Page 61 of Fall at Once

She had freed something in me, and I should get out of my own way and let it happen. I deserved to be happy as much as anyone else did.

Chapter 19

Madi

We finally reached my apartment, and I could barely contain myself.

His hand was on my waist.

His eyes roved over my body.

The thought of kissing him again.

All of it made me want to run straight up the stairs so we could be alone. It was electric.

I was wrapped up in him in a way I never was with anyone else in my life—ever.

My head swam with the overwhelming, palpable chemistry sparking between us. I wanted him more than anything.

He backed me against my door, put his hand on the frame above me, and buried his face in the crook of my neck,breathing me in as he peppered kisses up the length of my throat.

His lips seared a path across my jaw to nibble on my earlobe, then whispered, “My god, you’re stunning. I love how pretty you look when I make you blush.”

“Cole…”

His hands went to my waist, and my knees weakened when his mouth met mine. Then I trembled as he kissed the tip of my nose, forehead, and each cheek.

“Is this our second date, or are we sticking to fundraiser business?” His whispered question had a hint of a dare in it.

“I can’t even think right now, Cole. About anything other than how you’re making me feel.”

He pulled back, and I sighed and dropped my cheek against his chest.

“I’ve never felt anything like this.” The racing beat of his heart confirmed his confession as he locked his arms around me. “Not in my entire life.”

“Let’s go in.” I came to my senses and dug in my pocket for my keys.

Once we crossed the threshold, Victor glared at us with sleepy eyes from the wing chair by the fireplace as if we had woken him up. Sage and Kenny were asleep, curled up in the window seat.

“Would you like a drink? Or something to eat. Or anything?” I asked inanely. All I could think about was kissing him again.

“No, thank you. All I want is you. How about we update last year’s fundraiser theme, call it done, and you let me kiss you some more?”

“This idea has a lot of merit.” I ran my hands up his chest, then threw my arms around his neck. “What was the theme?”

His lips tipped up at the corner. “A harvest dinner and a non-ironic bonfire, which I was completely against, but I got outvoted.”

“Unbelievable. You allowed a bonfire?You?Mr. Fires Are Not for Fun, Cole Sutter.”

“They’re not for fun. I’m against it one hundred percent. But I figured we’d be okay with the entire Cozy Creek Fire Brigade in attendance. Just that once.”

“Well, I love it. Bonfire for the win—we can roast marshmallows, and I know a perfect recipe for a s’mores cocktail. We’ll have dinner, dancing, and the bachelor auction. And we can serve steak Diane?—”

“Steak Diane?” He stared at me, then burst out laughing. “Funny, Madi. No.”

“A veto for steak Diane? How about chicken brochettes flambé? Lobster à l’Américaine? Coq au vin?”

“Oh, you’re fucking hilarious, aren’t you?”

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