Page 46 of Buried Roots

I pull Owen in for another kiss, our mouths moving in synchrony. I’m trying to stay away—to protect my heart and his—but it feels almost impossible when I get lost in those eyes of his, part ocean, part storm cloud. I’m starting to think we’re two magnets incapable of getting close without drawing together.

We stand, just holding each other. The sun shining through the sky window warms my face, and I close my eyes, taking in the moment. When I open them, Owen has an expression that I’ve never seen before. His lips are slightly parted, his eyes almost mesmerized as he looks at me, like I’m the only one he sees.

He moves his hands up my arms and to my shoulders, bringing his lips up to my ear. His breath tickles as he whispers, “You deserve to know your roots. You deserve everything.”

His words fill a hole deep within me, and I turn and face him, just a breath away. When our mouths catch, his lips move slowly, gently, and calmness washes over me. I forget who I am, or who I might be, and how I don’t belong. How Owen lives here, and how I live somewhere else entirely.

His kiss deepens with more intensity and intention, and I take in every morsel of it. The mint on his breath, the silk of his lips, the scent of the air when he’s nearby. My grip tightens around him when I realize thatthisis where I belong.

Our bodies mold together, and it’s beyond attraction. We’re just holding each other, and it’s everything as he fills my hollow spaces. He pulls away, brushing a wisp of hair off my forehead. “Let’s go see what we can find out about Annie.”

His words overwhelm me, and I’m terrified of what we might discover. After what happened with Bo and Lily, I’m not sure I can handle more disappointment. “I think I need another day.” I rest my head on his chest. “I’m not quite ready yet.”

“Of course.”

And here we are again, like grooved magnets, drawn together and fitting perfectly.

17

The Ride

IwakeThursdaymorningto everything sopping wet after it rained half the night. It’s barely dawn when I meet Dakota in the barn to help her milk the goats.

“So, what happened last night?” I ask, sitting on the platform next to her. She’d written to me yesterday evening and asked if I’d wanted to join her for a beer, but I was too tired.

“You’ll never believe it.” She smiles, expertly tugging at Darling’s utters. “That mysterious stranger I met at the Brew and Chew Festival was at The Malted Moon last night.”

“No way.” I’m genuinely happy for her. And, honestly, relieved. I know I should want Owen and Dakota back together because that would make my leaving easier, but I don’t. And I loathe betraying my new friend. “Tell me everything.”

“We just talked. Like the whole night—until close. Bennett is gorgeous and awesome. He’s so smart and worldly, Willow. He also lived abroad like me—in Madrid.”

“That’s amazing.” Sir Fig A Lot rests his nose on my leg as I pet it. “So, how did you leave things?”

“Well, he was a gentleman and just got my number, which I appreciated… I guess. I mean, it’s been so long, I was also kinda hoping for a romp in the hay.” She breaks into a laugh. “But I’ll settle for a gentleman.”

“So, he’s going to call.”

“Hebettercall.“ She sighs. “Right now, he lives in Atlanta... but he’s thinking of moving here because of his job distributing Violet Moon beer.”

“That’s promising.”

And just like that, Owen is out of the picture with Dakota? Right? So, now’s a good time to tell her everything. “Listen. We need to talk—“

I stop petting Sir Fig A Lot so he nudges me with his nose. Giving him a scratch, I say, “Yes, I’ll give you more love, my cute brat.”

“You are that, aren’t you, Mr. Sir Fig A Lot?” She reaches over and gives his head a scrub. “So, Willow,” she says, her tone turning nervous. “I have more news.”

“What’s up?” I’ll listen to her news, then tell her.

She turns and faces me, her eyes sparkling. “A few farmer’s markets in Atlanta may want to carry my cheeses.”

“That’s huge!” I give her a hug.

She pulls away and shoots me a look. “I know, right? But I’m going to be gone the entire coming week. Which means I can’t milk the goats.”

I bat a hand. “I’ve got it—this is a huge opportunity for you. And you’ll get to see Bennett?”

She squeals. “Yes!” But then her face goes serious. “Are you sure?”

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