When I wakeup the next day, the bruising on my ribs is turning purple. The pain is worse, and I lie in bed until I hear Dolly moving around.
Once I make it downstairs, I see her packing up her baked goods. I help her load the Bronco up, trying not to wince as I lift the boxes inside.
“You should stay home and rest. Holden will be there to help today.”
I shake my head and open her door for her. Once she climbs inside, I lean over and grab the side of her neck. Her eyes widen as I move closer and press my lips to hers. She sinks into me immediately, parting her lips to let me in. My tongue pushes through, swiping across hers. She sighs, reaching up to scratch her fingers through my hair, gripping the roots.
I lean closer to her, my ribs complaining with the movement. She tastes like cinnamon and vanilla. Her lips are soft and pliant. I deepen the kiss, slanting my mouth over hers.
When I finally pull back, she’s breathless, her lips swollen from my kiss. I press my thumb to the bottom one, wondering ifwe have a few extra minutes to go back inside and pick up where we left off yesterday morning.
She seems to read my mind. “We’re going to be late.”
I nod, finally shutting her door.
While driving to the market, I consider grabbing her hand and wrapping it in mine, just to touch her. I crave the feeling of her skin.
That’s not what this is.
The market is crowded today, which means Dolly and Rosie sell out of their pastries and canned goods within two hours. They greet every customer with bright smiles. I’m surprised that they know almost everyone’s name. Holden and I don’t bother with small talk.
Once we’re done loading up their supplies in the Bronco and his truck, he turns to me.
“Why don’t y’all come over for lunch? We’re grilling smashburgers.”
Rosie nods. “Dallas is coming over with the twins.”
Dolly perks up. “Will Sterling be there?”
Rosie nods, winking. “Oh, yeah, and I think he’s finally agreed to take her out on a date.”
“Oh goody, I love to play matchmaker.” Dolly laughs, clapping excitedly.
“Unfortunately, Duke is probably going to throw his usual tantrum.”
Dolly rolls her eyes. “He needs to get over it. He’s so bossy about everyone else’s relationships, but can’t take it when someone has something to say about him.”
Rosie raises an eyebrow. “Uh, yeah, I guess. Okay, we’ll meet you there.”
Holden shakes his head, muttering, “Women.”
He reaches out to grab my hand in his vise grip of a handshake.
“See you soon, Seymour.” His eyes have turned deadly serious.
Oh fuck.
I nod, matching his hold. “I’ll be there.”
I open Dolly’s door for her, and she climbs into the Bronco. I quickly shut it, not even entertaining the idea of letting myself kiss her again right now. I walk around to the driver’s door and climb in, starting the engine.
She turns to me. “Do you think we could stop by Moonlight? I want to change into something more comfortable.”
I turn to look over at her. She’s wearing a red dress today, with little white flowers stitched around the neckline. It has a corset bodice and frilly sleeves. Every time she bent over to fulfill an order, I had to turn my face away so her brother didn’t catch me waiting for the wind to pick up.
“Well?” she asks.
I realize I was lost in the fantasy of bending her over my kitchen island. I nod.
