Page 64 of Mountain Hero

If I do, I know my parents would approve.

They would love Enzo. My dad would want to talk sports with him—debating the odds of the Sox making the playoffs that year—and he’d be so impressed by Enzo’s years of service. My mom would love how kind and protective Enzo is, and she’d adore jumping in to play board games with us.

That’s the only bad thing. That they can’t meet him. That if Enzo and I get to that point, my dad won’t get to walk me down the aisle. My mom won’t get to go wedding dress shopping with me.

Ugh. Stop it. My nose is prickling and I’m not ruining this perfect day by getting emotional.

I’m trying to sniff quietly, but Enzo has ears like a bat, and he tugs me off the path and over to a nearby tree. His expression creases with concern as he asks, “Are you okay, hun? Is this too much? I know there are a lot of people here. If you’re ready to go home…”

“No, I’m good.” But if we’re going to work long-term, which I really hope we do, he should hear the sad thoughts as well as the happy ones. So I add, “I’m not nervous being here. I just… I was thinking about my parents. We came through here once during Blissful Days, and that’s when I decided I wanted to move here.”

“Ah, Winter. I’m sorry. But I’m also so glad you’re here.”

“Me too.” I tuck away the sorrow and focus on the good. Enzo. The festival. The gorgeous weather, with the leaves just starting to turn. The people we’re going to meet up with later who used to just be Enzo’s friends, but now are mine, too.

“I’ve got to send a picture to Violet,” I announce. Pulling out my phone, I snap a photo of the gazebo, freshly painted white, with a jazz trio playing inside it. “She’s been talking about coming to visit soon.”

“That would be great,” Enzo replies. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

“I can’t wait.” My heart lifts again. It’ll be great. Now that things are getting back to normal, I can have Violet here, and Aunt Linette, and Enzo said his Army buddies are already asking when they get to meet me.

Enzo cups my nape and lowers his head to kiss me; his lips warm and soft and tasting slightly of the fried bread dough we shared when we got here. His other hand comes to the small of my back, pulling me in a little closer.

As his tongue dips into my mouth, stroking and teasing, my breath quickens and my nipples draw into taut peaks. An ache builds at my core, a sudden emptiness waiting to be filled.

His fingers tunnel through my hair as he tips my head back, taking our kiss even deeper. A low rumble starts in his chest; that possessive, hungry sound I’ve learned he makes when he wants to take me to bed.

All my plans for the day are wisps on a breeze, drifting away as a storm of need overtakes me.

“This is a family friendly event, you know.” It’s said teasingly, but I leap away from Enzo, my cheeks heating so quickly I fear self-immolation.

Enzo wraps his arm around me and tugs me back into his side. “It’s fine, hun.” Then he shoots a stern look at Alec, though his lips are twitching. “Don’t you have anything better to do than walk around interrupting private moments?”

Alec chuckles and casts a quick glance around us. “I would hardly call this private. Not with half of Bliss out today.”

My face is on fire. What was I thinking? Making out with Enzo right in the town park? With literally hundreds of people around us? People I know—like Mrs. Adamson over at the make-your-own-candle tent and Max handing out coupons for free oil changes—and oh, God, there are kids over there.

“That’s it,” I mumble, ducking my head. “I’m moving to Alaska. Or Greenland. I’ve heard there are some nice places in Siberia.”

“Ah, no, Winter.” Alec’s expression sobers. “I was just messing with you guys. Trust me, this is nothing.” He gestures at a couple half hidden by a large maple about fifty feet away, who appear to be doing much more than kissing. And just beyond them, two red-faced teenagers are being scolded by someone I’m guessing is a parent.

The older woman’s voice rises loud enough for us to hear her say, “Madeline Conway! I raised you better than this! I’m trying to sell quilts here, and I have to hear from Officer White that he caught you making out in the first aid tent?”

His tone still apologetic, Alec adds, “It was really nothing, Winter. I swear.”

“It’s okay.” I smile at him as my cheeks start to cool. “At least we didn’t get caught by that mom over there.”

Enzo glances at the woman lecturing her daughter and her boyfriend. Now she’s gesturing emphatically and waggling her finger and the teenaged boy looks like he wants to be anywhere but here. “That’s for sure. She’s very… intimidating.”

“Yes.” Alec nods. “She reminds me a bit of my old drill sergeant.” He gives her one last glance before turning his attention back to Enzo and me. “So. How are you enjoying the festival?”

“It’s great so far,” I reply. “We’ve only been here an hour, but we’ve already tried the fried bread dough from Breakfast Bliss, the cheesecake bites from Adelaide’s Bakery, and the mulled apple cider from Adams Orchard. Plus, I saw some earrings I want to buy for my aunt, and a tote bag for my best friend, Violet.”

“Ah, so you haven’t tried the maple bacon wings yet?” Alec makes a chef’s kiss gesture. “They’re the only reason I come every year. Blissful Brews only makes them for the annual celebration.”

Enzo’s eyes light up. “Maple bacon wings?”

Alec nods. “And they’re handing out samples of their fall seasonal, too. It’s a pumpkin stout. I think I’m going to pick up a six-pack before I head home.”

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