Fall I Want (Cozy Creek Collection #1)

by Lyra Parish

slide together. It’s explosive, instant fireworks. He tastes like spearmint and smells like fresh mountain air. It shouldn’t feel like this. It shouldn’t feel like home. It shouldn’t feel like I want to do this again and again and again. But it does. My body buzzes and the sensation nearly brings me to my knees as the kiss deepens further. I whimper against him and I’m lost in this moment. Nothing else in the world matters. As if Zane realizes we’ve gone too far, he gently pulls away, his swollen lips hovering above mine as he fists my hair. “It wasn’t supposed to be like that,” he whispers, placing his fingers on my chin, forcing me to look into his eyes, and I drown. “I know,” I say. He takes a step back, creating much-needed space. We crossed a line, one we probably shouldn’t have, even if we’ve walked it finely so far. “See you tonight, Pumpkin,” he says. “Yes,” I say, surprised I can even form words because I’m pretty sure he stole my soul when our lips touched. Zane shoots me a wink and chuckles. “Perfect coffee, babe.” He raises his cup, then walks away. I watch him, stunned, and when I come back to reality and turn around, I realize the entire coffee shop witnessed our first kiss. Immediately, I tuck my hair behind my ears and walk in. Julie and Blaire smile wide as the room bursts into applause and encouragement from regulars. “Marry that man,” a woman yells from the back, and I laugh.