She turned, startled by his urgency.
He stopped in front of her, breathing hard—not from the run, but from the desires struggling to free itself from the battlefield of his heart. He wanted to tell her everything. But the words just wouldn’t come. What was wrong with him? He had waited to see her for months.
He stepped forward, hands shaking, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her.
She kissed him back.
It was wild and sweet and real. Their first kiss, but nothing about it felt uncertain. Her hands, her lips, her heat, it was all vivid, visceral, electric. His body—his soul—recognized the ancient act.
He tasted springtime, longing, dreams not yet spoken. His hands found the curves of her back, her waist, her hips. He belonged there—belonged to her. He sank into her, utterly lost. Bliss!
And then—her hand pressed against his chest. Gently, at first. Then firmer.
He hesitated a beat, uncertain. She pushed—harder.
He stepped back, confused, dazed.
Dragonfly’s breath came fast. Her eyes shimmered—not angry, not cold, just... torn. “I—I can’t... I thought,” she said. “Collin, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“But you kissed me back...”
“I know. I just...” Her eyes darted away. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
She backed up a step, then another. “I can’t miss the coach.”
And then she turned and ran.
He didn’t follow.
The din of the worksite returned, dull and distant. He stood there, breathless, dizzy. His soul still burned, but something sharp cracked inside him. The shattering of his heart.
“Collin!”
Nic’s voice rang out over the clatter of the worksite.
Collin turned slowly. He forced his lips into a shape resembling a smile, pulling unwilling muscles into submission.
Nic jogged over, shovel in one hand, his shirt half untucked and flecked with sawdust. He clapped a hand on Collin’s shoulder. “You’re looking very dapper today, my friend. Trying to impresssomeone?”
Collin huffed a laugh that barely passed for genuine. “Guess I missed my chance.”
“Glad you came by. I thought I saw you earlier, but the place is pure bedlam. My first solo project—chaotic, but damn satisfying.”
“It’s coming together fast.”
“Dragonfly seemed really pleased. You caught her, right?”
Collin nodded, trying to hold back a sigh. “Yeah. We talked.”
Nic looked at him sideways for a moment. “Need me to lie and say everything’s alright?”
The corners of Collin’s mouth lifted slightly. “Just tired. Long day.”
Nic paused, but he didn’t press. “Well, supper’s coming soon, and I’ve got tools to spare if you feel like smashing something.”
Collin hesitated. For a heartbeat, he considered it. Staying would be easier than going home to silence. “I can’t. Promised Aries I’d mop the kitchen.”
Nic gave him a friendly pat. “You’re missing out. But tomorrow—swing by. I’ll put you to work and feed you for your trouble.”
