Page 29 of Love in Kentbury

Henrik pulls the SUV off the main road onto a dirt path winding through the orchard. I inhale deeply, the crisp winter air filling my lungs as I gaze out at rows of bare-branched trees.

“It’s so beautiful here,” I murmur, a sense of peace settling over me. “I’m starting to understand the appeal of small-town life.”

“Not as beautiful as you.” Henrik’s voice comes soft, almost reverent.

I reach over, lacing my fingers through his, where they rest on the gearshift. He gives my hand a gentle squeeze. No more words are needed at this moment.

The playful flirtation between us is now shifting into something deeper, scarier, yet so right. We stay connected hand in hand as he pulls up beneath the dormant apple trees.

This blossoming thing between us feels fragile, precious—a second chance at something I thought lost long ago. There is much still left to figure out, but right now, I let myself feel the joy of this unexpected new beginning.

As he pulls the SUV into a parking spot at the orchard, I’m struck by how comfortable I feel with him already. There’s no pretense or awkwardness lingering from our conversation.

We get to work looping branches with vibrant ribbons. I can’t resist stealing glances at him, noticing how the sunlight brings out golden undertones in his brown waves.

He catches me looking, mouth curving. “What?”

“Nothing.” I bump his shoulder playfully with mine, the gesture so easy. “Just thinking this was a great event for the town.”

When Henrik climbs a ladder to reach a high branch, I can’t resist giving his jeans-clad backside a light pat. He glances down, surprise melting into a wolfish grin.

“Careful, or I might just lose my balance,” he teases.

“Oh, don’t worry, I’ll catch you if you fall,” I say with a cheeky wink.

He just shakes his head, a smile lingering as he returns to hanging ribbons overhead. I allow myself a moment to appreciate the view—broad shoulders stretching his wool sweater, hips and thighs cut from granite.

As we continue working, our hands soon find excuses to brush against each other. A lingering touch on the lower back, grazing fingers as we reach for supplies, bumping shoulders.

Henrik pauses to examine our handiwork so far, and I sidle up next to him.

“Not bad,” he says.

“Not bad at all,” I agree. Before I can overthink, I stand on tiptoes to plant a kiss on his stubbled cheek. Henrik turns his head to capture my lips in a soft, lingering kiss instead.

My heart flutters wildly as I let myself get lost in the moment, the rest of the world fading away.

We finally ease apart, foreheads touching. Henrik searches my eyes, a small, happy smile playing on his lips.

“Have dinner with me tonight?” he asks.

Butterflies swarm my stomach, nerves, and anticipation mingling. “It’s barely lunchtime,” I answer with an embarrassed little laugh.

“Lunch is covered.” He winks. “I just want to make sure you’ll join me for dinner. I’ll cook.”

I tuck a lock of wind-tousled hair behind my ear. “Yes, that sounds lovely.” My voice comes out almost shy like I’m sixteen and on a first date. Except this is our second chance, and I’m long past sweet sixteen. Still, my heart races like I’m falling in love for the very first time.

ChapterTwenty

Henrik

My cabin comes into view,nestled in the woods on the outskirts of Kentbury. The anticipation of having Lou at my place has my pulse racing. I pull up to the front and hop out, rounding the car to open her door.

“Welcome to my humble abode,” I say, offering her a smile I hope conveys the affection warming me from the inside out.

She follows me up the steps and through the door, her gaze darting from one luxurious detail to the next. I watch her take it all in, and when our eyes meet, there’s a spark in hers mirroring the fire now crackling in the hearth behind us.

“This is . . . incredible,” she breathes, gliding her hand over the smooth wood of the entryway table.

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