Page 37 of Forbidden Flame

“I don’t want anyone fighting tonight. It’s Sarah and Knox’s big day.” I offered up a slice of apple pie.

He chewed it carefully, then followed it with champagne. “This is even better than the peach. The warm apple, the cinnamon. It just melts in my mouth. I’d love to know how you make the dough so light.”

She smiled. “That’s a secret.”

Cole tipped his head to the side. “I’ll never get to see you in your kitchen?”

I shook my head. “And be on Calloway property? Fat chance of that happening.”

He popped another bite into his mouth. “One can dream.”

If we did get together, where would we live? Both of our families hated the other. Would it mend the fences or only create a deeper divide? One thing was certain: my brothers would never forgive me. I wasn’t ready to risk my relationship with my family. “We’re not supposed to worry about our families tonight.”

Cole grinned at me. “It’s all about pies, dancing, and maybe some one-on-one time at my house.”

I raised a brow. “And the hot tub?”

His eyes darkened. “That can be arranged.”

“I’d love that,” I said as I ate another bite.

Cole touched my face. “You had something on your cheek.”

My breath caught. “How long do we have to stay?”

Cole looked around the room.

Most guests had finished dessert and were mingling or on the dance floor.

His brow furrowed. “Maybe another hour? Once Sarah and Knox head to the inn for their night, we’re free to go.”

I crossed my legs to relieve the ache. “I can’t wait.”

“Does that mean you’re coming home with me?”

“One night,” I said firmly.

He winked at me. “That’s what you said last time.”

I bumped my shoulder into his. “Apparently, I can’t resist you.”

“That’s what I was banking on, but I’m too much of a gentleman to mention it.”

I laughed. “You just did.”

He leaned over and kissed my cheek.

I sucked in a breath. “What was that for?”

“I couldn’t resist.”

“What if someone saw us?” I was too scared to look around.

“It’ll be fine. I’ll say I’m being friendly.”

I shook my head, knowing that explanation wouldn’t fly with his cousins.

We ate more pie, then boxed up the leftovers to take home.

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