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The words sink in, and he starts grinning. “Well, I can think of many places I could kiss you that don’t involve your mouth.”
My aforementioned mouth falls open and I gasp softly. But then, without really thinking, I ask, “If I say I want to brush my teeth first anyway, will you still kiss me in those other places too?”
His gaze turns immediately hot. “Where is the closest toothbrush?” he practically growls, moving to stand nearly on top of me.
I keep my hand over my mouth, but answer, “In my purse, over there, but we should just go to my parents’ house.”
“Your parents’ house?”
“That’s where I’m staying.”
“Yes,” he agrees quickly. “Yes, we should.”
“And…I think I still need to give a speech first.”
His grin is quick. “Yes, you do.”
This man built me a farm. In my hometown. I have so many questions for him.
“Okay. I’m ready.”
“Make it quick,” he says.
Yeah. I want that.
I take a deep breath and step around the corner and into the main area again. I plaster on a smile and walk toward the stage and that fucking podium. But just as my steps start to falter, I feel Torin’s hand on my lower back.
He steps up onto the stage with me and I feel the butterflies in my stomach settle into little flutters instead of sickening swooping.
I move behind the podium and grasp the sides, facing the audience in front of me. And then, I just say what’s on my mind.
“Hi, everyone. Thanks for being here. Not just today, but every day you’ve been here making this happen. I’m Abigail Landry and…this farm was my idea.”
I smile as they applaud. Okay, that’s not so bad.
Torin gives me a smile and I feel mine grow as I meet his eyes.
I turn back to the people in front of us. “Torin O'Grady and I believe that everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy, affordable food year-round. And, because Shreveport is where I first found my love for growing things and the empowerment that comes from producing food, it makes sense to start my…” I look up at him again and find him watching me with an expression that seems to be a mix of admiration and affection. My chest warms. “Our farms here.”
Everyone is smiling back at me, and I feel great. This is…so damned great. They are all interested and open. Like they really do think I have something interesting to say.
I open my mouth and…my mind goes blank. I have nothing else. I have no idea how to continue the speech or, worse, how to end it.
Torin slips an arm around my waist, and I lean into him.
He asks softly, “Want me to take over?”
I do so fucking much. I look out at the audience. “I learned a lot at that school across the street, but I’ll be honest, public speaking was not, and is not, my gift.”
People laugh lightly but I think it’s in understanding rather than judgment.
I look up at Torin. “I think it’s in the prince’s handbook that you’re obligated to save the damsel in distress. And I’m definitely in a little distress.”
He gives me a smile that makes my knees wobble. “I’ve got you.” And then he proves it. He turns to the audience and starts talking about the farm.
And ten minutes later, I’m staring at him with my mouth hanging open.
Holy. Shit.
