Page 63 of More Than Falling in Love

We step outside, our breath visible in the cold air.Instead of sitting in a chair, she walks to the rail, and I ease up beside her.

Silently, we stand side by side, sipping champagne.

Fireworks off in the distance creates bursts of color against the dark sky.

We clink glasses, then take our celebratory sip.Then I turn, wanting to look into her eyes as I wish her a Happy New Year.Her lips are right there.The first brush of my lips on hers nearly overloads my senses.I thread my fingers into her hair, trying to keep my glass upright with my other hand.

Champagne trickles down my back as she wraps her arms around me.

Blindly, I set my champagne on the rail and wrap my other arm around her, pulling her closer.

Passion intensifies, and the kiss deepens.

This is the hint I’ve been waiting for.

Her hands move to my chest, and she gives a slight shove.I break the kiss, my heart tumbling into my stomach.

Poppy shakes her head.“I’m sorry.I was going to kiss you on the cheek, and you turned, and…”

“Oh.Then I’m sorry for—”

“No, it was nice.”She glances at her empty flute.“I should go.”

Nice?I thought it was heaven.

I catch her hand as she steps away.“Hey.”

She won’t look at me, but even from this angle, I can see tears glistening on her lashes.“I’m not mad.But we can’t.I live eighteen hundred miles away.You need someone who can be here for you all the time.Someone who can be here for Mason.”

My palms sweat as I try my hand at honesty.If this backfires, I’m blaming Parker.“I don’t want someone else.I want you.”

“But it won’t work.”She shoves the glass into my hand and rushes through the back door and then out the front.

Happy New Year to me.

Mason isthe only one talking as we stand in line, waiting for Ava to set breakfast on the counter.Poppy isn’t here yet, but I’m anticipating awkwardness.

“Last night was so fun.I think I’m going to play the guitar when I grow up.Dad, will you get me a guitar?Mr.Clint will teach me to play.”Mason runs over to where Joji and Clint are waiting.“Will you teach me?”

“Yep.I’ll give you lessons.”Clint tousles Mason’s hair.“Just say when.”

Ava pulls casseroles out of the oven, then points to the paper plates.“Dig in.”

Mason is still talking to Clint about guitars, so I get two plates and carry them to the table.Drawn by the smell of food, Mason joins me a minute later.

He leaves the usual gap, a spot for Poppy.

She’s here, but I haven’t braved a look at her.I messed up, and I’m not sure the situation is fixable.I eat my food and down my coffee, waiting for her to walk to the table.

When she does, she sits on the opposite side of Mason.Now I know it’s broken beyond repair.

I slide out of my seat and find Ava.“I’m going to get a jump on stuff.Mind keeping an eye on Mason?”

“You know I don’t mind.”She looks to where Poppy and Mason are sitting.“Everything okay?”

I’ve already tried being honest.“Yeah.”In the doorway, I catch Mason’s attention.“Stay with Miss Ava.I’m going to get some chores done.”

“Okay.Poppy and I are going to visit the horses.”

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