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After a few minutes of heated kissing, Dakota slowed to soft, teasing pecks then rested his forehead against hers. “I forgot we’re out in public.”
“Are we?” She nipped at his lower lip, coaxing him into delivering several more kisses.
“I’m afraid we are, Miss Greenstead. We should take this elsewhere.” He backed up a step and met her gaze. “If you’d like to, that is.”
Her insides spun around, something low in her belly screaming out for Dakota’s touch, demanding that she have it, enjoy it. “I would like to.” She glanced over his shoulder. “What do we do about Carter and Dena?”
Dakota followed her gaze to see the couple in question walking toward his truck. “I’ll bet I can get Dena to entertain Carter.”
“But then you’ll owe her.” She ran her finger along Dakota’s lips and he closed his eyes.
Grabbing her hand, he tugged her toward the truck. “It’ll be worth it.”
She giggled at his fast pace. “We don’t have to rush. I’m not going to change my mind.”
“Right.” Dakota slowed his gait. “Sorry. I’m usually a lot cooler than this. I promise.” He turned to face her before they arrived at the truck and onlookers. Pulling on one of her curls so it straightened then popped back into place, he whispered, “I just… I don’t know. Something about you makes me… eager.”
“I’m a new shiny toy.” She shrugged, forcing herself to think of that possibility. Perhaps Dakota wanted her simply because she hadn’t been in Maplehaven long and he thought of her as a new adventure to try out.
He took both of her hands in his and tightened his grip a little. “You are so much more than a new shiny toy, Leah. So much more. Don’t think I’m goofing around here.” He tipped her chin up so their eyes met. “I know we’ve only been on three dates—yes, I’m counting the field trip—but you matter to me. I’d love to show you how much.”
Warmth flooded through Leah at the sincerity in his sea-glass eyes. “What was I saying about no need to rush? Ignore that.” She wrapped her arms around him and threw everything she’d let go dusty inside her into kissing Dakota. When she brought her leg up and let her thigh rub along the inside of his thigh, just below his goods, she was rewarded with a low, primal growl.
“C’mon,” he rasped, taking her hand again and speedwalking to the truck.
“Can you take me and Carter to my place?” Dena asked as soon as they were within range of conversation.
Dakota stumbled to a stop in front of his sister. Carter was a few steps behind her, leaning against the bed of the truck, doing his best impression of Harmless Guy.
Dena put her hands up. “Relax, brother bear. Carter and I just want to hang out a bit more, get to know each other better, make out a little.”
Carter coughed behind her. “Don’t have to be so honest, do you, Dena?”
“Honesty’s always best when dealing with Brentons. He knows we’re going to make out because he’s got the same thing on his mind.” Dena angled her head at Leah. “Isn’t that right?”
“Probably.” Leah grinned at Dena, happy she was interested in Carter and maybe taking his mind off the current wave of depression he’d been navigating alone. For a moment, Leah felt bad about leaving New York. She’d only been thinking of herself and improving her situation. She hadn’t thought about Carter and how he was still struggling. She’d ask him to forgive her.
Later.
After the making out and more she had planned for her and Dakota.
“Okay,” Dakota said. “Everyone in the truck so we can get on with our making out.”
By the time Dakota pulled his truck into Dena’s driveway, Leah had half talked herself out of being with him tonight. She wanted him, however, the logical side of her brain—and the broken part of her heart—kept telling her she was a fool for letting herself care about Dakota. He was an adventurous guy. He took risks. He traveled. Shouldn’t she look for someone who was cautious? Someone who wouldn’t go looking for trouble by being too far out there in the world?
Someone who wouldn’t unexpectedly die on her?
I’m not going to find that.She reminded herself that death couldn’t be controlled. When your time was up, it was up, and there wasn’t a damn thing you could do about it.
And she didn’t want anyone else. No one had piqued her interest as Dakota had since Chase had been killed. Her head had only been turned for the first time in four years by Dakota. She couldn’t deny that his kisses stirred her up.
Who was she kidding?
It was more than just his kisses. It was the way he’d been with her fourth graders on their adventure. It was the role model he was for Luke. It was the way he interacted with his family and his town. It was the fact that he came from people who donated free wood and labor to the building of a school for its beloved community. It was his patience with her. His determination.
It was the fact that he had such a big heart. And she wanted some of that heart to… to belong to her.
By the time Carter and Dena got out of the truck, Leah was back to thinking being with Dakota was a good idea. The best idea she’d had in a long time in fact.
