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"I know. I'm teasing." Cinnamon returned his grin. "I do. Hopefully sooner rather than later. I'm not getting any younger, and I can't imagine chasing after little ones well into my forties."
"I always thought I'd be married by now with kids." Mayson stopped next to the swings as kids pushed each other. "But God had different plans."
"I understand that. I think for so long, it was expected. I mean, I expected it. I wanted to be married by the time I was twenty-four and have kids by twenty-seven." She shrugged. "Here I am in my thirties, single and childless."
Mayson started forward, moving around the playground and into the quieter area where people walked or ran. Trees decorated each side of the trail, with a few flower beds adding color. No one occupied the walkway.
Birds chirped to one another, even this late in the day. Cinnamon glanced overhead. Not a cloud darkened the sky. Not unusual for the mountains in June, but at the same time, she expected more thunderstorms by now.
"I love how light it stays in the summer." Mayson's comment broke into her thoughts.
"Me, too. It's hard to believe it's past eight o'clock, and the sun is still high in the sky."
"Do you have plans for the Fourth of July?"
"I'm working on the farm. That's one of the busiest days." Cinnamon's heart pounded in her chest. She wouldn't be surprised if Mayson heard it. Did she want him to ask her out again? Her emotions played tug of war with that simple question. "What about you?"
"I'll be bringing my niece and nephew to the farm to ride the sheep." Mayson slowed to a stop, his gaze traveling over her face. "Remember when we used to race each other?"
Cinnamon giggled. "I don't know if we raced as much as saw who stayed on the longest."
"You always won."
"That's because your long legs dragged on the ground." Cinnamon smacked his arm playfully. "If you lifted them up, I'm sure you woulda beat me every time."
"If I told you I let you win, would you believe me?"
"Knowing you, Mayson Ingram, I would indeed. You're just that kind of man." Cinnamon lowered her lashes. "I've always been amazed at your chivalry and kindness."
He hooked his finger under her chin and tilted her face up to his. "Why's that?"
"Because you are constantly looking out for others. You don't seem to have a selfish bone in your body."
Mayson chuckled. "I'm selfish all the time. You just don't see it."
"Oh? How?" Cinnamon bit the inside of her cheek. The air suddenly changed around them. A spark ignited within her as anticipation grew.
"I've wanted to kiss you for a long time, and I am too selfish to wait any longer."
Cinnamon's mouth opened and closed, creating a slight lift to Mayson's lips.
"It makes it even more difficult when you do something like that."
Heat traveled to her face. "Sorry."
"Don't be." His grin slid across his face. "I like looking at your lips." His fingertip traced the outline of her mouth.
They'd never been this intimate, this close before. Unsure what to do next, she waited, practically holding her breath.
Mayson slid his hand up and down her arm. Goosebumps pierced her flesh. She wasn't cold, even wearing a tank top. Still, she shivered under his touch.
"Are you cold?" he whispered.
Cinnamon shook her head. Mayson's eyes darkened, if that were even possible. His thumb traveled down the side of her face, the pad running over her bottom lip.
When his gaze darted to her mouth, Cinnamon knew this was the moment. The time to find out if she was truly attracted to him or if they'd remain friends.
Mayson's eyes sought hers, a question he didn't need to voice inside them. She closed her eyes, hoping he understood her answer. Strong arms slid around her waist, drawing her closer to him.
