Page 33 of Love in Overtime

COOPER

From the moment I met Blair, I thought about what it would feel like to kiss her. Now I know, and it’s even better than I expected. There are so many things I like about this woman, and the feelings are magnified having her in my arms.

After our make out session under a blanket of floating lanterns, I wrap my arms around her, and we stare up at the sky. Neither of us has said a word, and I’m okay with that. Sometimes saying nothing says everything.

I know at some point we will need to address it, but I’m not in a rush to interrupt this moment.

Who knew this small town would be a place to ignite these types of feelings? It’s a far cry from Paris or Venice, but that just proves the location doesn’t matter when you’re with the right person.

The crowd breaks into loud applause once all the lanterns are released. And Blair and I finally separate as people start standing up to leave.

“That was so amazing,” Blair says, still watching thefloating lights.

“Yes, it was.” I have a feeling we’re talking about two different things. The lanterns were cool, but the kiss we just shared was phenomenal.

“Maple Fest was as good as everyone said it would be,” she says. “I’m kind of sad it’s over.”

“Are you disappointed you didn’t make it to the corn maze?”

She gives me a coy smile. “Not at all. There’s always next year.”

“Next year? You think you’ll be back in Pine Falls?”

“MapleFalls—yes. I might make it an annual event. That way I can see Keira and enjoy all the fall stuff.”

“They don’t have fall stuff in Dallas?”

She folds her leg under her and turns toward me. “Not like this. You must admit it was a fun day. In fact, I think you’re starting to really like this town.”

“Some parts of the day were better than others,” I reply. “I didn’t love the hours of socializing or the Puck Bunnies swarming the table for a moment with Dan the Man and the rest of us.”

She cringes. “They are intense.”

I stretch my arm along the back of the bench. “But I can agree the finale was impressive. I can’t think of a better ending to a festival.”

“You mean the lanterns?”

I grin. “Sure. The lanterns.”

Her face lights up, and I’m instantly reminded of the feeling I had at the airport as I descended the escalator to where she was waiting for me. That moment changed everything, and I haven’t been the same since. Suddenly I feel lighter, like a weight has been lifted off me. A weight I’ve carried for as long as I can remember. Everything is different now—I feel different. Meeting Blair has made this happen.

“So now what?” I ask.

Her smile fades. “I don’t know.”

“We could stay here for a while and wait for the crowds to clear,” I suggest.

That’s my way of telling her I don’t want this moment to end.

“I like that idea,” she says.

“Go Otters,” a man in a Roberts jersey shouts. He and his friend come over and hold up their hands to give me a high five.

I still can’t believe an otter was chosen as our mascot. Even Noah agrees with me.Who made that decision?

“So are you anticipating a sweep of all the games?” the man asks. “That’s what we’re expecting. Five wins to the ultimate victory.”

“Let’s hope,” I say with a shrug.

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