Page 174 of Fall I Want
“Fuck, that’s seven I’ll give.”
He holds out his hand and we shake on it with a soft laugh, then he moves my dress down over my body. Zane wraps his arm around me, kissing my forehead, completely satisfied.
“To be known is to be loved,” I say.
“Thankfully, I have you memorized.”
“How do I look?” I double-check my top, making sure it’s fully clasped. The last thing I need to do is flash my boobs at the Pumpkin Ball. My best friends would never let me live it down.
Zane reaches out and smooths my hair down in the back.
“You already know the answer to that question,” he mutters with a flirty tone as the carriage enters downtown Cozy Hollow.
“Good,” I say, completely okay with it.
I glance out the side windows and Zane reaches up and slides open a sunroof. With shining eyes, looking like my personal Prince Charming, he smirks, lifting his hand for me. I take it and he pulls me up with him.
Kids are on the street with jack-o’-lanterns and candy bags in their grasp. They’re giggling, skipping, and high on sugar as the trick-or-treaters stop by the local businesses.
“It’s Cinderella and Prince Charming,” one little girl says, pointing. “Look!”
People watch us pass by. We wave and smile, and I’m giddy as we create a traffic-stopping parade on the way to the ball.
“Mommy! It’s them!” another kid says.
Zane watches me, smiling. He leans forward and kisses me so passionately that he steals my breath away. “Happy birthday, Pumpkin.”
“It’s been the best one I’ve ever had,” I admit.
“Until next year,” he says, wearing a boyish grin.
I shake my head. “I don’t know how you’ll top this one.”
“I’m up for the challenge,” he says as we enter the venue parking lot. Those walking into the ball stop and stare at us. Everyone is shocked, even the valet.
The door opens and Zane takes my hand, picks me up, and setsme on the ground. I take a step back, snapping a picture of us with the carriage in the background.
“Truthfully. After that, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at a pumpkin carriage or the cartoon the same way.”
“Fuck, me either.” He smirks with swollen lips and gorgeously messy hair that I want to thrust my fingers through again. He lifts a brow, catching me. “It’s that look again.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.” I grin, grateful he’s mine.
The limos unload and our friends and family enter together. As soon as we do, all heads turn toward our entourage, then the room bursts into applause. The president of the fundraising committee that hosts the ball is at the end of the red carpet, which leads to a bejeweled throne.
Each guest must approach the king and be officially welcomed in. I also think it’s how they mark us off the guest list. Zane and I drift forward, capturing the room’s attention.
When we’re close, the presenter grins wide and stands to grab a microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud to announce Zane and Autumn Alexander as this year’s Pumpkin King and Queen.”
I meet the eyes of everyone who loves and adores me. “Did you know?” I ask Julie and Blaire.
“We kinda became your campaign managers.”
Mrs. Mooney and the women from the book club proudly waltz over with their chests out. “We manifested this!” she claims, and Zane laughs as pictures are taken. A sash is thrown over my body and Zane’s. Moments later, we kneel to accept our crowns in front of the entire town.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this year’s Pumpkin King and Queen have arrived. All hail.”
