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“Goodnight,” he calls, and I give a little wave before crossing the street. The second he can no longer see me, I run my hand over my mouth, trying to wipe off the saliva Gerald left on my face. Talk about your all-time terrible kisses.
The crisp night air whisks away the stench of Gerald’s cologne, and I take a deep breath, letting it out in little puffs, which create white rings that float toward the sky. My heels click, making noise as I step up onto the sidewalk, and leaves crunch under my feet. The quiet surrounds me, and I’m thankful for the peace.
“It looked like he was trying to eat your face,” a masculine voice drifts out from the shadows, startling a shout out of me. Whirling around, my eyes scan my surroundings until they find a large form propped against the florist’s closed door.
“And I can’t believe he just left you to walk home alone,” he growls, stepping under the dull, yellow light provided by the lamppost. The man is massive, his muscles clear, even under his coat, and he’s so tall that I need to tilt my head back to see his face. Stubble covers his chiseled jaw, and his dark brows furrow, as though annoyed. Nearly black, short hair adorns his head, and I am captivated.
“I wanted to walk home alone. I live just down the street,” I insist, swallowing hard as he steps closer. My pulse pounds in my throat, and my legs carry me toward him like a moth to a flame.
“I’ll take you there,” he gruffly replies, falling in beside me. “Want to make sure you get there safely.”
“I’ve never met you before. How does that make me safe?” I question, although my heart already knows the answer. His relaxed presence gives me a sense of comfort and tranquility. We slowly wander down the empty sidewalk.
“I’m Drew. I recently took over the Search and Rescue Team. You didn’t look too happy about that kiss. I only wanted to make sure he stopped touching you," he admits, running his hand through his hair.
“I was fine,” I insist. “But, I appreciate it. Welcome to Lustre Lake. I’m Tilly, by the way. How do you feel about cinnamon roll muffins?”
We’re only a few shops away from the bakery now, and I wish the walk was longer. His voice is like silk, which makes me want to listen to him all day.
“Do they have frosting?” he asks, reaching for my hand. His warm palm engulfs mine, sending heat spiraling to my core. Our fingers fit perfectly together, and my mind jumps to us walking down the aisle one day. Could this man be the one I’ve been searching for?
“Of course!” I reply, “What kind of cinnamon roll doesn’t have frosting?”
“Sounds delicious,” he rumbles.Take that Gerald.
“So, what’s the deal with everything being called ‘New Moon’ something or other?” Drew asks as we make our way down the path.
“Well, it’s all part of the lore of the town. We’re known for our Love Lake, but it only works on the night of a New Moon,” I explain.
He glances toward me, quirking his eyebrow in disbelief.
“Legend has it that the Moon Goddess herself brings her animals to drink from the Lake. So, if she sees you there with a potential soulmate, she’ll bless your bond; making you feel a pull toward the person who can make you happy for the rest of your days. There’s also a story about a witch and a love potion that went awry. But we can save that one for another day.”
A snort leaves his nose, followed by a chuckle. Ah, a non-believer… nothing a bit of time here won’t cure.
We stop in front of the doorway. His eyes are now visible, and their startling blue shade takes my breath away. He looks from the storefront back to me.
“New Moon Bakery?” he questions.
“The one and only,” I chirp with a smile. “I own it, and my apartment is right upstairs.”
Giving his hand a last squeeze, I release him and reach into my pocket, feeling around for the cold metal of my keys. I pull them out and unlock the door.
“Here, let me hold that for you,” he offers, taking the box of food from me. The key turns easily and the door swings open. What do I do now? I’m not ready for us to part, but it seems way too forward to invite him in.
He gives me the leftovers when I turn back to face him. Bending forward he rubs his cheek across mine, his coarse stubble lights up all of my nerve endings and ignites a rush of desire.
“I’ll be seeing you soon Tilly,” he whispers in my ear, his warm breath fanning my neck. Kissing my cheek, he pulls away. “Be sure to lock up.”
Dazed, I step inside and follow his directions. He watches as I turn the locks before fading into the shadows.
As I make my way upstairs, something blooms in my chest. Something that feels an awful lot like hope.
Chapter One
Drew
Two Years Later
