Page 82 of A Cup of Autumn
“You think?”
He nodded. “I’m surprised steam wasn’t coming out of her ears.”
“Don’t know why.” Raine forced herself not to look at anything but him. “Emmett’s living his best life. Why shouldn’t I?”
“Am I part of your best life?”
“Yes, I mean…”
“I’m happy to be part of it for now, okay? And sorry if I overdid the date stuff.”
“You were the perfect date. Want to head over to Lawson’s? My treat.”
Keaton squeezed her hand. “That’s an offer I can’t refuse.”
“Let’s go.”
Outside as they headed toward the bakery, they held hands.
“You’re quiet,” he said.
“Dinner was great. Even with the unexpected visitor. I’m going to be sad when the Boo Bash is over.”
“I’d like to keep seeing you while I’m in town.”
Her spirits soared. “Any idea how long that will be?”
“No, is that okay?”
“To hang out and have fun?”
He nodded.
She was more of a relationship type, but temporary with an end date not that far away would be good for her. Practice for when she was ready for a boyfriend again. “Does that mean you expect free coffee?”
“Oh, I plan to keep coming in for more of your special pumpkin spice drinks. That’s a given. But free isn’t.”
“We can discuss that. But I’m up for taking things day by day until you leave.”
“Thank you.” He stopped. “Can we seal our deal with a kiss?”
The hope in his voice melted a piece of her heart, but she wanted to be sure what he was asking. “A practice one?”
“For real.”
Raine nodded.
He lowered his head to hers. She met him halfway. Their mouths met and…
His lips were soft and warm and oh-so-sweet. From his after-dinner drink, yes, but there was something more. Extra. Him.
Keaton kept holding on to her hand, but his free arm wrapped around Raine. He pressed harder against her lips. Tingles exploded at the point of contact and shot outward in all directions.
Wowsa.
Forget bad boys. The professor’s kissing expertise beat them all. Raine wanted to keep on kissing him.
A warning bell sounded in her head.
