Page 75 of On The Rocks

I knew what I wanted.

It was her.

And that meant taking it easy on the pressure.

“Wait up, Lennon.”

She swung around, her fists tight at her sides. “What do you want from me, man?”

I crowded into her and cupped her face. “Too much and that’s on me. I’m sorry.” I pressed my forehead to hers. “I’m out of my element here. I’m not used to wanting more. I’m used to walking away after a good time.”

“Then why the hell am I special?”

“Because you’re a woman worth sticking for.”

“You don’t even know me.”

“Because you don’t want to let people know you.”

“I made friends.” She pushed away from me. “I have plenty of friendships at the orchard. Again, don’t put your crap on me.”

“You did and do. But you won’t let anyone in beyond the surface. Even Annette, who is probably the closest to you, is still on the outside.”

She stalked away from me, then back, energy bouncing off her. “It’s just the way I am.”

“Why?”

“Because.” She crowded into me this time. “Because I move around a lot. Why let people get attached when I’m going to go?”

“You’re here now. And you come back every year because you want that connection, baby. You’re dying for it. The same as me.” I cupped her shoulders, then slid up to cup her face. “Because we fit, this place fits.” I lowered my mouth to hers. “We don’t have to be alone anymore.”Her lips trembled. “Just take a chance,” I whispered.

“What if I’m gone by fall? Maybe even this summer?” Her eyes glittered under the parking lot lights.

What if she was? What if something pulled her away from the orchard? The goals she had for herself may not be voiced, but I knew there were some under the surface.

“Then try something new. Try me on for the season.”

Her fingers gripped the leather of my sleeve. I could see the fear under the anger. I recognized it because it lived in me. It was easier to leave things surface. Easier to walk away before people walked away from me.

The urge to let go of what I really needed and allow her the day by day she wanted so badly was burning my tongue.

Take what you can get, son.

But I didn’t just want one more night, dammit. I wanted to see if we could find something real between us.

“Don’t make me regret it.” Then she lifted on her toes and met my mouth.

Just like that first day.

I’d given her space, and now I was rewriting the rules.

I only hoped I wouldn’t get burned.

Chapter 17

Lennon

Crave

---