One kiss would never be enough.
A catcall sounded.
Tasha stepped away. Her face appeared flushed, her breathing ragged.
Who needed streetlamps? His face must be beaming brightly. “Now, that’s what I call a kiss.”
She giggled, and he fell a little more for her.
“I agree.” Tasha raised her chin. Her gaze sharpened. “But what are we doing here?”
“Standing in the cold and kissing.”
“Yes, but what’s going on with you and me?”
“Blame Higgins and his leash again.” Elias didn’t like the lines on her forehead or the ones surrounding her tight mouth. “You’re only here until the thirty-first. That gives whatever this is an expiration date.”
“So, something is happening.”
“Most definitely, but we don’t have to label it unless we want to.”
“I’m not here that long.”
“With me not knowing what’ll happen come January, that’s perfect. We can make the most your time in Berry Lake. And obviously, Higgins is crazy about you.”
Her grin brightened her face. “Smartest dog in the world.”
Any dog who not only brought Tasha into his life but also got them into a position to kiss deserved an extra bone and treat. “I agree.”
They stood, staring at each other.
Higgins barked.
“I suppose he wants to keep walking.” She sounded amused. “Too bad because I kind of like the floating vibe we’ve got going on.”
His kiss made her float? Elias’s chest puffed. “There will be more of that later.”
Lots more.
As they walked, silence fell between them, but it wasn’t an empty space that required words to keep things from being awkward. The quiet was comfortable and easy. So much so that he held her hand. She laced her fingers with his.
Even out in the cold, heat radiated through his chest.
They passed more shops—the windows brightly illuminated with miniature lights but the interiors dark.
Higgins scratched at the door of the Berry Lake Cupcake Shop.
“It’s not open.” Elias slowed to keep the leash from pulling too tightly. “Come on. I’m sure a barista will make you a treat too.”
Higgins gave another scratch before rejoining them.
Cars drove along Main Street. Off in the distance, a siren sounded. The only place with customers coming in and out was Brew and Steep. None of that was unusual for Berry Lake. But Elias’s complete disregard for anything but the woman next to him shocked him.
The sign for Brew and Steep reminded him of their plan. “Do you mind holding Higgins’s leash? I’ll go inside and order, and then you can go in to wait for the drinks and warm up.”
“I don’t mind at all.” She took the leash. “Higgins and I became fast friends. I don’t let just anyone climb all over me.”
Lucky dog.
