Page 9 of Rose's Ripped Van Winkle

“With talent like that, you’ll be able to support yourself in no time.”

He points at one of the walls decorated with murals of nature scenes depicting lush old-growth forests and wildlife.

“That,” he breathes reverently, “is true beauty.”

“And you captured it beautifully. This?” I point to a fairytale setting with lush foliage and a twenty-five-foot waterfall. “Is this nearby?”

“Yes, it’s a magical place. I’d love to take you there. It’s about an hour’s hike. Since we had lunch in town, are you ready for a hike now?”

“I would love that,” I say, my heart pounding in anticipation.

We stash his purchases in his room, then set out on our hike. The air is crisp and invigorating, and I can feel my senses awakening as we make our way through the forest.

He points out different trees and wildlife as we go, his enthusiasm contagious as he talks about this place he clearly loves so much. Although I've lived here a couple of months, I never even bothered to buy a wildflower guide. He’s like a walking encyclopedia.

We reach a clearing filled with flowers of all colors, shapes, and sizes, their sweet scent wafting around us like perfume. In front of us stands a breathtaking waterfall, its mist sparkling in the sunlight like diamonds, cascading down from high above us into a crystalline pool below.

As we continue our hike, the energy sparks between us like flint on steel. We don’t mention our growing attraction. Instead, we talk about everything and nothing. Despite my reluctance to ever let anyone inside my self-erected walls, I can't deny the power with which I'm drawn to him.

“This is incredible,” I say, turning to him. “How did you find this place?”

He grins, and it's like the sun has come out. “It found me. I was wandering through the woods one day, and I heard the sound of water. I followed it and…” His hand sweeps out and we both stare at it in wonder.

We stand close together, our bodies nearly touching, as we take in the beauty of the cascading water. The sound is peaceful, calming, and I can't help but feel a sense of awe at the natural world around us.

He turns to me, his piercing blue gaze locking onto mine. “I can't believe how much I've missed. All those years…,” he says softly, looking wistful. “But now that I'm here, with you. I feel as though I've finally found my place in the world.”

My heart beats faster in my chest as he takes a step closer. “You don't know how long I've waited for this moment,” he whispers, his breath warm against my cheek. “To be with you, to feel your touch…”

Fear bubbles up in me. This isn't how I scripted my life. Other than my siblings, who were raised in the same shitshow as me, I've never met another living soul I could trust—not even my parents. No one had my best interests at heart. I was just a commodity.

I gaze at him, letting all my anxieties and misgivings shine through. Somehow, he must read my mind, because he gently winds a tendril of my hair around his finger and husks so softly I can barely hear him over the crashing water.

“I literally traveled through time for you, Rose. And I'll wait. As long as you want.” He swallows, a pained look on his face. “And if you don't want me, I'll leave. But I'll guarantee one thing: I will never hurt you.”

Why do I want to believe him? But I do. How could I doubt the sincere look of affection in those alarmingly blue eyes?

Chapter Nine

Rip

It's as if the universe conspired to get Rose and me to this exact moment in time and space. The rushing water of the falls, the call of the birds, the sunlight dappling down on us through the canopy of leaves. And Rose, my Rose, looking up at me with raw emotion on her face.

I can't hold back anymore. Stepping closer, I cup her face in my hands and wait. She's like a shy forest animal. The last thing I want is to rush this moment after having waited over a hundred years for it.

She doesn't pull away, doesn't break our gaze. I accept her tacit permission and reward her with a small smile.

Leaning closer, I press my lips to hers gently, savoring the feel of her softness against mine. Her lips part for me, allowing me access to her sweet mouth. She tastes like honey and wildflowers, and I'm filled with a warmth that radiates through my body.

The kiss is gentle yet passionate. We're so connected, the moment is so profound. I hold her tighter, afraid I'll lose my footing because I'm falling. Falling for Rose.

I just met her, yet it's as though I've known her forever. What did I dream about for a century? Perhaps it was her—the one thing that could bring me back to life in all ways imaginable.

The moment crackles between us as our kiss deepens and I explore her mouth with my tongue, tasting a faint hint of sweetness on her lips. My hands slide to her waist and pull her close against me so she can feel how much she affects me as we kiss in this secluded paradise.

Her response is to stand her ground rather than shy away. She may not have been fully ready for this kiss when she agreed to it, but she's an equal participant now.

Her hands lodge on my shoulders, her fingers gripping me tight, refusing to let me go. Her hardened nipples graze my chest through both our layers of clothes. The softest moan, barely more than a breath, escapes her lips. I swallow it down.

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