Page 53 of Pumpkin Patch Pack
“It’s nothing,” she says, trying to pull her hand away. “Just clumsy.”
“Let me help.” I keep my voice gentle as I lead her to the barn just behind us and the sink in the corner where we wash up after farm chores. The water runs clear over her finger, washing away the blood to reveal a shallow slice.
“First aid kit?” she asks, looking around.
“Don’t need one.” Before I overthink it, I bring her finger to my mouth and gently run my tongue over the cut.
Emma gasps as she watches me. I hold her gaze, unable to look away as I taste the copper of her blood mixed with the sweetness of pumpkin on her skin.
Her breathing quickens, and I can smell her arousal blooming, sweet and heady in the air between us. I slowly lower her hand, but don’t let go.
“This works better than any antiseptic.”
“Does it now?” she whispers, her eyes fixed on mine.
I nod, suddenly unable to form words. We’re standing close, her body almost pressed against mine, her scent filling my lungs with every breath.
“Thank you,” she says softly, but makes no move to step away.
I should back up.
Give her space.
Remember all my promises to take this slowly, to let her set the pace. But then her free hand comes up to rest against my chest, directly over my pounding heart, and rational thought abandons me.
“Emma…”
“Yes?” Her voice is barely audible, her eyes dropping to my mouth.
“I really want to kiss you right now.”
Her lips part slightly, and she nods. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”
I lean down, slowly closing the distance between us, and she rises on her tiptoes to meet me halfway.
The first brush of her lips against mine is gentle. But when she sighs into my mouth, something breaks loose inside me. I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her flush against me as the kiss deepens. She tastes like the apple cider we were drinking earlier, sweet and lightly spiced, and I’m instantly addicted.
Her hands slide up my chest to tangle in my hair, and I groan at the gentle tug of her fingers. I back her against the wall, lifting her without breaking the kiss. She makes a slight, needy sound that nearly shatters my control, her legs parting to allow me closer.
The kiss turns hungry, desperate, as weeks of tension finally find release. My hands span her waist, thumbs brushing the undersides of her breasts, and she arches into the touch.
“Whoop, whoop!” Theo’s voice cheers from the open barn doors, followed by enthusiastic clapping.
Emma breaks the kiss with a startled laugh, burying her face in my neck. I turn to see Theo standing in the doorway, grinning.
“Don’t mind me,” he says, making no move to leave. “Carry on. Liam and I have a bet about who gets to kiss her next.”
“Theo,” I growl in warning, but I’m not irritated. I’m too happy, too drunk on Emma’s taste and scent to be annoyed.
Emma lifts her head, cheeks flushed and lips swollen from my kiss. “You two have a bet?” she asks, eyebrows raised.
Theo shrugs, unrepentant. “Liam says you’ll kiss him next because you already kissed him once. I say you’ll pick me because I’m irresistible and make the best pies.”
Emma laughs, the sound vibrating against my chest where she’s still pressed against me. “Maybe I’ll keep you both in suspense,” she teases.
“Cruel omega,” Theo clutches his heart dramatically. “Well, I’ll leave you to your pumpkins. And your… other activities.” He winks and backs away, but not before giving me a thumbs up that makes Emma giggle.
When he’s gone, I press my forehead against hers, breathing in her scent. “Sorry about that. Subtlety isn’t his strong suit.”
