Page 17 of Harvest of Love
Her grin widens as she pulls me down into a scorching kiss.
I still need to hear her words, but that can wait. Right now, I want to soak up on this kiss for as long as I can.
It’s been a long time coming.
Chapter 6
Daisy
Manny is every bit as attentive as I imagined. He makes sure I‘m comfortable thewhole time we’re on the riverwalk, asks more than once if I’m tired, and opens doors to every little shop we stop at.
If heart-eyes were real, mine would definitely be shaped that way. I’ve known him for a while, but this side of him—the steady, caring partner—feels brand new.
“So what do you say, Dais? Do you want to grab dinner here? Or should we head back to Azalea Creek?” Manny asks as we walk toward the parking lot.
“Dinner in Azalea Creek? Are you ready for the town’s inquisition?”
He stops walking.
I look up at him, confused. “What?”
“I told you. If I claim you, I’m not going back. I’m not hiding. I’m all in.”
My heart flutters. I love how seriously he takes things; with Manny, I’ll always know where we stand.
“And I said I was ready for it. I’m not backtracking,” I say, resting my hand on his chest. His heartbeat is racing, like he’s been running. “I was just checking to see ifyouwere ready, because you know the town will talk.”
“Let them talk then.”
He closes the distance and kisses me deeply. My hand fists in his jacket, clinging to him like a lifeline. Hishands frame my waist, pulling me flush against him. I could get lost in his embrace and be happy for the rest of my life.
Far too soon, Manny ends the kiss with a chuckle. I frown, wondering what he finds so funny.
He smiles. “I was just thinking—how the hell did I survive for so long without kissing you?”
A grin spreads across my face.
“Really?” I ask, loving the confession.
“Yes, Dais. I went back and forth so many times on whether or not I should flirt with you.” He sighs. “I’m just grateful I told you how I feel and even more grateful you agreed.”
I give him a quick peck, still too giddy for words.
After he opens the truck door for me, I say, “I don’t want to think about how many times I wished you would look at me as more than just Tommy’s nanny. I want to relish the fact that it’s finally happening.”
He gives me a sweet smile and pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
Once the door clicks shut, he jogs to his side, and we’re Azalea Creek-bound within seconds.
“What do you feel like eating?” he asks as we take the exit into town.
“I’m not really that hungry. Between the latte and the chocolate scones, I think I’d be happy with just a salad or some fruit.”
He nods, considering. Turning onto Main Street, he says, “As much as I like the food at the Rustic Spoon, I don’t think we’ll be out of there tonight once Granny sees us walk in together.”
He’s not wrong. Granny’s the town’s unofficial matchmaker, and I have a feeling she’s had her eye on us for a while now.
“What do you think about going to Merry Moo Creamery?” I suggest.
