Page 11 of Unexpected Second Chance For Love

Curiosity was a dangerous thing.

He allowed his fingers to follow the ridges of the braids until his hand cupped the back of her head. He tugged lightly, just to see how she’d respond. She followed his lead and he found her mouth in kissing range.

She licked her lips and Austin groaned.

Abort, abort, abort.

His feelings overrode his good sense and he slowly closed the remaining distance between them, loosening his hold on her hair so that she had ample opportunity to object and pull away. Because once his lips landed on hers, he didn’t know if he could stop.

Payton moved closer too, and her breath ghosted over his mouth. He settled his lips on hers lightly, keeping the kiss soft and exploratory. Payton tilted her head to change the angle and sighed softly.

She rested a hand on his bicep and squeezed. Austin darted his tongue out to lick the seam of her lips and she opened to him. Her mouth was warm and her tongue met his as he deepened the kiss. Payton ran her hand from his bicep to his hair, tugging lightly on the waves.

The sun was warm on them and Austin’ pulse raced at the embrace. He’d kissed a lot of women in his life, but as with all things, Payton set a new bar for the experience.

Austin brought his other hand to her hip and gripped the denim as if it would anchor him into this moment. Sensations overwhelmed him and he felt like he was floating.

Reluctantly, he pulled back after a final firm kiss. He braced himself for any manner of reactions, but Payton simply smiled softly.

“That was a great kiss.”

“It was,” he agreed. Payton kissed like a dream.

Her cheeks were flushed, her lips puffy, and her braids had come partially undone from his hands. She looked well kissed and it took all his restraint to resist nudging her down onto the barn floor to finish what they started. Payton deserved more than a quick tumble in the literal hay for their first time.

Except there would be no first time because he needed to keep his hands off her from now on. This morning was a mere momentary slip, not the beginning of an affair.

“We can’t do that again,” he said.

Surprise and hurt flashed in her eyes before she reigned in her expression. “Because of Griffin?”

“Yes. And because you deserve more than a man who’s made more mistakes than good decisions in his life.”

“I doubt that is true. Your equine therapy program is going to help a lot of people.”

“Consider it atonement for a misspent youth.”

Her brows furrowed and he stood to avoid the questions he could see in her eyes. “I should go. I have some errands I need to run.”

Lies. He had no immediate needs, except to remove himself from this situation as quickly as possible. His skin suddenly felt too tight and his reflex to run as soon as things got uncomfortable returned.

Payton stood, as well. “I have some paperwork to do at the office, anyway.”

“Great, I’ll be in touch soon about our next meeting.”

Austin nearly ran out of the barn, leaving Payton standing in the patch of sunlight looking angelic and far too good for the likes of Austin.

CHAPTER 5

The autumn leaves swirled in the breeze as Austin made his way down the sidewalk towards Jitters coffee shop that his sister had recommend. He’d decided he better run those errands he’d used as an excuse as Payton would likely notice if he didn’t appear downtown at some point this afternoon.

Wildwood Falls was a small town, the downtown comprised of six square blocks. Her family’s business was located on Main Street and she’d notice if his extended cab pickup wasn’t parked downtown.

This was his first time in town since his return. He hadn’t been eager to revisit old memories but his big mouth and desperation to escape Payton before he made a move on her landed him in his worst nightmare.

The bell above Jitters announced his presence to the crowded cafe. Just great. He had not expected the crowd on a Monday afternoon and felt the weight of stares as he made his way to the counter. A friendly woman with long, curly blond hair greeted him.

“What can I get for you?”

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