Page 72 of Small Town Boy

“Might not mean it that way, but it still is. What if I say no?”

“Then I take you home, take you to bed, and make you scream my name until you fall asleep.”

Bronwyn blushes, looking around to make sure no one heard. The only person who could have possibly heard us was the high school kid behind the counter, and I dare say he’s not going to comment. Hell, he’d probably blush more than she is.

“And if I say yes?”

“Then I show you. Before I take you home, take you to bed, and make you scream my name until you fall asleep.”

“So that last part isn’t optional?”

Her mouth quirks upward, the glint in her eye making it clear that she’s teasing me. Still, I can’t help but give it right back to her.

“Are you saying you aren’t interested?”

“I didn’t say that…” She winks, smirk growing as she sways a little in her seat. “I’m just wondering if there’s room for negotiations.”

“Negotiations?”

“I’d like to propose some cuddles.”

I bark out a laugh, tossing my head back, the whole booth shaking from my movement.

“I think we can make that happen.”

“Good.” She slides out of the booth, holding her hand out to me. “Then why don’t you show me?”

I toss some bills on the table as I make my way out of the booth, grabbing her hand and leading her out of the pizza joint.

A cool autumn breeze catches us as I lead her around the corner to the town square, so I pull her closer, not wanting her to be cold. I know she’s a Yankee and used to much colder weather, but the vest she’s wearing over her thin sweater is designed more for fashion than it is warmth.

“Where are we going?” she asks, looking around.

“Town Square.”

“Wha…wait, you actually want to show me something?”

“Yes…”

“I thought that was a euphemism!”

I stop, turning to face her. “You thought me asking to show you something meant that I was trying to get you into bed?”

“Yes!” she giggles. “Especially when you followed it up with all that about making me scream your name.”

I shake my head, pulling her into me and holding her tight. “You really think I have that much of a one-track mind?”

“No. I think I might be the one with a one-track mind.”

Squeezing her, I feel her muscles relax, and I lower my head to her, capturing her mouth in a kiss. Her sweet taste, mixed with the garlic from the pizza, hits my tongue, making me want more. Just not here.

And not yet.

“I really do have something I want to show you. Then we can get back to that one track.”

She nods, and even in the dimness of the setting sun I can see her blushing. Fuck, is that a good look on her.

A few minutes later, we reach the square, walking past the monument, over toward Hickory Hills Baptist. I lead Bronwyn through the small parking lot shared with the library, around the old brick building, to where the cemetery is.