Page 56 of Fall I Want
Autumn chuckles and we watch a group of kids marching up on the stage carrying pumpkin cutouts. They burst out into song and I chuckle.
Autumn bumps her body against mine as high-pitched voices scream the lyrics with all their hearts. “What, they didn’t teach you a pumpkin anthem to welcome in the season?”
“Not quite.” Boarding school wasn’t fun. It required pristine uniforms and the best behavior.
I don’t think I’ve ever been as carefree as I am right now.
Once they’re finished, the mayor returns and taps on the microphone. “Please enjoy yourselves during this time, stay safe, and don’t forget to shop local.”
The crowd erupts into thunderous applause and themed music plays through the speakers strategically placed around the park. When I try to stand, Autumn takes my hand and pulls me back to her.
“This conversation isn’t over.” She closes her eyes and keeps them closed as she nervously smiles. “I just need to blurt it out.”
I chuckle, waiting for her answer.
“I’ve had dreams about you,” she rushes.
“What?” I stare at her until her long eyelashes flutter open. Her heart rate ticks in her neck and her breathing grows ragged.
A moment later, she meets my gaze, chewing on that plump bottom lip I tasted earlier.
“For thirteen years, I’ve dreamed about a man who looks and sounds like you.” She pauses. “Okay, this is where you’re supposed to find it adorable. You promised.”
“Sorry.” I shake my head, realizing my sister’s prophecy has officially freaked me the fuck out. “I do. I swear. But I don’t know what to say.”
“Imagine how I feel,” she says. “You’re a figment of my imagination; every time I’m with you, it feels like I’m losing it.”
I laugh. “I’m literally the man of your dreams?”
She sucks in a deep breath and whispers, “He said he’d find me. So, seeing you...”
Autumn doesn’t finish her sentence.
I can’t take my eyes off her as her wavy hair blows in the cool breeze. The smells of cider and sweet bread float in the air. Not to mention the electricity that surrounds us.
“Tell me your secret,” she says.
I lick my lips and glance down at hers. Then I lean in and whisper in her ear, “Kissing you felt like magic.”
Chapter 13
Autumn
His hot breath is on my neck and a chill rushes down my spine. I’m sure I’m imagining things. This man has to be in my head, scanning through my thoughts. It’s the only explanation.
“How did you know?” I ask as he pulls away from me. I’m dreaming, right? However, I can clearly see Zane’s beautiful face and bright blue eyes. Lately, it’s been the only way I can tell the difference between the dream world and reality.
“Because I felt it,” he admits.
Butterflies flood me. “I said the same thing to Julie.”
“That it was magic?”
“Yes,” I whisper.
Our eyes lock as the world freezes, and I fight the intense urge to kiss him again.
“Fuck,” he hisses, and his hand is on my cheek as my fingers slide against the softness of his neck. Then I inch forward, closing the space, making the first move.
