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“Can’t get enough,” I grit through the desert in my throat.
Grace leans forward to address the other woman. “He’s such a snuggle puff. I never pegged him as the overly affectionate type. He also loooooves nicknames. Don’t you, snickerdoodle cookie crumble?”
“Yep,” I croak.
Damn, she’s laying it on thicker than chunky peanut butter. Jasmine still isn’t swayed, if her jutted jaw is any indication. It would be wise to tread carefully. She’s spiteful and vindictive and likely to spiral into a jealous fit that will give the town gossips something juicy to chew on. Too bad I’ve never been known for my sound logic.
This calls for drastic measures. I cradle Grace’s chin between my thumb and forefinger, lifting until our eyes lock. My unwavering stare is meant to reassure her and beg for the trust that I haven’t earned. The permission I seek bleeds from my gaze in what I hope is a sincere request. Before she officially grants it to me, I’m swooping down to brush my mouth over hers.
She goes rigid in my grasp, almost to the point of concern. Doubt creeps in the next second, immediately followed by her melting into my impulsive display of affection. I get lost somewhere between the gentle press of her lips against mine. Everything fades, at least until a perturbed huff intrudes on our moment.
Jasmine’s reaction isn’t unexpected. I make it a point not to kiss women in public. It’s somewhat of a standard for me ever since my ex shoved my heart into a meat grinder. That’s what makes this simple gesture a bold, undeniable statement.
Grace is the one to pull away after a final shared breath. I don’t miss the dazed confusion swirling in her eyes. That uncertainty clings to her expression until guilt peppers me. But there will be time to explain later. For now, I want to ensure the deed is done.
My thumb traces the smooth shape of her jaw. “What did I say, huh? The farmers market is full of romantic possibilities.”
“Uh-huh,” she mumbles absently.
“Do you think she’s convinced?”
The gleam in Grace’s gaze hasn’t faded. “I don’t see how she couldn’t be.”
“Stare a little harder. I bet that will make him actually fall for you.”
I wrench free from my Garrett-induced stupor at Abbie’s words. Thankfully, he’s busy with other customers and hasn’t noticed my blatant ogling. My friend sure has, though.
The remaining fog clears from my brain as I focus on her. “Can you repeat that?”
Her pinched expression has me pitying myself. “You’re being painfully obvious.”
“What do you mean?”
But I already know. I haven’t been able to quit replaying our kiss and it’s created somewhat of an obsession where the popular bartender is concerned. My lips are still tingling a week later, which sounds pathetic. Even to me and my hopeless romantic outlook. That doesn’t make it any less true, though.
Meanwhile, Garrett seems to be just fine pretending our minor lip lock didn’t happen. Either that or he wasn’t impacted by the smooch in the slightest. Probably the latter. His reputation suggests that it requires far more than a chaste peck to leave a memorable impression on him. My growing attachment is only encouraged on the rare occasions I watch his adorable niece. I find myself daydreaming about him taking care of blue-eyed babies.
Abbie’s sigh is drawn out to punctuate her exasperation. “We’ve discussed this.”
“Okay?”
She rolls her eyes to the wood beams along the ceiling. “Forget Foster, fuckable or not.”
I snicker at the nickname lovingly bestowed upon him by Jasmine. Zero regrets sharing the tale with my bestie. “Careful or he might hear you. He’s right over there.”
Her palm whacks the counter. “Consider him off-limits. He’s not relationship resolution material.”
“But he volunteered to find me a guy who is,” I use as a weak defense. In all honesty, I’m not mentally or emotionally available for the dating market. Again, how pathetic.
“Didn’t you fire him from that position?”
“Um, I guess?”
“Then it’s settled. I’m taking charge of this romance mission. You’ll be living a fairytale in no time.” Abbie flutters her extremely fake eyelashes at a speed that might stir up a tornado.
“Or we could just enjoy each other’s company.”
She scoffs and brushes off my evasive attempt. “Have you cheated on your diet yet?”
