“We have to get chicken wings.”
“Easiest yes of my life.” I stand and extend my hand, helping her to her feet. “I know just the place.”
I grab our mugs and drop them off in a bin labeleddirty glassware and utensils. When I walk back to our table, I help her put on her winter coat—which is, of course, pink—before shrugging on my own. Which reminds me…
“Oh, before I forget.” I reach into my coat pocket and pull out her gloves that I laundered for her.
Her fingers brush mine as she takes them from me. I do my best to keep breathing normally.
Mallory appears unaffected as she slides the gloves into her purse. “Thank you.”
“You ready?” I indicate the window, where snow is steadily falling outside, making it look like we’re living in a snow globe.
Mallory surprises me when she intertwines her fingers with mine, making my heart pick up speed. “Let’s go, Griff.”
I’ve never liked the sound of my name on anyone’s lips more.
I open the door for her with my free hand, and we step outside. My shoulders tense from the brisk air.
Mallory stops walking, tilting her head toward the sky with closed eyes and a content smile. Small snowflakes land in her curly hair, making her look like a snow princess. I tuck a rogue curl under her hat so it doesn’t cover her eyes. The backs of my fingers brush along her jawline, and her eyes dart open, meeting mine.
“You’re beautiful.” I smile.
“I think it goes without saying that I find you handsome.” She bites her bottom lip, and my heart begins to race in my chest.
“It’s nice to hear you say it.” It’s a wonder my voice remains steady when I feel anythingbutthat.
Mallory tilts my world off-kilter. She’s beautiful, but she’s sassy in a way where I never know what will come out of her mouth next. She keeps me on my toes. She’s everything I could ask for, and all the things I never even thought to look for in a partner. And I know all of this just after one date.
One life-changing date.
My gaze drops to her mouth.
Kissing her is a terrible idea when I might be moving across the country if I do well in my audition tomorrow. Not to mention that we just metyesterday.
But it feels like I’ve known this girl for my whole life. There’s no ignoring the gravitational pull I feel between us.
I wrap my arm around Mallory’s waist and lean down, leaving mere centimeters between our faces. She sucks in a sharp breath, and her eyes flutter shut.
I can’t help but stare at her for a moment longer. I love the rosy tint of her cheeks from the wind, and the way the snowflakes melting in her hair make her waves even more untamed. Everything about her appearance right now shows her fiery personality, and I couldn’t be more drawn to her.
I move a hand up to gently cradle her face before running the pad of my thumb along her cheek and jawbone. A trail of goosebumps follows everywhere my finger touches, and I can’t wait any longer.
Before I can second-guess my actions, I close the remaining distance between us and press my lips to hers. They’re soft and supple, just like I imagined. The way they slowly move against mine sends my stomach fluttering like the snowflakes falling around us. I thought a kiss in the snowwould be cold, but my whole body is buzzing with warmth from the feelings Mallory is sparking.
If I thought she tilted my world off-kilter before, it’s off its freaking axis now, rolling full speed down Mt. Everest. I don’t think there’s anything else in the world that can compare to this feeling. Anyone else who could compare toher.
He’skissingme.
He’skissingme.
He’s kissingme.
The press of Griffin’s lips to mine is sweet, like my snickerdoodle hot chocolate. For a man who comes across as charismatic and confident, he’s surprisingly tender in the way he’s treated me the whole day—especially now.
His mouth moves against mine, slowly nipping and exploring as if he’s a modern-day Indiana Jones trying to chart a map of my lips to find hidden treasure.
Griffin’s scruff brushes against my cheek, tickling my skin. I always thought I preferred clean-shaven men, but I’m fully team five-o’clock shadow now.
