Fall I Want (Cozy Creek Collection #1)

by Lyra Parish

“You’re eye fucking me.” “And I’ve explained why,” I say. “I can’t help it.” “And now you’re thinking very inappropriate thoughts,” he adds. “Get out of my head.” The conversation is easy and fun. “Make me,” he teases. “Just avoid door number three. That’s where the naughty thoughts are kept.” “About Mr. Dreamy?” I burst into laughter, watching the crowd enter the festival. “I almost regret telling you.” “You wanted me to know, Pumpkin,” he states, shooting me a wink, and then he grows serious. “Meeting you has already been my greatest pleasure.” I smile, feeling the same, but also shocked that he’s the man who said my coffee tastes like shit. “It’s been a long time since I’ve allowed anyone new into my life.” “You allowed nothing. You trespassed my personal space, so I fairly did the same to your boundaries,” he says, rolling his sleeves up to his muscular forearms. My body is on fire, too, but I’m relaxed. The line to enter the pumpkin patch still snakes to the street, but we’re in no hurry to join it. Once it calms down, we’ll go in, too. “I could’ve said no,” I state. “No wasn’t an option. I’d have haunted you in your dreams.” I scoff. “You play dirty.” “Nah, just have an advantage. Thanks, Mr. Dreamy.” He laughs, focusing on the crunchy leaves tumbling across the sidewalk.