“Good. Slept most of the day. Moose is going to be sad without Poupon here.”
“I’ll bring him back tomorrow. What’s your comic called?” I try to keep my head still.
“The working title isGuardians of Snowflake Falls. It’s about a bunch of everyday folks who get superpowers after a freak blizzard.”
I nod and she makes a tutting sound. “Stay still.”
“And the villain?” I ask.
“He’s got some amazing powers, but he’s this know-it-all former jock originally.”
“Ouch.”
“I haven’t decided what his redemption arc is yet, though.”
“I like the sound of a redemption arc.” I turn my head and Goldie’s looking directly at me. Our heads are close. Electricity buzzes up and down my body with such force that I’m sure she must be able to feel it. I’m breathing faster, my chest tight. I can’tlook away from her. Reaching my hand up, I push back a stray curl from her face.
A little sound escapes her lips as I touch her and that’s it. Everything I’ve felt for her rises inside me as I lean down to press my lips on hers. It’s as if every bell in Snowflake sounds in my head, chiming perfectly to remind me that this is right. Thatshe’sright for me. The softness of her plump lips, the little gasps she makes as her mouth moves with mine, and the tiny moans as I explore her mouth with my tongue make me rock hard.
The clattering of a dog’s claws on the floor causes her to break the kiss. Her chest is heaving, nipples poking at the thin fabric of her slip dress. My cock is so hard it might burst out of my jeans.
She leans away from me. “We can’t do this, Dean.”
“Why not?” My voice is rough.
“We just can’t. I’m leaving in a couple of days and…”
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about. You see–”
“Give me some space, please. I’ve spent years believing you thought I was someone beneath you. A geek to be teased. And now you’re here kissing me. It’s all too much. I want to be alone, okay?” She doesn’t look at me.
I stand up. “Of course. I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”
She nods. I bend down to pick up Poupon. I’m doing the opposite of what my brother advised. I haven’t been vulnerable; I’m kissing her and then leaving.
Tomorrow I have to tell her how much she means to me. That kiss sealed the deal.
I want her in my life, forever.
She’s the one.
Chapter Five
MARIGOLD
My manager is cross-questioning me about a small detail someone else missed in our project. His disapproving voice drones on and on. The late afternoon sun shimmers outside.
After that incredible kiss with Dean yesterday, my sleep last night was restless. The soaring temperatures haven’t helped. I’m trying to concentrate and failing.
“Miss Evans! Are you paying attention?”
“Yes, of course. Sorry.”
“That’s why remote working is so inefficient. I’ll be thankful when you’re back in the office. Send me the new sketches!” He ends the Zoom call. I work for another hour, send the sketches, and then log off. A cool breeze pushes the curtains open by the window and Moose’s ears prick up.
Grabbing my crutches, I whistle for the dog to follow me outside. I’ve been doing more exercise, like the physio recommended, and I manage to navigate my way down the steps and around the front yard. Moose trails after me as I make my way to the lounge chair under the cherry tree, sweating from the effort.
Sitting on the chair, I arrange my boot on the padded seat and lay back. Another cool gust of air sends tingles skitteringup and down my hot skin. The memory of Dean’s kiss lingers everywhere. I’ve never been kissed like that before. Urgently, like he’d been waiting a long time to do it. Closing my eyes, the breeze wafts against my bare skin. Moose comes to lay at my feet. Insects hum and my breathing slows.
