“Sloane,” he murmurs, voice low and rough with want. “Been wanting to do this since you hit my truck in the parking lot.”
My breath catches. “Then stop waiting.”
One big hand cups the side of my face as he leans down and kisses me.
The first press of his lips is surprisingly gentle, almost tentative, like he’s giving me one last chance to pull away. I don’t. I rise onto my toes, slide my hands up his chest, and kiss him back with everything I’ve been holding in all day. The kiss deepens instantly, heat exploding between us in seconds. His beard scratches deliciously against my skin as he tilts his head, taking my mouth deeper, tongue sliding against mine in a slow, thorough stroke that makes my knees weak.
I moan softly into the kiss and feel his low growl vibrate against my chest. His free hand settles on my hip, pulling me flush against his hard body. My fingers tangle in his flannel, tugging him closer, while his thumb strokes my cheek with surprising tenderness even as the kiss turns hotter.
When we finally break apart, both of us breathing hard, Forrest rests his forehead against mine, eyes closed.
“Damn,” he whispers, voice hoarse. “That was…”
“Yeah,” I manage, lips tingling. “That was.”
He pulls back just enough to look at me with heat and something deeper. “Still want that one more adventure?”
I bite my swollen lip, heart racing with wild, reckless joy. “With you? Absolutely.”
We start walking again, faster this time, still holding hands, still stealing quick kisses every few steps like we can’t help ourselves. The courthouse comes into view, its windows still glowing with soft light.
Just as we reach the steps, a deep voice calls out from across the street.
“Well, hell. If it isn’t Forrest Kane making out with a pretty stranger on Main Street like a damn teenager.”
Forrest groans, but he’s grinning as he turns. A tall, rugged man with dark hair and a quiet intensity is walking toward us.
“Ryder,” Forrest says, voice warm despite the embarrassment. “Perfect timing, as usual.”
Ryder’s gaze flicks between us, taking in our flushed faces and joined hands. A slow smirk spreads across his face. “You two look like you’re about to do something stupid. Need a witness?”
Forrest glances at me, eyebrows raised in silent question. I laugh, the sound bubbling up bright and unstoppable.
“Yes,” I say, squeezing Forrest’s hand. “We’re about to do something very stupid, and we’d love a witness.”
Ryder chuckles and falls into step beside us as we climb the courthouse steps. “Never thought I’d see the day Forrest Kane lost his mind over a woman in under twelve hours. This I gotta see.”
Inside, Judge Harlan Whitaker looks up from his desk and chuckles the moment he sees our giddy, moonshine-bright faces.
“Well, well,” he says, pushing back his chair. “Forrest Kane and a lovely young lady. You two look like trouble. What brings you here so late on a Saturday night?”
“We wanted an adventure,” I announce, voice bright with tipsy courage. “Something fun. Something we’ll remember.”
The judge’s chuckle deepens. “Adventures at the courthouse usually mean marriage or bail. I’m guessing from those smiles it’s not bail.”
Neither of us had said anything about actually getting married, but for some crazy reason, it feels right, and I’m just going to go with my gut.
Before either of us can say anything, Mabel and Betty appear from the hallway like they were waiting for exactly this. Mabel is still wearing her apron and carrying a small bouquet of wildflowers she must have grabbed on the way. Betty stands beside her, eyes bright with excitement.
“Perfect timing,” Mabel declares. “Saw you two lovebirds making out on Main Street and figured you might need witnesses.”
Ryder leans against the wall, arms crossed, smirking. “I’m here for moral support and to make sure Forrest doesn’t chicken out.”
Forrest flips him off good-naturedly, but his arm stays tight around my waist. He looks down at me, eyes soft but serious even through the buzz.
“Only if you want this, darlin’,” he says quietly. “We can walk right back out that door.”
I shake my head, heart pounding with wild, reckless joy. “No way, big guy. It’s crazy, but I want this adventure with you.”
