Page 8 of September's Kiss (Loving the Curvy Girl)

We walked out together and I stood on the sidewalk as he locked up. When I turned around to head toward my car, my heart leapt into my throat and my breath hitched.

“You okay?” he asked sharply.

“Yeah.” I exhaled heavily. “I thought I saw someone and it surprised me.”

I’d thought I’d seen Joshua, actually. When I’d glanced across the street I could have sworn I’d glimpsed his massive frame leaning in a doorway looking at me. But it must have just been a shadow or something.

Great, now I was seeing things, too. Maybe I should call him. Or, maybe I was going crazy and should stay the hell away from him completely.

“Ember?” Geoff put his hand on my shoulder and turned me to face him. “I’m a little worried about you.”

“Don’t be,” I insisted. “I’m fine.”

“Maybe you should call him.”

“Call who?” I asked, trying to sound smooth.

“Right. Just call him. You don’t have to actually marry the guy. But maybe a cup of coffee or something would be a good place to start.” He smiled softly.

“You engaged people are all in cahoots,” I said, shaking my arm loose from his touch. “You think you’re so deliriously happy that you want everyone else to join your cult.”

“True,” he said, his tone completely unabashed. “I’m such a bastard. How dare I want my best friend to find someone that makes her happy. I’m sorry.”

“You should be,” I agreed, smiling. “I’ll think about it. Call me later and tell me what you guys need me to do this week, okay?”

He kissed my cheek and we each headed to our cars. As I unlocked mine, that feeling of being watched washed over me again. I looked around sharply, but there was no one anywhere near me.

Damn, this guy had really done a number on me.

Geoff was right. I should probably call him.

Chapter Six

~Joshua~

“That girl is gorgeous,” Paul said when he returned from his field trip the bookstore. “I get the obsession.”

“Don’t look at her,” I snapped.

“Chill,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve got more than enough to handle with Dolly. Here.”

He handed me an envelope and I ripped it open. It was an invitation to Geoff’s wedding.

“What the hell is this?” I demanded.

“He said she’d be there.” Paul shrugged. “He wouldn’t give me her number. But he did offer to pass her a note after homeroom.”

Damnit, I was acting like an idiot. I was a grown ass man. I’d fought in a war. How could I be so terrified of confronting the future mother of my children? She’d kissed me, for fuck’s sake. It wasn’t like I didn’t know if she was interested.

“I’ve gotta go,” I said, standing up and tucking the invitation into my jacket pocket. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I stalked out of the office and got in my car. Without really thinking about it too hard, I headed toward the bookstore myself. I parked across the street and got out, but instead of just going inside like a sane human being, I climbed the steps of the building across the street and watched the front door.

Geoff was moving around inside, but I didn’t see September anywhere. The rational thing to do, of course, would be to go into the shop. I was just about to head over when I saw her walk toward the door.

I froze, staring at her, unable to move for a moment. I’d been sure that night at the wedding, that I’d fallen in love with her. Now, any question about that fact was gone. My heart started to pound in my chest, my palms went sweaty and my mouth went dry. Even in a white t-shirt and jeans, she was stunning.

In that moment, our entire future flashed before my eyes. Our wedding, her pregnant with our first child, our second, and our third. Our hands clasped together, old and wrinkled and careworn as we rocked next to each other on a porch in our old age, grandkids running around the yard.

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