Page 37 of Merry Kismet

Our feet are propped on my ottoman, and we’ve both sunk deep into our seats. Our popcorn strings are completed, so Rockwell volunteers to make more for us to eat. After he takes it out of the microwave, he proceeds to doctor up the batch with random things from my fridge and cupboard. His back is to me, so I can’t see what he's adding.

“What is this?” I pause the movie for the thirtieth time when he approaches me. “What’s in there?”

“Nope. Gotta try it first.” He sinks back into the couch, our hips touching.

I scrunch up my nose, knowing full well Rockwell’s limited talent in the kitchen. “I don’t know if I’m brave enough.”

He picks up a piece of popcorn. “Open your mouth.”

I shake my head and grab a popped kernel of my own. “You first.” I hold the kernel up to his lips, not even thinking clearly before I graze his mouth with my fingertips. He snatches the popcorn in his teeth and part of my finger.

“Ah!” I pull back my hand and cradle it against my chest.

He dives for my hand, capturing it with his own. “I’m so sorry. Did I hurt you?”

“No, it just surprised me.”

He brings my fingers close to his face so he can examine them. “You touching my mouth surprised me.”

My laugh sounds awkward even to me, but he hasn’t let go of me yet. He picks up a popped kernel again with his free hand and moves it to my mouth. “You can take your revenge.”

“I’m more worried about the popcorn.”

He shakes his head. “This is as gourmet as I get.”

He was wrong. Rockwell personified gourmet—a quality guy with a strong work ethic, manners, and a good heart. A girl had to search long and hard to find such an exceptional man. I know I have.

With caution, I part my lips. Rockwell leans closer and sets the popcorn just inside my mouth. It feels like slow motion, his eyes on my lips and his hand reluctant to pull back. I forget to taste the popcorn because my thoughts are consumed with Rockwell and our close proximity—a mere bowl between us.

“What do you think?”

“Amazing,” I mutter.

“I hoped you’d think so.”

He’s pleased and doesn’t let go of my hand. My opinion mattered to him. I melt a little inside, even as he settles into the couch, our shoulders and arms hugging.

I almost swallow down my next thought, but our hands entwined gives me courage. “I have another fun idea for you.”

“Yeah?”

“My friends and I are going to the Holly Hoedown tomorrow. You should come and bring Travis.”

He studies me for a second. “Is it still mostly attended by the senior citizens?”

I grin. “That’s the one.”

His deep chuckles pull at my stomach. “Sounds like a party. I’ll be there.”

I’m deliriously happy thinking about checking off the third item on my Christmas wish list. I mindlessly reach over him for the remote and hesitate for a glorious second before I push play. He smells better than cinnamon pinecones.

Relaxing back into the couch, I congratulate myself for taking another chance. It’s not about the movie or the dance at all, but the time together. Time I feel like I’ve waited a lifetime for. I stare at my fingers tucked in his, resting on his leg. To think I could have missed this, waiting for the perfect moment. I owe my list a thank-you for giving me the push I needed.

I know we both agreed on our friend status, but whatever this is, it’s more than friends. I hope this time, our ending will be different.

Chapter 16

Rockwell

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