Page 15 of A Very Grumpy Halloween

“Oh, yeah. Well, I mean, we had the usual fights growing up, but I always knew that they had my back. It was kind of nice having three built-in friends everywhere that I went.”

“That sounds nice.”

“Do you wish that you had siblings?” I ask him, and he shrugs.

“Maybe sometimes. I’ve always been more of a loner, though, so I’m not sure.”

The waiter comes back with our water, and we both order a sirloin and some sides. The conversation flows smoothly after that. I tell him about family vacations, more about my sisters, our family dog, and growing up in Oregon. He tells me about living in Wolf Valley and more about his business. By the time Ryder pays the check, and we head out to his truck, I’m feeling more relaxed around him than I am with anyone else who’s not related to me.

We make the short drive back to my apartment, and Ryder parks out front. I’m about to invite him in, when I pause. I like Ryder and I don’t want him to think that this is just a fling to me. I won’t tell him, not when this is all so new, but I think that he could be the one for me.

He’s the first man that I’ve ever been interested in. He’s the first one to make me feel sexy and wanted and at ease.

“I’ll walk you up,” he says, and I smile.

He opens my door for me and holds my hand as we walk up the stairs to my apartment. As we reach the top of the stairs, I fumble for my keys, my heart pounding in my chest. Ryder is standing so close, his warmth radiating against my side, and I can't help but feel the weight of the moment.

I turn to face him, a soft smile tugging at my lips, but before I can say anything, Ryder reaches out, brushing a strand of hair that has fallen loose from my braid behind my ear.

"Tonight was fun," he says, his voice low and soft, making my heart flutter.

"It was," I agree, my voice barely a whisper as I stare up into his eyes. They're warm and intense, filled with something that makes me feel like I'm the only person in the world.

He takes a small step closer, and my breath hitches. His hand lingers on my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin as his gaze drops to my lips. I can feel the tension building between us, electric and undeniable.

"Maple," he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion.

He leans down, closing the distance between us, and my heart skips a beat. For a moment, all I can do is stare at him as his lips hover over mine. Slowly, Ryder leans down, his lips brushing against mine in the softest, most tender kiss. It feels like everything I've been waiting for— gentle but filled with so much promise.

His hand moves to cup the back of my neck, deepening the kiss just enough to make my knees weak, but he keeps it slow and patient, like he’s savoring the moment as much as I am. It feels like he doesn’t want this kiss to end, which is lucky because neither do I.

My hands fist in his shirt, and I cling to him as his mouth moves over mine. His lips are so soft and firm against mine and I find myself leaning into him more. His grip on me tightens, and I love the feel of his hard body against mine.

When we finally pull apart, we're both breathing a little heavier. Our foreheads resting against each other as I try to catch my breath. Ryder’s thumb traces my jawline as he whispers,

"I’ve wanted to do that all night. A lot longer than just tonight."

I can’t help but smile, my heart soaring as I look into his eyes.

"Me too," I admit, my voice soft but certain.

He grins and drops one more kiss on my lips before he steps back.

“We should do this again sometime,” he says, and I nod. “Night, Maple. Sweet dreams.”

I smile as I let myself into my apartment and lock the door behind me. I smile as I get ready for bed and even as I slip under the covers, and as I drift off to sleep, I smile as I dream of Ryder.

SIX

Ryder

It’slate as I walk down the street towards Wet and Wild. I know that Maple is closing tonight and I want to catch her before she can head home. I think that our date the other night went well, and we’ve been texting since, but it’s not the same as actually seeing her and being with her.

I’ve spent every day for the past nine months thinking about Maple and wishing that I was with her. Now that I’ve been out with her— now that I’ve kissed her, all of those feelings are so much stronger. I need to see her for my day to feel complete, for me to feel right.

Most of the other stores on the block are closed, their windows dark, and doors locked up tight. Wet and Wild is the only one that’s still all lit up, but as I get closer, I see the lights start to turn off one by one.

I see Maple behind the counter, gathering her purse and I smile as I knock on the front door. Her head snaps up, and our gazes lock. I grin at her, and she smiles, looking happy to see me too.

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