Page 41 of A Fowl Match

We lay down next to each other on our backs and stare at the sky. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever dreamt of. Pastel pinks, light blues, and white wisps paint it like a canvas. Each strokeis intentional. Making for the most jaw-dropping sunset. The peaceful sounds of birds singing and cows mooing echo in the distance. It’s as if the sound is pure nature. My breath hitches in awe. The view from town is similar, but nothing compares to the sight of nothing else but us. I rack my brain for the right words to describe it. But nothing comes to mind, so I settle with the one thing I can think of: “This is—wow—beautiful.”

“I used to think that too, but things have changed,” he says, staring up at the sky.

“What changed?” I wonder out loud.

“You.” He turns his head to the side to look at me. “Youare more beautiful than the sunset. More so than all of the stars in the sky.” I look into his blue eyes; they are filled with sincerity. It’s then I believe his words. It shocks me to my core. He stares at my lips and back into my heady gaze. It’s just like the time we lay in the mud. But this time there isn’t cold rain pelting us, or mud caked all over me. This time I know what I want.

I press my lips against his hesitantly. Bursts of fireworks explode in my stomach at the connection. At first, the mere touch is hesitant and gentle. Instantly soft yet captivating. It sends a shiver down my spine. All thoughts are a blur. He traces his fingers over my jaw and strands of unruly hair out of my closed eyes. I smile against his touch. Dustin’s lips are inviting, smooth, mesmerizing. I want to savor this moment forever. I know that it won’t ever be enough. Inevitably one of us will have to break away. The trees, sky, and soon reality too fade into the background as the kiss deepens. I never knew it could feel like this. I’ve only kissed a few other guys, but nothing ever felt this exceptional.

I put my fingers through his hair and with my other hand I hold his cheek, feeling the stubble on his face. It’s scratchy against my touch. I let go suddenly because I have to get something off my chest.

“Are we still friends? Because friends don’t normally kiss,” I say in all seriousness. Unless they’re friends with benefits. But I don’t want us to be like that.

“Yes, we’ll always be friends, but that's what I wanted to talk to you about.”

My heart drops to my stomach.

Does he want to end this so-called friendship and be done with me? Have I scared him off? Did I do something wrong?

The doubts run through my mind. I’ve ruined so many things in my life before. I’m not ready to lose this one good thing that's just within my grasp.

Dustin tilts my head up and his gaze meets mine. “I don’t want to bejustanything anymore. We were just enemies. Maybe we could have been considered rivals at one point. Who am I kidding—we were never enemies. We were just acquaintances, just friends. I want more, so much more.”

My eyes fill with unshed tears. “So what do you want to be?”

“Well, you could start off with being my girlfriend.”

My heart races a mile a minute. Ready to beat directly out of my chest. I have never felt this way about a man before. Passion filled visceral feelings. It’s terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. My decision is clear. “I’d love that.”

He hugs me tighter as the sky slowly transitions from indigo to black. The stars sparsely spread across the darkness, peeking out from the pitch-black sky. A chill fills the air, but I’m not cold. I feel so warm and safe in his arms. I don’t ever want to leave his embrace.

Chapter 27

Violet

It’sbeenoneday,technically one night, since Dustin and I have become more than friends. They’ve already dubbed us the new “it”couple in town. Plastered all over the town's social media page, with one long article, written by none other than the Gossip Mill. They work fast because it was published at four in the morning. The post is filled with quotes from the town folks on our sightings. One from Sophia, co-owner of The Cozy Cabin Inn,confirming a sighting of us kissing goodbye in front of my shop last night. Then it all gets worse because I didn’t even get a chance to tell Olive yet. I wanted to break the news in person. But no, I couldn’t do it on my own; they had to beat me to it. Dustin told his Gram last night, she told her best friend Jane, and Jane told Bobbie. You could guess what happened from there.

Dustin sent me an apologetic text and I know he didn’t mean to announce it to the whole town overnight, so I just shrugged it off. I wouldn’t mind if only I had sent Olive some kind of text last night to tell her. She’s going to be so mad at me.

I flip the open sign on the front door. It’s exactly seven and there are already customers lined up. They’re here for one reason, and one reason only. To find out information.

At least I think so.

“Good morning everyone!” I greet the ladies standing at the door. “Come on in and get out of the rain.” They all file in, closing their umbrellas and hanging their coats on the coat rack next to the door. The ladies all browse flowers and plants. Which shocks me. This is more business than I have ever had this early in the morning. I thought they would all hound me for the details of how we ended up together, but they are looking for things to purchase. A few of the townies purchase bouquets, others choose house plants. A few congratulate me on my relationship. Once the crowd is gone, I sigh in relief as I sit on the couch.

Olive comes rushing in the door with a purpose. Her raincoat flaps in the wind along with the swinging door. She shrugs her coat on the hanger and beelines straight to me.

Oh no.

“I am so happy for you!” Olive squeals as she hops onto the couch. Her arms pull me into a squeezing hug.

What? This is not what I expected at all. I was preparing for the worst.

“You’re not mad that I didn’t tell you?”

“Of course not! I know how the gossip mill works. You would have told me if you had the chance.” She lets me go and leans back on the couch.

“Who’s watching the coffee shop?” I wonder how she’s able to be here during opening hours. It's a peak business hour for coffee. Otherwise, the townies turn into zombies without their caffeine fix.

---