Page 21 of Tennessee Trouble

I nod, not even bothering to look over at the door. Brewer throws another look over his shoulder, then turns back to me, smirking.

“We’re all alone again.”

Thank goodness.

I pop the last bit of my breakfast into my mouth, trying to find something to say. The buzz of my phone cuts off my thoughts. I know that it’s rude to check it, but it’s also early on a Sunday morning, so if someone is texting me now, it’s important.

Unless it’s April trying to get the dirt on what happened last night. Which, if that’s the case, she’s a dead woman for not waiting until a reasonable hour.

Glancing down at my phone, my stomach flips. It’s not April. It’s Rory MacDougal, my second-in-command. Meaning this is serious.

Rory

Know it’s early, but the heating element in still 3 is acting up again.

Damn it. Rylan assured me this was fixed. If the still doesn’t heat properly and evenly, then the wash isn’t going to boil at the correct rate, and then the vaporization all goes to shit. And I can’t be dealing with that. Guess it’s time to get to work. It’s going to be a long day.

“Sorry, it’s⁠—”

“No explanation needed.” He holds up his hand, letting me know that he understands fully. “Life beckons.”

“It does.” I deflate, disappointment flowing through me like an overflowing stream.

Looking at his watch, Brewer sighs. “I should probably get a move on as well. I have a big meeting tomorrow and I need to prep for it, and…”

“Same. Who the hell thinks meetings on Mondays are a good idea?”

“Only thing worse is one on Friday afternoon.”

“Damn straight.”

Silence takes over, making things awkward for the first time since he walked up to me yesterday. I don’t want this to end awkwardly. I don’t want it to end at all. But that’s not what we agreed to.

One night. Wherever the moonshine takes us.

This is where the moonshine ends.

“At the risk of sounding lame and cliché, I had a great time.” One corner of his mouth quirks up, and I smile back at him. “I hope our paths cross again some time.”

“Me too.”

My phone buzzes again, only this time Rory is calling.

Damn it, Rory…

“Better get that. Breakfast is on me.”

“Thank you.”

I slide out of the booth, straightening myself out once I’m on my feet. Giving Brewer one last nod, I take a step forward, willing myself to leave.

Until a hand lands on my wrist.

“Luna.”

Brewer’s on his feet, hauling me into him before I can react, kissing me hard and deep. Harder than he has up until now. My knees wobble, the feel of him pressing against me making the world fall away. I return the efforts with everything I have, knowing now for certain, this will be the last time. That this will be the kiss that I judge all other kisses by for the rest of time.

“Brewer…” I whisper, pulling back just enough.