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“No more secret smiles.” He drew a step closer.

That look in his eyes…She didn’t know if she liked it. It was far too appealing. She tried to lean back, only then realizing she was stuck with the table right behind her.

“No more secret…” His eyes caught hers. “Kisses.”

She swallowed hard, trying to remember what they’d been speaking about in the first place.

“Is that what you want?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes?” The word had come out in a question. She cleared her throat, trying again. “Yes, that’s exactly what I want.”

He stood a breath away from her, their bodies so close to touching, a single movement would press their chests together.

That twinkle in his eye told her he was doing this on purpose, trying to call her bluff and test her resolve with these brand-new rules between them.

By giving in, she’d be revealing the truth—that she had no resolve. But then, why did she have to prove that she had none when she already knew she didn’t? What if she did kiss him? No one else was in the room with them. Besides, once more wouldn’t hurt. In fact, it would probably help her to get it out of her system.

She bit her lip, trying to talk herself out of it, but the more he stared at her in silence, the more her desire grew to wipe that gorgeous smirk off his lips with a kiss he wouldn’t soon forget—a kiss that would put the ball back in her own court.

Without another thought as to why she most definitely shouldn’t do it, Winnie grabbed his shirt and pulled him toward her, pressing her lips against his without notice.

He responded at once, and fire burst between them, embers from yesterday still simmering, making it easier for them to jump into the flames. She slid her hands up his arms, allowing her fingers free rein as they inched toward his curls—those curls she’d been dreaming of touching for weeks.

All that waiting was worth it, though, as the soft locks slipped easily through her fingertips. Matthew sighed deeply at her touch, and he wrapped his arms around her, his fingers splayed across her back as he pressed her against him.

Winnie deepened their kiss, all the while acutely aware of the location of the door, her ears homed in on any sound that may indicate anyone discovering them.

This kiss was different than the day before. It held more passion, more fire, more sparks. Gone was the timidity, the uncertainty of what the other felt, because they both knew now, as clear as the sun shining that morning, that their feelings were reciprocated.

And that was enough for her.

With as much strength as she could muster, she gave Matthew one final, long, lingering, satisfying kiss, then pulled abruptly away.

The dazed look in Matthew’s eyes gave her just the boost her pride needed, his longing for her still emblazoned across his features.

She smiled, pretending to be unaffected.

“I…” Matthew began, his voice husky. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I thought you said no more kisses.”

She shrugged. “That was just one last time to help us both get through the coming weeks.” She smiled, wiping her lower lip for good measure. “Just like we promised.”

“I think it did the opposite for me,” he said, smoothing down his beard.

“I was hoping for that, too.” She gathered her belongings and headed to exit the assembly hall. “Now come along, Matthew. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

She walked away, feeling his eyes on her until she left the room. Only then did she allow herself to admit how much trouble she was in. Because any chance she had before of focusing on the festival had now been swallowed up by the sheer and utter bliss she’d received from that kiss.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

Winnie had thought she’d been busy for the first festival, but that had been absolute circus peanuts compared to this one. Day in and day out, she was solving problems and creating solutions, trying to encourage others while still encouraging herself.

But what was wonderfully different about this one was the enormously altered detail of Matthew and his staff being proactive and genuinely supportive.

With every change made and every request given, each of them continuously jumped in to help. Winnie wondered if it was in part due to her humility or because they’d simply caught the vision of the festival. Whatever the reason, she would take it, as she needed all the positivity she could get.

Especially when Sunday rolled around. During her family chat, Dad had asked again about the estate. Instead of lying, Winnie used up what little courage she had to tell them the truth.

“But Arthur promised you that you wouldn’t have to remain over the festival anymore,” Dad had said.