Page 79 of Autumn at the Cat Cafe

“It’s new every year.” Gravel crunched under their feet, and white cloudy puffs hung in the air as she talked. “When I first moved back, I got stuck and they had to find me. Fergus still won’t let me live it down.”

Leo grinned. “I’m liking your brother more and more.”

She laughed. “Then maybe you should have gone with him.”

But he didn’t want to be here with anyone but her.

They walked into the maze area. Lanterns were placed at strategic corners of the maze, electric lights flickering inside. It gave plenty of light but also a soft, natural feel. The line wasn’t too long and it seemed most of the maze goers were standing at the concession stand, as if to fortify themselves before entering.

At midnight, a voice came over the loudspeaker. “Hello, corn maze guests! In one minute we’ll be opening the maze, so get your place in line. Remember, no pushing, shoving, or other shenanigans. If you damage the corn, you pay for it. All right, let the fun begin!”

They got in line and a gong sounded over the speaker, like a grandfather clock marking midnight. An attendant unhooked therope that blocked the maze and the line moved. Just like Via said, they were being released in increments. When it was their turn, she was standing in front of him.

She glanced over her shoulder. “Ready?” When he nodded, they went in.

Immediately he was surrounded by tall, mostly brown cornstalks. The sweet scent of corn hung in the air, mixed with an earthy smell that wasn’t unpleasant. Very outdoorsy and autumn-esque. They strolled down the first row, then curved around a not-so-sharp corner.

“Pretty easy so far,” he said.

“Just wait.”

They walked for a few more minutes and ended up at a dead end. He scratched his head. “How did that happen?”

“The Sandersons know what they’re doing.” She turned, her back to the wall of corn. “We just need to turn around and—”

Bam! The lights all shut down simultaneously. Squeals and screams echoed in the maze.

“Is this part of the show?” Leo said, looking around. He shouldn’t have bothered. He couldn’t see a thing.

“Attention,” the loudspeaker voice said. “We seem to have a breaker problem. Hang tight and we’ll get it fixed right up.”

“It’s not like we have a choice,” Via mumbled. He felt a light brush against his hand. “Leo?”

He moved toward her voice. “I’m right here. Are you scared?”

“Of course not. I’m annoyed. I don’t like being stuck in the dark.”

The next words came out before he could stop them. “Not even with me?”

Chapter 20

Via froze. Her eyes were adjusting to the dark, and with her back pressed against the cornstalks, she could make out Leo standing directly in front of her. A breaker issue. What a way to introduce him to a corn maze.

But that was a fleeting thought as her heart and body responded to his throaty question.

He took a step toward her. The sliver of crescent moon made his face visible, the desire in his eyes warming her from the inside out.

Unable to stop herself, she closed the gap between them.

He touched her cheek with the back of his hand, lingering as he moved over her skin to her jaw. Then his thumb caressed her chin, gliding upward until it slowly brushed the edge of her bottom lip, sending a heavenly chill down to her toes. When her mouth parted slightly, he smiled—tender and hot at the same time.

She slid her hands under his jacket, looping her fingers into the belt loops on both sides of his jeans, and tugged him to her until the minuscule space between them disappeared. “Leo?” she whispered, her heart galloping in her chest.

He lowered his head to hers until their foreheads touched. “Yes?”

“If you don’t kiss me right now, I’ll—”

His mouth captured hers, hungry and fierce, and she matched him. The pent-up attraction between them exploded, and they melted against each other. Then the pace slowed, his hands reverently cradling her face as he gently kissed her bottom lip before moving to press his lips underneath her earlobe, keeping her secure in his embrace. “Does this qualify as shenanigans?” he murmured.