She steps to where I stand, the beer separating us. “Thank you,” she whispers before going up on her tiptoes and pressing her lips to mine.
There’s no way to deepen the kiss, not with the cases between us, but that’s okay. If I did, I’m liable to toss the beer to the side, say fuck it to the customers in the bar, and do very dirty things to her right here in the walk-in cooler.
“You’re welcome,” I reply when she pulls back. “I’ll help stock these, and then I gotta take off.”
She nods. “Okay. I’ll see you when you get back to town.”
I nod. “I might be able to call you,” I find myself saying, surprising the both of us. “Or maybe text.”
“Oh, okay. I’d like that,” she agrees, offering one more smile. “Be safe.”
“I will,” I state, leaning forward and brushing my lips to hers once more.
We walk out together, her making sure the old door is latched firmly behind me. I don’t miss the way the regulars smile when they see us, as if they know there were a few stolen kisses in that walk-in cooler. Kisses we said wouldn’t happen while at the bar, but to be honest, it feels like the most natural thing in the world to kiss her—here, anywhere.
“See you guys later,” I holler to those at the bar, throwing up my hand in a wave before I leave.
“See you in a few days,” Tom replies with a wave.
Feeling Lizzie’s eyes on me, I give her my attention one last time and wink. She grins ever so softly, and that one simple gesture goes straight to my heart. Like a fucking bow and arrow, it hits its target with a sharp punch.
I push out the back door, smiling as I walk to my truck, all while wishing I could stay.
Stay with her now.
Stay with her tonight.
It’s literally been one day since we took our relationship to the next level. The fact I don’t want to leave is awfully telling, if you ask me. For a man who kept everyone except family at adistance, I sure am eager to jump into the unknown with both feet.
My brother’s right.
I do feel lighter, happier.
In just a short amount of time, she’s turned my world upside down.
And do you know what? I like it.
I whistle as I climb into my truck and head for home. Tomorrow I’ll have to focus on my job, but tonight, I’ll let her consume my every thought and dream until then.
I’m already anxious to see her when I get back.
CHAPTER
EIGHTEEN
Lizzie
Emberlyn
What are you doing this weekend?
Me
Working. What’s up?
Emberlyn
I thought I’d come for a visit.
