unable to form words that would adequately describe the storm of emotions swirling inside me. Instead, I press a kiss to his collarbone.
His hands slide down my back, tracing the curve of my spine with feather-light touches. I finally find the strength to lift my head, wanting to see his face, to read in his eyes what this meant to him.
The look in his eyes tells me everything I need to know. This meant as much to him as it did to me. This isn't a one time thing. This is the beginning of something that will change both of our lives.
"Holly," he whispers, his voice rough with emotion. His thumb traces my cheekbone with such reverence that tears spring to my eyes.
I lean into his touch, overwhelmed by the connection between us. "I know," I whisper back.
He pulls me down for a kiss so achingly tender it makes my heart swell. There's no urgency now, just a slow, gentle exploration that feels like a promise.
Chapter 21
Holly
“Holly.” His voice sounds rough as he clears his throat. “How’s… how’s the cleanup going?”
“Slow,” I sigh, so happy inside to hear his voice. “But I’m getting it done. And Charlie’s coming by later with industrial fans. We’ll get it dried out.” I pause. “Thank you. Again. For last night. For… everything.”
Everything.The word holds the weight of the flood, the shared grief, the mind-blowing sex.
“Anytime,” he says. “Listen, Holly… would you like to go to dinner with me tonight? My mom will have Tabby. Unless you’re too busy. With all the cleaning up and drying out…” He finally pauses so I can answer him.
“Yes,” I say, feeling a warmth in my chest.
“Yes?” he echoes.
“Yes, Denton.” I repeat, smiling. “Dinner sounds perfect.”
“Great,” he says, relief evident in his voice. “I’ll pick you up at seven.”
“Seven,” I confirm. “I’ll try to not smell like wet cardboard.”
He chuckles and we hang up.
I feel my heart doing all the things: somersaults, Snoopy dancing and backflips. I have a proper date with Denton Blake.Oh my god…
Hours later, after way too much cleaning, sifting and sorting, I smooth down the front of my simple, dark green wrap dress – chosen after far too much deliberation and one frantic video consultation with Charlie (“Green! Brings out your eyes! Yes!”).
My fingers brush the small, snowflake-shaped pendant resting against my collarbone. A last-minute addition for luck. Or maybe just a reminder of the snowbound magic that started this.
