Page 64 of Autumn Kissed

His little smirk makes me want to wipe it from his lips—if only to touch his lips—so I fold my arms tightly across my chest.

“Good seeing you again,” he says. His deep voice booms about the space like thunder rumbling in an open field. “And so soon.”

“So, what, are you stalking me now?” I whisper, hoping he’ll take my cue. I really don’t want Genevieve to hear us—especially if she’s dating Dad.

“Would you like it if I was stalking you?”

“I don’t think anyone would like a stalker.”

“In that case, no. I’m not.”

“Why are you here, then? Were you just lying about Landrie’s request?”

He drops his chin with a dubious look. “Do you think I’m lying?”

I pull my lips to the side. No. It sounds exactly like Landrie.

“I was planning on coming here later today,” Archer explains. “When I saw you in the window, I figured I might as well seize the opportunity.”

“To what?”

“To ask you out again.”

Teenage Juliet, the one who used to wear too much glittery eye shadow and sparkly lip gloss to get Archer’s attention, is having a field day right now. She wants me to shout yes from the rooftops, leap into Archer’s arms, and beg him to love me for the rest of my life.

But Adult Juliet has finally gained control. I ignore the pleasure his attention gives me and shake my head. “We’ve been through this, cowboy.”

He tips his head to the side and tucks his hands into his pocket. The ridges in his forearms drive divots through my resolve.

“Still no, huh?” he asks.

“Yup.”

I’ve never known a guy to look so happy after a second rejection.

“Still the same reason?”

What was my original reason? Oh, right. My crush. It’s supposed to be gone. “Yeah, still the same reason.”

“Darn. I was really hoping our pumpkin adventure forged a bond between us. I mean, I felt it.” He leans forward. “You sure you didn’t?”

My breath catches at the look he gives me, but I force my voice to remain steady. “I felt tired from all the lifting, if that’s what you mean.”

He smiles at my joke, and I feel like I’ve just won the lottery.

“Well, that’s too bad.” He looks around the shop. “Anything I can do to help you with the festival today? Any more heavy lifting? Carting more pumpkins around? Grabbing us an early dinner?”

He gives me an innocent look, and I fight off my amusement for as long as I can.

He is really trying, isn’t he? Unfortunately, I’m as stubborn as Dad. Speaking of. “You can answer a question for me.”

“Great. Fire away.”

“Are you the one sending magazine subscriptions for the elderly to my dad?”

He freezes, then rubs the back of his neck with a sheepish smile. “Maybe?”

“You’ve gotta be more subtle with your pranks.”