Page 89 of Sparks Fly

“Maybe that’s the plan.”

She laughed softly and melted into me anyway.

* * *

By the time we left around eleven, the sky was clear and bright. Summer still lingered, but the cool air carried the first hint of autumn.

Our luggage fit easily into the saddlebags, Addison slipped on my jacket like it belonged there.

I stared a second too long.

“You like me in your clothes,” she teased.

“Obviously.”

The ride was slow and scenic. Her arms wrapped around my waist and her fingers tucked beneath my jacket.

We stopped once, for coffee by the water and again at a scenic overlook where the wind tangled her hair while I kissed her, slow and unhurried.

By the time we rolled into Mystic the world felt smaller and quieter.

The house was perfect. A pale blue Victorian with a wraparound porch and hydrangeas lining the walkway. Inside, sunlight stretched across the hardwood floors, and the bedroom felt private and inviting.

Addison turned slowly in the middle of the room, taking it all in.“Holy shit,” she said softly.

I watched her with a smile, “Don’t you sell houses nicer than this on the daily?” I teased.

“Yes, but we’re staying here. Just all.” She said with the biggest smile on her face.

A sea breeze drifted through the open windows, carrying the faint scent of saltwater inside. Addison crossed to the window and looked out toward the water before turning back to me.

“We’ve got the whole weekend,” I said

“We do.” She looked at me for a second, really looked at me, and whatever she found seemed to settle something inside her.

A slow smile spread across her face.

“No work.”

“No work,” I agreed.

“No wedding stuff.” She beamed.

“No wedding stuff.”

“No rushing off somewhere in a few hours.”

I slid my hands into my pockets and shook my head. “Nope.”

Addison laughed softly and closed the distance between us. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”

My chest tightened. “Yeah?”

“Yeah.”

I leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Good.”

“And I plan to enjoy every second.” She smiled against my shoulder as she wrapped her arms around my waist.