Page 7 of Holding Holly

The Austins weren’t clear about when they’re coming back, but indicated they had a few emergency house-sitters lined up if I had to leave. Now I could stay for as long as they are in Europe! I was so worried about moving to a new town alone and staying in a strange house, but everything does seem to be falling into place.

I just have to stop staring at this sexy man’s mouth or he’ll think I’m nuts.

James smiles gently and barely glances at the menu. “Thanks, Bianca. We’ll split the vanilla whiskey cheesecake and the maple fudge brownie.”

“Coming right up.”

The second Bianca’s back is turned, James leans close, whispering into my ear, “I know I shouldn’t kiss you until we’re outside in the moonlight. Or at least I should wait until I’m pretending to lick a crumb of cheesecake from your lips. But gorgeous…I don’t think I can wait any longer.”

His hand tips up my chin, bringing our lips barely an inch apart as he gazes deep into my eyes. My breath catches. He’s so thoughtful. I already know that if I freeze up here, he’ll back away, make a little joke, and keep the evening light.

But I don’t freeze up. I lean forward, and the second my eyes drift closed his lips meet mine with a magical spark. Even though it’s only a few seconds, my toes twitch, fingers fluttering and heart racing as a rush of adrenaline surges through me, quickly followed by a lusty tingle in my lower belly.

He pulls back gently, smiling with a naughty gleam in his eye. “Pretend that didn’t happen when I kiss you properly later.”

I nod, feeling flushed as our desserts are placed between us. James hands me a fork and we dig in, chatting away again as if that unbelievable moment didn’t just happen.

After I collect myself, I push the last raspberry toward him through a puddle of chocolate drizzle on the now-empty brownie plate. “You found me a job so fast. The least I can do is offer you the last bite.”

He cleans his knife, then meticulously cuts the berry in two, stabbing the slightly larger piece with his fork and lifting it to my mouth. It’s not the chocolate clinging to a perfectly ripe raspberry that makes it the most delicious bite I’ve ever eaten. It’s the look in his eyes.

Once our plates are empty and the table is cleared, I ask, “Can we please drive by this bakery I’m working at, so I actually know where it is? I feel this would be helpful.”

“Sure.”

“What’s the name of the place?”

“The Bakery on Main.”

My mouth opens, then closes again. “That’s…actually the name of the place, isn’t it. I think I’m going to love this small-town quirkiness.”

“Good. I’m glad. Did you want anything else?”

“No, thank you.” I lean back, right into his shoulder. “If I eat another bite, you’ll have to roll me out of here on one of those dish trolleys.”

“I’d rather scoop you up in my arms and carry you.”

James stands and I take his hand, drawing the line at letting him actually lift me.

We take two steps toward the door, then I stop. “Oh – the bill.”

His hand waves dismissively. “I eat here so often I run a tab and just pay them every month.” Looking back, I see that he’s left a generous tip under the saltshaker.

It feels like all eyes are on me as we walk out in full view of three other couples. They all smile and nod at James, regarding me with curious but not unfriendly glances. I guess they’ll find out about me soon enough if this turns into a real relationship.

We get back to the truck but James keeps walking until we reach a beautiful library. He heads around to the back of the building, where there are picnic tables in a charming little park.

Then he turns me around. His huge, warm body presses against my back as his arms wrap around my waist. “Look up,” he murmurs. My soft gasp triggers a deep chuckle within him. The moon is just past full, glowing down through the tree branches.

“Holly.” He rocks me gently, snuggling me as I stare up at the gentle wisps of clouds that obscure the moon for a moment.

“We’ve only known each other for twenty-five hours, but this is already the most exciting relationship I’ve ever been in.” His lips graze my ear. “That is, if you want this to be a relationship.”

Only a day? It feels like much longer. Time seems to both stop completely and race wildly when I’m with James.

There’s no decision to be made.

Spinning quickly, I look up into his deep eyes, sparkling in the dim light of the streetlamp. “Ye?—”

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